What is Evra patch?
A contraceptive patch, also known as “the patch”, is a transdermal patch applied to the skin that releases synthetic oestrogen and progestogen hormones to prevent pregnancy.
How Much Is Evra patch In south Africa?
During the entire time a pregnancy-preventing patch is not visible you are still protected. Because of this, we have a safety window on weekends.
On prescription, Evra must be obtained from a pharmacy and cost in the area of R93 (inclusive of any pharmacy exit fees).
What Are the Advantages of Using the Birth Control Patch?
The birth control patch has been around for many years and is an affordable, simple, and safe way to maintain birth control.
Its main benefit is that it doesn’t need to be applied daily. Women only have to deal with it once a week and there is no additional stress of remembering to take the pill at the same time every single day.
The other benefits of the birth control patch are the same as with any combination hormonal contraceptive. Some of these include:
Simple to use: The birth control patch can be worn on any part of the body, including the buttocks, upper arm, belly, chest, or back area.
The patch has an adhesive and does not fall off easily. Women must apply the patch once per week for three weeks. There is no patch required in the fourth week.
Highly effective: The patch contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, which are slowly released into the body. The birth control patch has an effectiveness rate of 99% and will prevent pregnancy as long as it is used as directed.
Women should change the patch on time every week, and they must wear it according to the instructions. Used correctly, the patch has the same high effectiveness as other combination hormonal contraceptive methods.
Reversible action: As soon as you remove the patch, you can get pregnant right away.
Lighter period: Women who use the birth control patch tend to have lighter periods and minimal cramps. Periods are also easier to predict when using the patch.
Reduced acne: Some women who have acne can benefit from the birth control patch, as it often makes the skin softer and minimizes acne.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using the Birth Control Patch?
The patch is not a perfect means of contraception, because of some drawbacks listed below:
It does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
Must be prescribed by a health care provider
The estrogen levels are higher with the patch than with other hormonal methods
Interacts with some medications such as rifampin (an anti-tuberculosis antibiotic), corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and herbal supplements such as St. John’s Wort. These induce greater activity of the liver enzymes which metabolize the hormones, and may therefore lead to a shorter term of activity than expected.
The return of fertility may be delayed by up to two months after stopping the use of the patch
Skin irritation may occur in some women
It can be seen by the partner
It is sometimes felt inside the vagina by the partner
Is the patch 100%?
If you use it perfectly, the patch is 99% effective. But people aren’t perfect, and it can be easy to make a mistake — so in reality, the patch is about 91% effective.
That means about 9 out of 100 patch users get pregnant each year. The better you are about changing your patch on time, the better it will work.
Is the pill or patch better?
Both the patch and pill are equally effective at preventing pregnancy. Your likelihood of getting pregnant depends on how closely you follow the directions.
Fewer than 1 out of 100 people who take the pill or apply the patch as directed will get pregnant in any given year.
Does Evra patch stop periods?
How to Skip Your Period Using the Patch. Determine the month that you wish to skip your period.
Continue to replace/change your contraceptive patch once a week for the three weeks prior to wanting to skip your period. After week three, remove your patch.