Evra patch

You can get the Evra patch on prescription from healthcare professionals like us. However, we will need to ensure that it is safe and the best choice for you before it is delivered. Therefore, in the onlineform we will ask you questions about your medical history, medications, family history and some other personal details to ensure that Evra is safe for you. If you’d like more information on which contraceptive is best for you, you can use our free compare contraception tool or speak to a sexual health doctor for 1:1 advice.

Always apply your patch on clean, dry, hairless skin either on the buttock, tummy, upper outer arm or upper back - places where it won't be rubbed by tight clothing. Never place the patch on your breasts and do not put the patch on skin that is red, irritated or cut. Read our comprehensive guide on how the contraceptive patch works , and other helpful information.

There is no evidence that the Evra patch can affect weight. Make sure to take a look at our users' reviews above to see how our community reports the Evra patch and effects on weight. You can also take a look at our guide to contraception and weight to find out more.

What you should do next depends on how long it has been off for, and how long it has been since your last patch free week. Check out the NHS guide or read the patient information leaflet you got with your patches for advice. If in doubt make sure you use additional methods such as condoms and ask your healthcare professional for advice if necessary.

The contraceptive patch contains the same hormones as the combined pill. The general rule is that ‘combined’ methods containing both oestrogen and progestogen (a synthetic form of progesterone) can improve acne. However it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Find out more about contraception and acne in our guide to learn more.

The Ortho Evra patch contains the same type and strength of hormones as the Evra patch. Although the Ortho Evra patch is no longer manufactured in the US, alternative patch brands called Xulane and Zafemy are still available. The discontinuation of Ortho Evra was a business decision, just like when some of our popular pills are discontinued. There have been reports that there was an increased blood clot risk with Ortho Evra compared to oral combined contraceptive pills. While this is true, the increased risk is very small, and the benefits of the patch still outweigh the risks for many women. It’s important to remember that the blood clot risk when pregnant is higher than on birth control.

You should stick the patch onto a dry, clean and not very hairy part of your skin (lots of women stick it on their bum cheek, upper arm or lower back). Once a week you remove your old patch and apply a new one. After 3 weeks you can then have a patch-free week where you will likely get a period-like bleed called a withdrawal bleed. After your patch-free week, you should apply a new patch – you should do this even if you're still bleeding. It’s really important that you don't have more than 7 days without the patch. If you want, you can choose to shorten your break without the patch or even miss it altogether to avoid having a withdrawal bleed, similarly to taking the pill back to back . For more information on the patch, you might like to take a look at our comprehensive guide. Coming off the patch is easy - you just stop using it. When you do this you’re no longer protected from pregnancy. If you want to stop the patch but do not wish to become pregnant then you should consider switching to another form of contraception before you stop. If you have unprotected sex and stop your patch before you have used it for 21 consecutive days you may ovulate (release an egg from the ovary) and could become pregnant.