Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Evra.
The information provided here results from studies of combination oral contraceptives; the patch contraceptive is thought to have similar risks. Oral combination contraceptives increase the risk of the following serious conditions:
- blood clots
- gallbladder disease
- heart attack
- liver tumours
- stroke
The risk of disease or death from these conditions greatly increases if a woman has other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Obesity, or diabetes.
Smoking while taking oral contraceptives increases the risk of side effects that affect the heart and blood vessels (e.g., blood clots). This risk is greatest for women 35 years and older. You should not take Evra if you smoke and are 35 years or older.
You should stop using the patch immediately if you develop any of the following:
- blood clot disorders and cardiovascular disorders (e.g., inflammation of a vein due to blood clot, blood clot in your lung)
- a condition that makes you immobile for a long period of time (e.g., recovering from major surgery, being bedridden due to a long-term illness)
- vision or eye problems (e.g., double vision, certain eye conditions) – check with your doctor
- severe headache without known cause, or worsening of preexisting migraine
Body weight: For women weighing 90 kg (198 lbs.) or more, the patch may be less effective. Check with your doctor for more information.
Breast self-exam and physical exams: Women taking Evra should do regular breast self-exams and have yearly physical exams done by their doctor.
Depression: Hormones, such as estrogen, have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have had clinical depression in the past, you may be more likely to experience it again while taking Evra. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Evra may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Evra, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Evra contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Heat sources: Do not expose the patch area to heat sources such as heating pads, electric blankets, saunas, hot tubs, or heat lamps. This may increase the amount of medication that enters your body through the skin.
Sexually transmitted infections: Birth control patches do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. For protection against these, use latex condoms.
Pregnancy: Evra should not be taken during pregnancy. You should stop using Evra if you become pregnant and contact your doctor.
Breast-feeding: Evra passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Adverse effects on the baby, such as jaundice and breast enlargement, have been reported. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Evra is not recommended for use before the start of menstruation in puberty.
