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 Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:38 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:41 pm
 When using any form of Birth Control it is extremely important to keep up with updates and news. All news and new information will be posted here with source links included. If you find any news you feel is important please PM it to me so that I am incorperate it to this post.Latest Prescribing Information Updated. Quote: Hormones from patches applied to the skin get into the blood stream and are removed from the body differently than hormones from birth control pills taken by mouth. You will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen if you use ORTHO EVRA than if you use a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen. In general, increased estrogen exposure may increase the risk of side effects. However, it is not known if there are differences in the risk of serious side effects based on the differences between ORTHO EVRA and a birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen.
You should discuss with your healthcare professional whether ORTHO EVRA is a good method of contraception for you. The Patch does not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:43 pm
 How to use Ortho Evra
Ortho Evra keeps you from becoming pregnant by transferring hormones to your body through your skin. The patch must stick securely to your skin in order for it to work properly. This method uses a 28-day (four week) cycle. You should apply a new patch each week for three weeks (21 total days). You should not apply a patch during the fourth week. You menstrual period should start during this patch free week.
Every new patch should be applied on the same day of the week. this day will be your "Patch Change Day" For example, if you apply your first patch on a Monday, all of yourpatches should be applied on a Monday. You should wear only one patch at a time.
On the day after week four, you should begin a new four-week cycle by applying a new patch.
Where to Put the Patch
You can put the patch on your buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso, in a place where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing.
NEVER PUT THE PATCH ON YOUR BREASTS.
To avoid irritation, apply each new patch to a different place on your skin.
Soon to Come...
Important points to remember
1. It is important to use Ortho Evra exactly as directed. Incorrect use increases your chances of becoming pregnant. This includes starting your contraceptive cycle late or missing your scheduled Change Days.
2. You should wear ONE patch per week for three weeks, followed by one week off. You should never have the patch off for more than seven days in a row. If you have the patch off for more than seven days in a row and you have had sex durring this time, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT.
3. If you are not sure what to do about mistakes with patch use:
--> Use a Back-Up Method, such as condoms, spermicide or a Diagphram anytime you have sex.
--> Contact your health care professional for instructions.
4. Do not skip patches even if you do not have sex very often.
5. Some women have spottin or light bleeding, breast tendorness or may feel sick to their stomach during Ortho Evra use. If thse symptoms occur, do not stop using the contraception patch. The problem will usually go away. If it doesn't go away , check with your health care professional.
6. Mistakes in using your patches can also cause spotting or light bleeding.
7. If you miss two periods in a rowcontact your health care professional because you might be pregnant.
To be continued...
Considerations BEFORE using Ortho Evra
Risks Of using Ortho Evra and other Hormonal Contraceptions
Warning Signals
General Precautions
Pregnancy Due to Ortho Evra Failure
Pregnancy After Stopping Ortho Evra
Special Precaustions for Storage and Disposal
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:46 pm
Pros
Taken From Planned Parenthood
-The patch protects against pregnancy for one month. And it does not involve taking a daily pill.
-Using the Patch is simple, safe, and convenient.
-Many women who use the Patch have more regular, lighter, and shorter periods. And a woman's ability to become pregnant returns quickly when use of the patch is stopped.
-The patch does not interfere with having sex, and may improve a woman's sex life. Some women say they feel free to be more spontaneous because they do not have to worry about becoming pregnant.
-Results of long-term studies won't be available for some time, but researchers assume that the non-contraceptive advantages associated with the patch are similar to those known to be associated with the pill.
These health benefits may include some protection against
-irregular menstrual cycles
-infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease), which often leads to infertility
-ectopic pregnancy (in the fallopian tubes)
-noncancerous breast growths
-ovarian cysts
-pelvic inflammatory disease, which often leads to infertility when left untreated
cancer of the ovaries
-cancer of the lining of the uterus
-troublesome menstrual cramps
-iron deficiency anemia that results from heavy menses
-acne
-premenstrual symptoms, as well as related headaches and depression
-excess body hair
-osteoporosis — loss of bone mass
-vaginal dryness and painful intercourse associated with menopause
Cons
Also taken from the Planned Parenthood site. (also known as Side Effects)
Side effects that usually clear up after two or three months of use include
-bleeding between periods
-breast tenderness
-changes in mood
-headache
-nausea — rarely, vomiting
-weight gain or loss
Other possible side effects may include
-change in sexual desire
-depression
-skin reaction at the site of application
(Taken from the full prescribing page included in the Ortho Evra Patch Box)
Skin Irritation
Skin irritation, redness or rash may occur at the site of the application. If this occurs, the patch may be removed and a new patch may be applied to a new location until the next Change Day. Single Replacement patches are available from pharmacies.
