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Contraceptive Patch

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."

The actual patch is a very thin, beige, smooth patch that measures 1 3/4" inches on each of its four sides. Currently the contraceptive patch is available in only one color, beige. Other options are being evaluated for future development.

To obtain a prescription for the contraceptive patch, you will need to see a clinician. UGA students can make an appointment at the Women's Clinic (706-542-8691).

How Does the Contraceptive Patch Prevent Pregnancy?

The contraceptive patch is relatively new, so typical rates of effectiveness are not known. The perfect rate of effectiveness is expected to be 99%, which is slightly higher than the effectiveness of birth control pills. 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).

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

Side Effects & Risks

The contraceptive patch contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills so the side effects and risks are nearly identical. Most side effects are not serious, and those that are, occur infrequently. Possible side effects could include breast tenderness, headache, and nausea. For some women, the contraceptive patch may cause skin irritation. Don’t place the patch on skin that is red, irritated, or cut. If you have sensitive skin, you may wish to consult with your health care professional before using. If mild irritation develops during use, the patch can be removed and a new patch applied immediately to a new location.

Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke, or heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are more than 35 years old. Women who use hormonal contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.

Hormonal contraceptives are not for everybody. 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. Ask your health care professional about conditions that might rule out use of hormonal contraception. The contraceptive patch does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
In addition to medical conditions, certain medications and herbal remedies (like St. John's Wort) 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 nonhormonal backup contraceptive, such as a condom, spermicide, or diaphragm, when you take drugs that can make the contraceptive patch less effective.

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.

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.

To apply the patch, clean and dry the place on your skin where you will apply the patch. As you're opening the package, be careful not to remove the clear liner accidentally as you remove the patch. Peel away half of the clear plastic, and be careful not to touch the exposed sticky surface of the patch with your fingers. 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.

When using a new patch, it can be placed in a different location as long as it's one of the four recommended areas: the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (front and back, excluding the breasts), or upper outer arm.

Individuals often wonder if they can wear the contraceptive patch in the shower or while swimming or exercising. The patch adheres well to the skin, allowing you to perform your daily activities such as bathing, showering, swimming, and exercising without interruption.

You should not decorate or cut the patch as modifying the patch may affect the amount of medication that is delivered through the skin and into the bloodstream, which may increase your risk of becoming pregnant.

Always apply your patch to clean, dry skin. Do not use creams, oils, powder or make-up on your skin where you will put a patch or near a patch you are wearing. It may cause the patch 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.

What If I Forget to Change the Patch?

What Should I Do if a Patch Seems Loose, Starts to Lift Off My Skin, or Falls Off?

For less than 24 hours: You should try to reapply it or apply a new patch immediately. No backup contraception is needed, and your "Patch Change Day" will remain the same. You can reapply the patch by following these instructions:

Do not try to reapply a patch if it's no longer sticky, if it has been stuck to itself or another surface, if it has other material stuck to it, or if it has become loose or has fallen off before. Press down firmly on the patch with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds, making sure that the edges stick well. Then run your fingers around the edge of the patch. Do not use tapes or wraps to keep the patch in place. If the patch does not stick well, remove it and then apply a replacement patch. This patch should be replaced on the original "Patch Change Day." Single replacement patches are available through your pharmacist.

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.

How Do I Clean Dirt or Dark Rings Around the Patch?

You should not clean the edges of the patch before removing it on the "Patch Change Day." Lifting the edges of the patch may cause it to become loose or fall off. Using creams, oils, or powders near the patch may make it loose. On your "Patch Change Day," when you remove the patch, if a ring of adhesive is left on your skin, you can remove it by rubbing a small amount of baby oil on the area.

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.

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 nonhormonal (backup) contraception, such as a diaphragm, spermicide, or condom, for one week.

How Long Do I Need to Wear the Patch Before I am Protected from Pregnancy?

For Sunday Start, you must use nonhormonal 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.

For First-Day Start, if you apply your first patch within the first 24 hours of the start of your period, no additional backup is required. If you do not use the first patch within the first 24 hours of your period, a nonhormonal 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 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).