Cornell Health The Contraceptive Patch

Live Well to What is it? Learn Well The patch is a prescription method of hormonal Web: birth control. This thin plastic patch that adheres health.cornell.edu to the skin is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. The patch Phone (24/7): contains the same hormones (estrogen and 607-255-5155 progesterone) found in birth control pills. The Fax: sticky surface of the patch delivers the hormones 607-255-0269 through the skin, and they are absorbed into the bloodstream, keeping the ovaries from releasing Appointments: eggs and thickening cervical mucus (which makes Monday–Saturday it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus). Check web for hours, Is it right for you? services, providers, Advantages and appointment The patch can be worn on the abdomen, torso, upper arm, information Many women choose the patch because it: or butt (images from Planned Parenthood Federation). • is easy to use 110 Ho Plaza, • only needs changing three times a month risks of using the patch as it relates to your Ithaca, NY particular situation. Most of the time, it is • permits sexual spontaneity 14853-3101 relatively safe. However, if you have any of the • maintains regular periods and relieves some following conditions, check with your clinician menstrual problems (e.g., can shorten periods; reduce the incidence of iron deficiency anemia; about your ability to use the patch safely: minimize cramps and PMS; correct menstrual • thrombophlebitis, thromboembolic irregularity/amenorrhea) disorders, cerebral vascular disease, coronary • can reduce the symptoms of endometriosis artery disease or history of these conditions • decreases the incidence of ovarian • markedly impaired liver function or cysts, fibrocystic breast syndrome and hepatic adenoma fibroadenomas of the breast • undiagnosed breast masses or known or • significantly lowers the risk of ovarian and suspected carcinoma of the breast endometrial cancer • known/suspected estrogen-dependent tumor • can diminish acne • unexplained genital bleeding • known or suspected pregnancy Disadvantages • history of migraines and headaches • possible skin reactions or irritation ta patch site • history of elevated cholesterol • need to remember to change the patch weekly for three weeks in a row • high blood pressure • may be less effective for women weighing How to get a prescription 198 pounds or more Request an appointment with a clinician online Side effects via myCornellHealth, by phone (607-255-5155), Some women may experience nausea and/or or by visiting Cornell Health during business hours. vomiting, breast tenderness and moodiness. Ask for a “Well Woman visit” if it is time for a Pap Side effects of hormonal birth control typically smear and/or check-up. Request a contraception lessen over time, but it is important to discuss any visit if you feel you don’t need a check-up, Pap concerns you have with a nurse or clinician. smear or STI testing. At your appointment, the clinician will talk with you more about the Patch Contraindications and other contraceptive options. Cigarette smoking: Smoking increases the risk Using the patch of serious cardiovascular problems from hormonal YouYou can can wear wear the the patch pa ontch your on abdomen, your abdomen, upper torso uppe (excludingr torso contraceptive use. The risk increases with age and the(ex breast),cluding on the your br uppereast), arm on oryour on yourupper buttocks. arm or A differenton your site the amount of smoking. Women who use the patch buttocks. A different site can be selected each week are strongly urged not to smoke. can be selected each week if you choose, but wherever you choose,if you choose,the patch butmust whe remainrev erthere you for choose 7 days. ,It the is a pagoodtch idea Chronic conditions: If you have a chronic medical problem, you will need Chronic conditions: If you have a chronic tomus avoidt r eplacingmain the patchre for in 7 the da exactys. It sameis a g spotood eachidea week to a vbutoid to discuss the risks of using the patch as it relates to your particular medical problem, you will need to discuss the youplacing can wear the itpa int thech insame the general exact samelocation spot if preferred. each week but situation. Most of the time, it is relatively safe. However, if you have any of the following conditions, check with your clinician about your ability to use the patch safely: you can wear it in the same general location <24 hours since thepatch was applied, try Warning signs if preferred. to reapply the patch or replace with a new It is important to be aware of the very rare patch.) Keep the same patch change day. Women should never apply the patch to any but potentially serious complications that No additional contraceptive protection is skin that is red, irritated, or cut. Only one may arise as the result of patch (e.g. gall needed. Emergency Contraception is not patch should be worn at a time. Check the stones, blood clots). If you experience any of usually needed but can be considered if patch every day to make sure it is sticking the following, please