What is Evra?
Evra is a hormonal contraceptive plaster that is glued to the skin weekly. It contains the gestagen norelgestromin and the estrogen ethinylestradiol, which are continuously released into the bloodstream via the skin.
The patch offers an alternative to daily pill intake – you just have to remember it once a week. It is water-resistant and holds when showering, bathing and sports.
The Pearl index is about 0.9 with correct application.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Norelgestromin 6 mg, Ethinylestradiol 0,6 mg
Evra has the same mechanisms as the combination pill:
Progress prevention: The hormones suppress the distribution of FSH and LH, so that no ovulation takes place.
Zervixschleim: The slime in the cervical neck becomes thicker and more impenetrable for sperm.
Gebärmutterschleimhaut: The endometrium is less built up.
Special transdermal application: The hormones are absorbed uniformly through the skin over 24 hours. The hormone level is more constant than with the pill, where it rises shortly after taking and then drops again.
Who is it suitable for?
Evra is suitable for women who:
- Wishing reliable hormonal contraception
- have problems with daily pill intake
- suffer from nausea in oral administration
- prefer a visible memory of contraception
**Maybe less suitable for:* *
- Body weight over 90 kg (reduced effectiveness possible)
- Skin sensitivity or allergies
- Very sporty lifestyle with strong sweating
Available Dosages
Inactive content per patch:
- Norelgestromin: 6 mg (daily release: about 203 μg)
- Ethinylestradiol: 0.6 mg (daily release: about 34 μg)
Plant size:
- 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm (approximately 20 cm2)
Pack sizes:
- 3 patches (1 month)
- 9 patches (3 months)
Application cycle: 3 weeks of plaster (change weekly), then 1 week break.
How to Take
Pflaster on glue: 1. Adhesive on clean, dry, unhaired skin Two. Suitable places: buttocks, belly, upper arm outside, upper back 3. NOT gluing to the chest 4. Choose a different place every week Five. 10 seconds tight
Weekly change:
- Week 1-3: Every 7th day change the plaster, on the same weekday
- Week 4: Paving-free break, bleeding occurs
- After exactly 7 days: Stick new plaster
If the patch is loose:
- Less than 24 hours: gluing again or new plaster, no additional protection required
- More than 24 hours: New plaster, 7 days additionally prevent
For sport/swimming: The plaster is waterproof. If it dissolves, add new ones.
Contraindications
**Evra must not be applied at:* *
- Thromboembolic diseases (currently or earlier)
- High risk of thrombosis
- Heavy cardiovascular diseases
- Migraine with aura
- Heavy liver disease
- Hormone-dependent tumors
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Pregnancy
Restricted effectiveness at:
- Body weight over 90 kg – alternative prevention recommended
Special caution:
- Smoking over 35 years
- High blood pressure
- Overweight
- Familiary thrombosis tendency
Possible Side Effects
Very common (>10%):
- Headaches
- nausea
- Breast tensions
Acid (1-10%):
- Skin reactions at the adhesive site
- mood swings
- Migraine
- vomiting, diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Dysmenorrhoea
Occasionally:
- Liquid retention
- Increased blood pressure
- Galaktorrhoe
Selten, but seriously:
- Thromboembolic
Local reactions: Roasting, itching or irritation occur at the adhesive site. The adhesive should be changed regularly.
Interactions
Reduced by:
- Antiepileptic
- Rifampicin
- HIV drugs
- St. John's wort
No impairment by:
- vomiting or diarrhea (other than in the pill)
- Sunscreen or body lotion (not apply directly to the plaster)
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Evra right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.