Ortho Evra, the brand name for the Norelgestromin/Ethinyl Estradiol contraceptive skin patch, is the only birth control patch approved for use in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration, according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Ortho Evra is similar to other combination birth control pills because it releases both estrogen and progestin hormones into the blood stream thereby preventing pregnancy. The advantage of using Ortho Evra is that the easy to apply skin patch only needs to be changed once a week. The disadvantage, as reported by the manufacturer Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, is that patients are exposed to approximately 60 percent more estrogen than with typical oral birth control pills which can contribute to an increased risk of side effects.
Breast Symptoms
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials, according to Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, were breast symptoms. These include breast pain, tenderness and swelling.
Skin Irritation
Because Ortho Evra is a transdermal patch system, the hormones are absorbed into the body through the skin. The patch should be applied to clean, dry skin on the stomach, upper body, upper outside part of arm or buttocks. The patch may cause minor skin irritation. Do not place the patch on skin that is red, irritated or broken open. In addition, doctors recommend the patch be placed in a different location each time it is applied, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Irregular Bleeding
Irregular vaginal bleeding may occur, especially during the first 3 months of using Ortho Evra as reported by the Mayo Clinic. Spotting, which is light bleeding, may occur between regular menstrual cycles. Heavier bleeding, known as breakthrough bleeding, can also occur.
Gastrointestinal Irritation
Even though Ortho Evra is not taken orally, the introduction of additional hormones into the body can still trigger gastrointestinal irritation. Some patients will experience nausea and vomiting; however, Planned Parenthood reports that these side effects often subside after 2 to 3 months of properly using the medication.
Blood Clots
The formation of blood clots within blood vessels is one of the serious side effects of any birth control medication containing estrogen. Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone responsible for regulating reproduction, can cause blood to coagulate.
Utilizing the Ortho Evra patch increases the levels of estrogen in the body, therefore increasing the risk of blood coagulating and forming clots. Because Ortho Evra delivers a higher concentration of estrogen into the bloodstream, the risk of blood clots is higher for Ortho Evra than for other birth control pills. In fact, Epigee.org reports that the risk of non-fatal blood clots is 3 in 10,000 for birth control pills, but is 12 in 10,000 for Ortho Evra. All possible risks and benefits should be discussed with a doctor prior to starting any prescription medication.
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