ortho evra patch

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Has anyone heard much about the ortho evra skin patch being dangerous. I am interested in finding a new birth control and it seems to look good. However, I have heard some bad stuff about. Just wondering what the medical field was saying. Look forward to your feedback.

"after doing some more research today I came across this article online. It has some not so great information regarding legal cases involving this stuff."

http://www.toplegalnews.com/ortho-evra-lawyer.php

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Wound Care.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2005/NEW01262.html

One area that is being investigated is the change in skin temperature effecting the absorbtion rate.

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From what I understand there is not enough evidence to call Ortho Evra "dangerous," but there is the possibility for greater risk of adverse effects because of the high levels of estrogen. I used to use Ortho Evra myself and chose to come off it because of a family history of blood clots. My CNM told me that there is research being done currently investigating these risks and it should be published soon. Actually she told me that back in January so it may even be out already. Look at your personal and family history and any additional risk factors (like smoking) when you discuss this option with your healthcare provider.

If you want a little "nonmedical" advice from someone who has used Ortho Evra in the past, it was very convenient and discreet, and since you can see it on your body it is easy to remember to change the patch once a week. The only side effects I had were minor and included itching at the application site and a little bit of photosensitivity...I got freckles on my nose and cheeks really easily in the sun and never had freckles in my whole life before being on it or after discontinuing it.

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Ahhhhh.... The patch....

Yeah. There is currently a lot of talk about the noted increased occurance of blood clots for people using it.

I, myself, used this very same birth enhancement patch roughly 3 years ago. My beautiful daughter is now 28 months old. At the time I was pregnant with her (I was working in L&D) I knew of no fewer than 11, yes ELEVEN other nurses who were pregnant at the same time and had been using the patch when it occured. Just my personal experience...

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i love the patch and has been the only thing I can keep up with and that I have had regular periods on. I tried the pill and I just could keep up with taking it at the same time everyday...I have been on the patch for 3 years now and love it..no side effects for me!

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

Would strongly suggest you talk to your health care provider as she will be the one who prescribes your method, and she knows your health history.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

Since your shopping around for new birth control check out the Nuvaring I LOVE it and I think it has one of the lowest doses of hormones as well. You leave it in for 3 weeks at a time. I leave it is for 4 weeks to skip my period, gotta love that. You can't feel it or anything, it's like nothing is even there and very easy to use, there is nothing to it at all.

I think it is http://www.nuvaring.com

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Specializes in Informatics.

I just switched from Ortho Evra to Nuvaring and am loving it. It's even easier because you don't have to riiiiiiippppp anything off your skin every week (my least favorite part of the patch).

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Since your shopping around for new birth control check out the Nuvaring I LOVE it and I think it has one of the lowest doses of hormones as well. You leave it in for 3 weeks at a time. I leave it is for 4 weeks to skip my period, gotta love that. You can't feel it or anything, it's like nothing is even there and very easy to use, there is nothing to it at all.

I think it is http://www.nuvaring.com

Is it safe to leave it in longer than they recommend?

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hey...i just had a quick question for anyone on the patch.. do you feel tired all the time?? i am on it and i am always tired, and it is not just because i work nights. I thought maybe it was Effexor when i was on it that was making me tired, but i am not on it anymore. (been off for almost 2 months.)just wondered if maybe it was the patch? thanks...

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

I ended up getting an IUD since I'm too fat for the patch. :) Apparently you have to be under a certain weight for it to be effective.

Not sure of the stats- But I have cared for a 30yr old smoker who was on the patch and being admitted for a PE.

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Specializes in ER, OR, Cardiac ICU.
But I have cared for a 30yr old smoker who was on the patch and being admitted for a PE.

Our physicians have a pretty high index of suspicion for PE when a young woman comes to the ER with chest pains that is on the patch; it's almost assured if she smokes. Very bad combination.

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