Ortho Evra is a contraceptive (birth control) skin patch used to prevent pregnancy. It is a combination hormonal contraceptive because it contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

This birth control method uses a 28-day (four-week) cycle. One topical patch is applied and kept in place for one week. A new topical patch is applied each week for three weeks in a row (21 total days). You should not apply a patch during the fourth week (a one-week break). During the one-week break, you should have your menstrual period. Every new patch should be applied on the same day of the week; this will be your 'Patch Change Day'. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding when to start using Ortho Evra and whether back-up contraception is needed temporarily. Clean and dry the area of skin where the patch will be applied. The patch can be placed on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso in a place where it won\'t be rubbed by tight clothing. Never put the patch on the breasts. To avoid skin irritation, apply each new patch to a different place on the skin. Do not apply the patches to skin that are red, irritated or cut. Do not use creams, oils, powder, or makeup on the skin where you will put a patch or near a patch your are wearing. It may cause the patch to become loose. If a patch causes irritation, it can be removed and a new patch may be applied to a new location until the next 'Patch Change Day'. Only one patch should be worn at a time.
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Alesse Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease; have had a stroke; have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; have breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer; have liver disease or a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) caused by use of birth control in the past; have undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; have migraines; have asthma; or have seizures or epilepsy. You may not be able to take birth control pills, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Birth control pills are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that birth control pills will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have very serious negative effects on a developing baby. Do not take birth control pills if you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant. The hormones in birth control pills pass into breast milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take birth control pills without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.