Health Matters
Frequently Asked Questions About the Contraceptive Patch

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What is the contraceptive patch?

The contraceptive patch is a highly effective, weekly hormonal birth control patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. The patch is worn for one week and replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks, with the fourth week “patch-free.”

What does the contraceptive patch look like?

The contraceptive patch is a very thin, beige, smooth patch that measures 1 3/4" inches on each of its four sides.

Is the contraceptive patch available in different colors?

Currently the contraceptive patch is available in only one color, beige. Other options are being evaluated for future development.

How does the contraceptive patch prevent pregnancy?

The contraceptive patch is 99 percent effective when used correctly. The contraceptive patch prevents pregnancy the same way that birth control pills do. It works primarily by preventing ovulation, which means that the ovary does not release an egg to be fertilized. The patch also causes changes to the cervical mucus (making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus).

How does the medicine get into my system?

The contraceptive patch keeps you from becoming pregnant by delivering continuous levels of hormones (norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol) through the skin and into the bloodstream. This is called transdermal administration.

Are there any side effects or risks associated with the contraceptive patch?

Some women using the contraceptive patch experience breast tenderness, headache, and reactions at the application. The contraceptive patch contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. As with side effects associated with the birth control pill, most are not serious, and those that are, are very rare.

Prevention of an unintended pregnancy with FDA-approved contraceptives is always safer than childbirth or abortion. Serious risks, which are very rare, can include blood clots, stroke, or heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. The risk of venous thromboembolic disease (blood clots in the legs and/or the lungs) may be increased with the contraceptive patch compared with that of some birth control pills.

Some women should not use the contraceptive patch, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, or a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. The contraceptive patch does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

How do I use the contraceptive patch?

The contraceptive patch uses a 28-day, or four-week, cycle. You should apply a new patch for three consecutive weeks, for a total of 21 days.

Every new patch should be applied on the same day of each week. This day will be your “Patch Change Day.” For example, if you apply your first patch on a Monday, all of your patches should be applied on a Monday. You should wear only one patch at a time.

You should not apply a patch during the fourth week. Your menstrual period should start during this “patch-free” week. On the day after Week 4 ends, you should begin a new four-week cycle by applying a new patch.

Refer to package labeling in regard to “First Day Start” or “Sunday Start.”

Where can I wear the contraceptive patch?

You can wear the contraceptive patch on one of four areas of the body: your buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (front and back, excluding the breasts), or upper outer arm.

• You should not place the patch on skin that is red, irritated, or cut.
• To ensure the effectiveness of the patch, you should not place it on areas of your skin where makeup, lotions, creams, powders, or other products are or will be applied.

The patch should not be worn on any other areas of the body.

How do I apply the patch?

• Clean and dry the place on your skin where you will apply
  the patch.
• Apply the sticky side of the patch to the skin you’ve cleaned and dried, then remove the other half of the clear plastic.
• Press firmly on the patch with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds, making sure the edges stick well.
• Run your fingers around the edge of the patch to make sure all edges are sticking. Check your patch every day to make sure all the edges are sticking.

How does the patch stay on?

The contraceptive patch has a layer containing both the medication and an adhesive that keeps the patch on the skin for an entire week.

On the “Patch Change Day,” can I place it on a different area of my body?

Yes. The new patch can be placed on one of the four recommended areas: the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (front and back, excluding the breasts), or upper outer arm.

Can I change the location of the contraceptive patch in the middle of the week?

It is not recommended that you move your patch to a new location in the middle of the week. Attempting to change the location of a patch may cause it to become loose.

How do I change my “Patch Change Day”?

If you wish to move your “Patch Change Day” to a different day of the week, finish your current cycle, removing your third contraceptive patch on the correct day. During week four, the “patch-free” week (Day 22 through Day 28), you may choose a new “Patch Change Day” by applying a new patch on the day you prefer. You now have a new Day 1 and a new “Patch Change Day.” You should never have the patch off more than seven days in a row.

• For more than 24 hours, or if you are not sure for how long: You may become pregnant. Start a new four-week cycle immediately by applying a new patch. You now have a new Day 1 and a new “Patch Change Day.” You must use backup birth control, such as a condom, spermicide, or diaphragm, for the first week of your new cycle.

Can I wear the contraceptive patch in the shower or while I’m swimming or exercising?

Yes. The contraceptive patch should be worn continuously for seven days. The patch adheres well to the skin, allowing you to perform your daily activities such as bathing, showering, swimming, and exercising without interruption.

Can I decorate or cut my patch?

No. To ensure the effectiveness of the contraceptive patch, you should not write on the patch or alter it in any way.

How do I remove and discard the contraceptive patch?

When removing your used patch, simply lift one corner and quickly peel it back. If a ring of adhesive is left on your skin, remove it by rubbing a small amount of baby oil on the area. The used patch still contains some medicine—throw it away by carefully folding it in half so that it sticks to itself.

Are there special instructions for storing the patch?

Patches should be stored in their protective pouches. When you remove the patch from its pouch, apply it immediately to the place on your skin that you’ve cleaned and dried. Store the pouches at room temperature (25°C or 77°F).

How do I switch from birth control pills to the contraceptive patch?

Switching to the contraceptive patch is similar to switching to another birth control pill. If you are switching from birth control pills to the patch, wait until you get your menstrual period. If you do not get your period within five days of taking the last active pill, check with your health care professional to be sure that you are not pregnant before you start the contraceptive patch. You should use non-hormonal (backup) contraception, such as a diaphragm, spermicide, or condom, for one week.

Does it matter which patch I use from the box?

No. Each patch delivers the same amount of medication each week; therefore, the patches can be used in any order. However, a new patch must be applied on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. The fourth week is “patch free.”

Do I need to wear the patch only when I have sex?

No. The contraceptive patch uses a 28-day, four-week cycle. You will apply a new patch on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks, for a total of 21 days. You will not apply a patch during Week 4. Do not skip patches even if you do not have sex very often.

How long do I need to wear the patch before I am protected from pregnancy?

• For First-Day Start, if you apply your first patch within the first 24 hours of the start of your period, no additional backup contraception is required. If you do not use the first patch within the first 24 hours of your period, a non-hormonal backup contraception (such as a condom, spermicide, or diaphragm) should be used for the first week of your first cycle only. If these instructions are followed, the patch will be as effective during the first cycle as it will be in later cycles of use.
• For Sunday Start, you must use non-hormonal backup contraception (such as a condom, spermicide, or diaphragm) for the first week of your first cycle only. If these instructions are followed, the patch will be as effective during the first cycle as it will be in subsequent cycles of use.

Will I still get my period when I’m using the contraceptive patch?

You can expect your menstrual period to begin a few days after you remove the third patch (during the patch-free week).

Can I take other medications while I’m using the contraceptive patch?

Certain drugs may interact with hormonal contraceptives, including the contraceptive patch, to make them less effective in preventing pregnancy or cause an increase in breakthrough bleeding. As with all prescription products, you should tell your health care professional about any other medications you are taking. You may need to use a non-hormonal backup contraceptive, such as a condom, spermicide, or diaphragm, when you take drugs that can make the contraceptive patch less effective.

What if I want to become pregnant?

When you are ready to have a baby, you should consult your health care professional and stop using the contraceptive patch. As with other forms of hormonal contraception, there may be some delay in your becoming pregnant after you stop using the patch, especially if you had irregular menstrual cycles before you used the patch. It may be advisable to postpone conception until you begin menstruation regularly once you have stopped using the contraceptive patch and want to become pregnant.

Updated June 2007