call Cornell Health for delayed application or detachment occurred properly (“creasing” and “crinkling” are ok). consultation: A patch won’t be effective if it does not stick earlier in the cycle or in the last week of the previous cycle. • Severe abdominal pain lasting more to the skin by itself. Never use tape or other than 30 minutes adhesives to keep a patch in place. Instead, Delayed application or detachment for • Severe chest pain or shortness of apply a new patch. ≥48 hours since a patch should have been breath applied or reattached: Apply a new patch Application instructions • Increase in frequency or severity of as soon as possible. Keep the same patch headaches, especially if associated • Choose a cool, clean, dry area on the change day. Use back-up contraception (e.g., with weakness, numbness, or vision skin (i.e., do not apply immediately condoms) or avoid sexual intercourse until a disturbances after a shower/bath). Avoid putting patch has been worn for 7 consecutive days. creams, lotions, oils, powder, or make- • Loss of vision, double or blurred vision up on or near the patch. Otherwise, it If the delayed application or detachment • Speech problems may not stick properly. occurred in the third patch week: Omit • Severe pain in the calf or thighs • Open the foil pouch by tearing it along the hormone-free week by finishing the the top edge. Peel the foil patch apart third week of patch use (keeping the same patch change day) and starting a Switching from other and open it flat. hormonal contraceptives • The patch is covered by a layer of new patch immediately. If unable to start clear plastic. Remove the patch and a new patch immediately, use back-up Individuals may change from other plastic together from the foil pouch. contraception (e.g., condoms) or avoid hormonal methods of contraception • Using your fingernail, lift one ornerc sexual intercourse until a new patch has to the patch. In order to obtain a of the patch and peel the patch and been worn for 7 consecutive days. prescription, please schedule an plastic off the foil liner. Emergency contraception should be appointment with a clinician by phone • Peel away half of the clear plastic. considered if the delayed application or or online at myCornellHealth. Avoid touching the sticky surface. detachment occurred within the first week of Additional considerations • Apply the sticky side of the patch to patch use and unprotected sexual intercourse clean, dry skin. Then, remove the occurred in the previous 5 days. No hormonal method of birth control other half of the clear plastic. protects against sexually transmitted • Press firmly on the patch, with the Patch removal/disposal infections (STI) including HIV. Latex barriers palm of your hand for 10 seconds, When removing the used patch, simply (condoms or squares) are the best way making sure that the edges stick. lift off one corner and peel back quickly. for sexually active people to protect • Wear each patch for one full week. Because used patches still contain active themselves against STIs when you or your • Apply a new patch on the same day hormones, carefully fold the used patch partner have had other sex partners. each week for three weeks in a row. in half so that it sticks to itself. Put it in a Condoms, lubricants, and other sexual • During week 4, do not wear a patch. plastic bag before you throw it away to health products can be purchased at the (Your period is expected to begin reduce the chance of estrogen seeping Cornell Health Pharmacy. during this time.) into the soil and water supply. Do not More information flush patches down the toilet. If a patch is loose Cornell Health’s clinicians and sexual health ... and it’s been fewer than 24 hours, Taking certain medications nurses can talk with you about concerns apply a new patch right away. No back-up Some drugs taken for medical conditions may you may have about the patch, other birth contraception is needed. decrease the effectiveness of the patch. If control methods, and STI prevention/ ... and it’s been more than 24 hours (or you are using any of the following drugs, tell testing. Request an appointment online via you’re not sure), start a new 4 week cycle your clinician: myCornellHealth, by phone (607-255-5155), or in person during business hours. with a new patch change day. Use a back-up • Rifampin • Griseofulvin Additional information can be found at : contraceptive (e.g. condoms) for the first • Phenytoin • Phenobarbital https://www.xulane.com/what-is-the-patch week of this new cycle. • Topirimate • Carbamazepine Forgotten or detached patch • Antiretrovirals • St. John’s Wort Note: This fact sheet is not intended to replace the package insert information. Delayed application or detachment for You must inform all health care providers that you use the patch, especially if you are in a Please refer to it for more comprehensive <48 hours since a patch should have been information. applied or reattached: Apply a new patch leg cast or scheduled for surgery. If you have as soon as possible. (If detachment occurred any questions, ask. health.cornell.edu 10/18/19