Vaginal Bleeding
Irregular vaginal bleeding or spoting may occur whil you are using Ortho Evra. Irregulare bleeding may vary from slight staining between menstrual periods to breakthrough bleeding which is a flow much like a regular period. Irregular bleeding may occur after you have been using the patch for some time Such belleding may be temporary and usually does not indicate serious problems. It is important to continue using your contreceptive patches on schedule. If bleeding occursin more than a fe cycles or lasts more than a few days, talk to your health care professional.
Problems wearing contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses and notice a change in vision or an inability to wear your lenses, contact your health care professional.
Fluid Retention or Raise Blood Pressure
Hormonal Contraceptives, including the contraceptive patch, may cause edema (fluid retention) with swelling of fingers or ankles and may raise your blood pressure. If you experience fluid retention, contact your health care professional.
Melasma
A spotty darkening of the skin is possible, particularly of the face. This may parsist after us of hormonal contraceptives is discontinued.
Other Side Effects
The most common side effects of Ortho Evra include nausea and vomiting, breast symptoms, headache, menstrual cramps and abdominal pain. In addition, change in appetite, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections may occur.
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:50 pm
 Freaquently asked questions and answers will go here.
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:55 pm
 Guild members who use Ortho Evra may tell how they feel about it.Yi Min's Story Ortho Evra is my first Birth Control. For the first month and a half I experienced some of the side effects that the Prescribing page says are possible to experience. I had headaches, breast tenderness and nausea. It's been three months since I've first start on the Patch and I love it.
The side effects are gone, my periods have gone from seven days to three and they are extremely light. I used to end up in fetal position from my cramps and now I hardly notice them. However, Ortho Evra is not for everyone - just as not all pills are for everyone.
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:57 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 3:00 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 4:11 pm
Awesome! cool Thanks for making this thread Yi Min!
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 4:19 pm
Nikolita Awesome! cool Thanks for making this thread Yi Min! You are welcome. 4laugh I have more to add, but it'll have to wait a day or two.
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Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 12:56 pm
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Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 10:05 pm
Further input from the peanut gallery here. After being on it for two months my periods are still lasting 7-8 days with about 1 heavy day and the rest moderate to light. Makes me a little sad as I was hoping they would shorten up a bit more then that.
I haven't had any other side effects which is actually making it hard for me to trust that it's working.
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Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2005 12:39 am
Chalda
I haven't had any other side effects which is actually making it hard for me to trust that it's working.That can be a good thing. smile When I was on the Pill, I had nausea as a side-effect for the first few days of the first 3 or 4 months. After that went away, I had no side effects, not even weight gain I think. My period became dead-on regular, but other than that, everything was pretty normal.
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Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2005 12:06 pm
Chalda Further input from the peanut gallery here. After being on it for two months my periods are still lasting 7-8 days with about 1 heavy day and the rest moderate to light. Makes me a little sad as I was hoping they would shorten up a bit more then that.
I haven't had any other side effects which is actually making it hard for me to trust that it's working. OoO. That is very strange. Perhaps you should call your health professional? The prescribing pages says you may or may not have the side effects. Is your patch completely connected to your skin? (As in did any of it fold up and stick together?) Did you wash your skin and dry it before putting it on? My period this week was weird. It started the day after I took my patch off. o.O
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Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 12:22 am
Yi Min Chalda Further input from the peanut gallery here. After being on it for two months my periods are still lasting 7-8 days with about 1 heavy day and the rest moderate to light. Makes me a little sad as I was hoping they would shorten up a bit more then that.
I haven't had any other side effects which is actually making it hard for me to trust that it's working. OoO. That is very strange. Perhaps you should call your health professional? The prescribing pages says you may or may not have the side effects. Is your patch completely connected to your skin? (As in did any of it fold up and stick together?) Did you wash your skin and dry it before putting it on? My period this week was weird. It started the day after I took my patch off. o.O
Usually I put them on my butt which seems to be working well, I did have a site reaction once last month but that one seemed to be adhered very well and pulled out a lot of the small hairs so I suspect that was more of the cause.
Since I'm on my last pack now I will have to return shortly to get my blood pressure checked and a new prescription so I will bring it up with her then.
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