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    Evra Patch (Contraceptive Patch)

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    How to use a contraceptive patch

    Use one patch at a time. Apply a patch to clean, dry, hairless skin. Keep the patch on for 7 days. Change the patch on the same day. After three weeks of continuous patch use, take a 7-day break from the patch.

    Evra can also be used in the following ways:  

    • Extended use: 1 patch weekly for 9 weeks then no patch for the next 4 or 7 days.
    • Continuous use: 1 patch weekly with no break.

    You can shower, sauna and exercise while wearing the patch. However, you should check that the patch has not fallen off after these activities. Do not use tape to keep the patch in place. Find out more about using the Evra Patch here

    How does the Evra Patch work?

    The Evra Patch is a hormone-releasing patch which sticks to the skin. The patch is approximately 2 inches by 2 inches. It contains synthetic oestrogen and progesterone that are absorbed into the body through the skin. These hormones work to prevent pregnancy by stopping your body releasing an egg (ovulation). The hormones also thicken the mucus in your cervix which block sperm from getting in.  

    How effective is the patch?

    If you apply the Evra patch the first day of your period, you will be protected from pregnancy immediately.

    If used correctly the patch is 99% effective. If it isn’t always used correctly, 9 out of 100 users will get pregnant.  

    What are the benefits of using an Evra Patch?

    There are lots of advantages to using the contraceptive patch, particularly if you are someone who worries about forgetting to take the pill. The patch has to be changed weekly and can be worn while swimming, in the bath, shower, a hot tub or sauna and doesn’t interrupt sex. 

    As the hormones are absorbed through the skin, not the stomach, if you vomit or have diarrhoea, it will still work. Some women also find it helps acne, and can make periods more regular, lighter and less painful. The patch may also reduce the risk of some cancers, recurrent endometriosis after surgery and help problems associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

    Where do I put the Evra patch?

    The most asked question when it comes to the Evra Patch is where to put it. Simply put, the patch can be placed almost anywhere on your body. As long as the skin is clean, dry and not too hairy. It’s not advised to put the patch on sore or irritated skin, an area which might get rubbed by tight clothing (like underneath the bra strap), or the breasts.

    With each patch it’s advised to change the position on the skin to avoid the potential of irritating the skin. 

    What are the side effects of the contraceptive patch?

    Most women experience no Evra Patch side effects. However, headaches, skin irritation, nausea and breast tenderness are the most common side effects that have been reported.

    Rarely, some women develop blood clots. This contraceptive carries a slightly higher risk of blood clots than others. If you have any concerns, send us a message via your Patient Record. 

    For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

    If you decide you want to stop using the patch your body will return to how it was before you were on it. This can take some time and some people find they experience side effects when coming off the Evra Patch. Your periods may take some time to settle back to how they were before.  

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      Evra Patch FAQs

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      What happens if my Evra Patch comes off?

      In 4% of cases the patch can come off the skin before the week is over – if this happens unnoticed, you may not be as well protected against pregnancy.

      Up to 48 hours without a patch – try to put it on again or put on a new patch immediately. Your 'patch change day' will stay the same. Do not try to replace the same patch if it's no longer sticky, is stuck to something else, or has already fallen off once before.

      More than 48 hours without a patch or the time detached is uncertain - start a new patch immediately. You now have a new 'day 1' and patch change day. Use condoms for the next 7 days. You may need to take additional emergency contraception if you have had sex within the previous 5 days.    

      More than 24 hours late after a 7 day patch-free break – Apply a new patch immediately. Keep the new patch on until the day you usually change it. If you had unprotected sex during the patch-free break, you might need emergency contraception now and a pregnancy test in 3 weeks.

      Is the patch better than the pill?

      It’s not as simple as saying whether the patch is better than the pill, as each has their advantages and disadvantages. Both stop you from getting pregnant, when used correctly. They also have benefits such as regulating your periods, but there’s also side effects to consider. Find out more about the Evra Patch vs the pill read our article.  

      Does the Evra Patch stop your period?

      The Evra Patch tends to make your periods lighter, regular and less painful. Some women may find that the Evra Patch stops their periods.  

      Can I buy the Evra patch online?

      You can request and pay for an Evra patch prescription online. As this is a prescription-only medication, even if you are using an online doctor, you will need a prescription from a clinician before you can buy the Evra patch online. 

      The patch contains the same hormones as the combined contraceptive pill, so like with all combined contraceptives you will need to have your height, weight and blood pressure taken to confirm it is safe for you to start treatment. You will therefore need to go into the pharmacy to pick up the Evra patch so that these checks can be done in person. 

      Blood pressure and Evra Patch

      If you’ve already bought your patch from us, you can request a further 3, 6 or 12-month supply from your Patient Record, if you're medically suitable. If you want to change your contraception, please send us a message via your Patient Record. 

      Combined contraceptives can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can be dangerous. Your blood pressure needs checking before starting any combined contraceptive, then once a year after that. If you’ve had your blood pressure checked recently, or checked it yourself using a home blood pressure monitor, you can give us this information as part of your consultation. Alternatively, you can have these checked when you pick up your prescription in your local LloydsPharmacy. 

      Using Evra Patches and other medicines

      You should be able to use Evra Patch alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Evra Patch safely.

      Alternative contraceptive treatments

      We offer a range of contraceptives, including NuvaRing (vaginal ring), combined pills, low-dose pills and mini pills. View all our contraception options.

      Condoms are an effective form of contraception and protect against STIs.

      There are also long-acting contraceptives available through your GP or family planning clinic, including implants, the coil and injectable contraception.

      Our contraception service

      1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

        5 mins

      2. Choose from recommended options

        In your Patient Record

      3. One of our NHS-experienced clinicians confirms your suitability

        You’ll be informed by email if your contraception has been approved and prescribed

      4. 3, 6 or 12 months of protection

        Delivery to your door

        Collect at 7000+ convenient ParcelShops

        Same-day pharmacy collection

      What our patients say

      Delivery & collection information

      • Standard delivery

        Free

        Delivered within 2-3 working days.

      • Next-day delivery

        £4.95

        Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days. Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

      • Standard ParcelShop collection

        Free

        Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.

      • Next day ParcelShop collection

        £2.95

        Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm. 

      • London same-day collection

        Free

        Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.

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