USES: Ortho Evra hormone patch is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. The hormones release from the patch slowly over time. Using this medication patch does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

HOW TO USE: Take Ortho Evra Patch with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Try to take Ortho Tri-Cyclen at the same time each day. This may help you to remember to take it. Learn proper use of your particular brand of medication. Follow your dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Use a supplemental form of birth control during the first week of taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen since it takes a while to be effective. Follow your doctor's directions exactly if this drug is being used as a "morning after" pill.

SIDE EFFECTS: Ortho Evra may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, redness or itching at the patch application site, dizziness, breast tenderness, vaginal discomfort/irritation, or stomach cramping/bloating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Promptly tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur: dark patches on the skin (melasma), change in appetite, weight changes (gain or loss), problem wearing contact lenses. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual vaginal discharge, changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or complete stoppage of bleeding), swelling, severe headache, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: pain in the groin or lower legs, trouble breathing, rash, chest pain, stomach pain, vision or eye problems.

OVERDOSE: Overdose with this product is highly unlikely. If overdose is suspected, remove the patch (or patches) and contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine device may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea, vomiting, unusual vaginal bleeding or irregular menstrual periods.

PRECAUTIONS: Before you use the Ortho Evra Patch, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including family medical history, especially: asthma, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver heart disease, stroke, history of jaundice or high blood pressure during pregnancy, excessive weight gain or fluid retention during menstrual cycle, blood clots, heart attack, seizures, migraine headaches, breast cancer, high blood level of cholesterol or lipids (fats), diabetes, depression. Depending on strength, this drug may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face. Higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma. Consult your doctor. Do not smoke cigarettes. Birth-control pills slightly increase your risk of strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attacks, gallbladder disease, vision problems, and liver tumors.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Drugs that may decrease the effectiveness of the pill include: griseofulvin, many antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, sulfas, cephalosporins), chloramphenicol, many seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine), dapsone, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), modafinil, nevirapine, nelfinavir, ritonavir, St John's wort, troglitazone. Ask your doctor if you should use additional birth control methods while taking any of the drugs mentioned above while taking birth control pills. Also tell your doctor if you use: thyroid hormone drugs, certain benzodiazepines. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., thyroid). Inform all laboratory personnel that you use this drug. Birth control pills may significantly intensify the effects of alcohol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about this. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.