Drug Uses
Ortho Evra (patch) is used to prevent pregnancy. Norelgestromin is a progestin and ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen. Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones. Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol contraceptive patch works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus. The contraceptive patch is a very effective method of birth control, but it does not prevent the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

How Taken
Norelgestromin is a progestin and ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen. Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones. Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol contraceptive patch works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus. The contraceptive patch is a very effective method of birth control, but it does not prevent the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Warnings/Precautions
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol contraceptive patch. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to estrogens, progestins, or any other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking.

Be sure to mention any of the following: acetaminophen (APAP, Tylenol); antibiotics; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); atorvastatin (Lipitor); clofibrate (Atromid-S); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Grisactin); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir); medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), phenytoin (Dilantin), and topiramate (Topamax); morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, MSIR, others); oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone), and prednisolone (Prelone); phenylbutazone; rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); temazepam (Restoril); theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur); and thyroid medication such as levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

Tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially products containing St. Johns wort. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had breast lumps or cancer; endometrial cancer; high blood pressure; high blood cholesterol and fats; diabetes (high blood sugar); asthma; stroke; blood clots; toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy); heart attack; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches; depression; liver, heart, gallbladder, or kidney disease; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods; and excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol contraceptive patch, call your doctor immediately.

Missed Dose
If you forget to change your patch at the start of any patch cycle (Week 1, Day 1), you may not be protected from pregnancy. Apply the first patch of the new cycle as soon as you remember. There is now a new Patch Change Day and a new Day 1. Use a backup method of birth control for one week.

Possible Side Effects
Some common side effects reported with this medicine include: stomach cramps or bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue), weight gain or weight loss, brown or black skin patches, acne, reaction at the application site, upset stomach, vomiting, swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs (fluid retention), hair growth in unusual places, bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods, changes in menstrual flow, painful or missed periods, breast tenderness, enlargement, or discharge, difficulty wearing contact lenses.

Storage
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Overdose
For emergencies, seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.

Disclaimer
This drug information is for information purposes only, it is not intended that this information cover all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose; it should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. Theonlinedrugstore.net disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of, and reliability of this information and or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied is made in regards to the contents of this material.