Drug Uses
This drug is basically recommended for birth control by preventing pregnancy by women who use it as a contraceptive. The famale hormones present in the patch prevent ovualtion and simultaneously make it difficult for the sperm to reach the vagina with the hardened uternine lining and causing changes in the cervical lining

How to Take Drug
The applying of Ortho Evra should be done according to the prescription from the very first day after the completion of periods. First Sunday after periods is also preferred. The foil patch should be torn around the edge and the plastic liner of one side should be peeled out with the fingernails, not touching the sticky part of patch. Then the patch should be pressed to clean and dry skin, making it stick all around the edges. This patch should be worn for a day. It can be applied to buttocks, abdomen, thighs, etc. There should be no repetition on the same location after the completion of seven day.

Drug Precautions
The applying of Ortho Evra should be strictly according to the doctor's medication. In case of previous jaundice history, high blood pressure, angina pectoris, breast cancer, etc, Ortho Evra should be immediately stopped as it could lead to risk of life. For smokers and patients weighing more than 195 pounds, the functioning of the contraceptive is not recommended.

Drug Interactions
When Ortho Evra is administered along with other drugs, antibiotics, antifungals, anti convulsants, etc, there is a gradual decrease in its efficiency due to the sudden increase in the contraceptive metabolism of steroids.

Side Effects
The main side effects of Ortho Evra are abdominal bloating and cramps, skin irritation and abnormal discharge from vagina. Other than these, it also causes tenderness of breasts and infections in vagina; the mild effects of this contraceptive are headache, dizziness and nausea.

Missed Dose
The missing of applying patches can cause serious risks relating to pregnancy. But is the missed dose is tried to be compensated by applying the patch twice; it can lead to nausea and dizziness.

Overdose
In case of overdose due to application of Ortho Evra, symptoms like bleeding in vagina, nausea and irregular periods occur. In such a case, the patient should immediately remove the patch and medical diagnosis should follow.

Storage
The patch should be kept at room temperature and away from the reach of children. Moreover, it should be safely kept in its foil until it is not applied.