CHAPTER 6 - Combined Patch: Only the Essentials

Key Points for Providers and Clients
A woman wears a small adhesive patch on her body at all times, day and night. A new patch is put on each week for 3 weeks, and then no patch for the fourth week. Replace each patch on time for greatest effectiveness. Bleeding changes are common but not harmful. Typically, irregular bleeding for the first few months and then lighter and more regular bleeding.

What Is the Combined Patch?

A small, thin, square of flexible plastic worn on the body.
Continuously releases 2 hormones—a progestin and an estrogen, like the natural hormones progesterone and estrogen in a woman’s body—directly through the skin into the bloodstream.
The woman puts on a new patch every week for 3 weeks, then no patch for the fourth week. During this fourth week the woman will have monthly bleeding.
Also called Ortho Evra and Evra.
Works primarily by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).