Ortho Evra - Patient Info

NORELGESTROMIN - ETHINYL ESTRADIOL

• Ortho Evra - Drug Description
• Ortho Evra - Side Effects & Drug Interactions
• Ortho Evra - Warnings & Precautions
• Ortho Evra - Additional Info
• Ortho Evra - Clinical Pharmacology
• Ortho Evra - Overdosage & Contraindications
• Ortho Evra - Indications & Dosage

*This product is intended to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

DETAILED PATIENT LABELING

ORTHO EVRA® (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system)

® only

INTRODUCTION

Any woman who considers using the contraceptive patch ORTHO EVRA® should understand the benefits and risks of using this form of birth control. This leaflet will give you much of the information you will need to make this decision and will also help you determine if you are at risk of developing any serious side effects. It will tell you how to use the contraceptive patch properly so that it will be as effective as possible. However, this leaflet is not a replacement for a careful discussion between you and your health care professional. You should discuss the information provided in this leaflet with him or her, both when you first start using the contraceptive patch ORTHO EVRA® and during your revisits. You should also follow your health care professional’s advice with regard to regular check-ups while you are using the contraceptive patch.

EFFECTIVENESS OF HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS

Hormonal contraceptives, including ORTHO EVRA®, are used to prevent pregnancy and are more effective than most other non-surgical methods of birth control. When ORTHO EVRA® is used correctly, the chance of becoming pregnant is approximately 1% (1 pregnancy per 100 women per year of use when used correctly), which is comparable to that of the pill. The chance of becoming pregnant increases with incorrect use. Clinical trials suggested that ORTHO EVRA® may be less effective in women weighing more than 198 lbs. (90 kg). If you weigh more than 198 lbs. (90 kg) you should talk to your health care professional about which

method of birth control may be best for you.

Typical failure rates for other methods of birth control during the first year of use are as follows:

Implant: <1%

Injection: <1%

IUD: <1-2%

Diaphragm with spermicides: 20%

Spermicides alone: 26%

Female sterilization: <1%