Evra Patch

What is the Evra Patch?

It’s a skin patch that you place on the skin on the buttocks, the abdomen, the outside of the upper arm or the upper back (anywhere that isn’t hairy, basically). It releases hormones into the body steadily over a week, which helps to protect you from pregnancy.

A lot of women find the patch easier to use than the pill, because you only have to remember to change it every week (and not take a pill every day). Like the combined pill, for the fourth week out of every four, you’ll have a week off where you’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed. So three weeks on, one week off.

How effective is the Evra Patch?

As long as the patch stays on and you remember to change it at the right time, it’s over 99% effective. This is called ‘perfect use’ of the patch, which means the chances of getting pregnant are very small.

If you don’t use the patch exactly as instructed, its effectiveness drops a bit. Around nine in 100 women will get pregnant in one year through ‘typical use’ (making the occasional mistake with it).

Evra Patch: how long before it’s effective?

If you start to use the patch on the first day of your period (and up to and including the fifth day of your period), you’ll get immediate protection from pregnancy.

If you start to use the patch at any other time, you’ll need to use additional contraception like a condom for the first seven days, or avoid sex.

If you have a short cycle, in which you get your period every 23 days or less, you’ll not have protection from pregnancy if you start using the patch on day five of your period or later. So it’s important that you use additional contraception in these circumstances too.

How to use the Evra Patch

If you’re starting the Evra Patch but aren’t already using hormonal contraception, you can start using it on any day of the month. You’ll be protected against pregnancy right away if you start using on the first day of your period. If you start it on another day, after one or more days has passed since you started your last period, you’ll need to use barrier contraception like condoms for around a week while the hormones in the patch take effect.

You can start using the Evra Patch on the day you would normally start your next pill packet, if you’re switching from the pill.

Stick the patch to a dry, unbroken area of skin with no hair. Evra Patch placement is recommended on the buttocks, abdomen, outer upper arm or on the upper back.

Replace once a week, at the same time, on the same day each week. On the fourth week out of every four, you’ll have a patch-free week.

Make sure you read the leaflet that comes with your treatment for more detailed info before you start using your Evra Patch.

Where do I put the Evra Patch?

Clean, dry skin on a buttock, the abdomen, upper outer arm or upper back. It’s better under clothes or in an area where clothes aren’t going to rub against it. You should never stick it on your breasts.

Once on, it’s very good at staying on. It’s designed to stay in place when showering, having a bath, swimming or exercising. But it’s a good idea to check after doing this type of thing to make sure it’s still there.

What if I forget to apply the Evra Patch?

Put one on as soon as you remember. If you forget at the start of your cycle (the beginning of week 1) you’ll need to use a backup barrier contraception for a week.

If you forget to apply a patch at the start of week 2 or 3, your cover won’t be reduced if you remember to apply it within 48 hours. Any longer than this, and you will need to use condoms for a few days.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on August 02, 2022.

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