Norelgestromin and Ethinyl Estradiol ( Systemic).

 
In the U.S. -- 
     Ortho Evra 
     Contraceptive, systemic 
Description 

Norelgestromin/Ethinyl Estradiol nor-el-JES-tro-min/ ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole contraceptive skin patch is used to prevent pregnancy. Hormones from the patch are absorbed through your skin into your body. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization is prevented.

No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective. Discuss with your health care professional your options for birth control.

Norelgestromin/Ethinyl Estradiol does not prevent AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not prevent, hepatitis B. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

 
     Transdermal 
          Skin patch (U.S.) 
Before Using This Medicine 

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. If you are using the skin patch contraceptive for contraception you should understand how their benefits and risks compare to those of other birth control methods. This is a decision you, your sexual partner, and your doctor will make. For norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol, the following should be considered:

 
Allergies -- 

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens or progestins. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or reaction to any other hormones. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

 
Pregnancy -- 

Norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol is not recommended during pregnancy and should be discontinued if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant. In rare cases when hormonal contraceptives have been taken by mistake early in pregnancy, problems to the fetus have not occurred. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor.

 
Breast-feeding -- 

It is not known whether norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

 
Children -- 

Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol in children with use in other age groups. This medicine should not be used before the start of menstruation. It may be used for birth control in teenage females and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults. Some teenagers may need extra information on the importance of taking…