Ortho Evra (Norelgestromin, Ethinyl Estradiol) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Ortho Evra

Birth Control (Types and Options) »

Introduction to birth control types and options

If a woman is sexually active and she is fertile — physically able to become pregnant — she needs to ask herself, "Do I want to become pregnant now?" If her answer is "No," she must use some method of birth control (contraception).

If a woman does not want to get pregnant at this point in her life, does she plan to become pregnant in the future? Soon? Much later? Never? Her answers to these questions can determine the method of birth control that she and her male sexual partner use — now and in the future.

There are a number of different ways to describe birth control. Terms include contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and family planning. But no matter what the process is called, sexually active people can choose from a plethora of methods to reduce the possibility of their becoming pregnant. Nevertheless, no method of birth control av...

Read the Birth Control (Types and Options) article »

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Ortho Evra

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Ortho Evra Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Ortho Evra

Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin (Pronunciation: EH thi nil ESS tra DYE ol and nor ell JESS tro min)

What is ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin (Ortho Evra)?

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin (Ortho Evra)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using the patches and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;
stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
a breast lump; or
symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Less serious side effects:

mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
freckles or darkening of facial skin;
increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
changes in weight or appetite;
problems with contact lenses;
vaginal itching or discharge;
changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or
headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin (Ortho Evra)?

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby.

Do not use this medication if you have a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Using hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Many drugs can interact with birth control medication, and some can make it less effective. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using.

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