Question:
Has anyone tried the Ortho Evral Patch for birth control??

I saw my Gyn today for like the millionth time since surgery. I have had so many problems with the pill (I have tried 8 different brands), so she wanted me to start taking the Depo Provera shots. When I told her I did not want that because of my migraine headaches, and the weight gain, she gave me a starter packs of these patches you wear and change weekly. It is called Ortho Evra?? I hope I got the spelling correct. Does anyone out there have experience with this?? Thanks, Kristin    — KLandrum (posted on August 15, 2002)

August 15, 2002
Kristin, I am currently on the Orth Evra Patch. I just put my first patch on a few days ago, because you have to wait for the first day of your period (I'm so irregular due to PCOS that I waited almost 3 months). SO far, so good...although I must tell you that according to my GYN, it is basically the same exact thing as the pill, just in an (obviously) different form. It's the same hormones and same make up as the pill, so if the pill hasn't worked for you this might give you a similar problem. Give it a shot anyway :) It's pretty simple and I forget that I have it on, actually. Just make sure it's always sticking or it's ineffective. I stuck this one on the back of my shoulder, but there are a few other places to put it. Also, it's just like a stickier bandaid, and it gets kind of "icky" looking, even after a day or so. All dirty around the edges and stuff (like a bandaid would do). Good luck!
   — Kelly C.

August 15, 2002
The patches are great. BUT dont go swimming the first day or that joker is comming off. the first day you put them on they havent sealed well and will come off. The 2nd thru 7th day those jokers are sticking. It doesnt hurt to remove and you will forget your wearing it. I wear mine on my arm like a smoking patch. If one ever does come off its like $12 for a replacement but if you mail in the receipt to Ortho they will send you a refund check.
   — Jennifer H.

August 15, 2002
I tried the patch because since surgery the formerly regular pill has become irregular. I have since switched back though because, like the last poster, the patch does collect lint all around it. And, I was irregular with it too! I never had any problems with them falling off, but I never felt confident that they were doing their job either. Also, I tan and they make for some unattractive tan lines. :) Just an FYI, if you didn't already know, Ortho Evra requires that you be under 198 pounds to ensure effectiveness. My first month back on the pill and I'm regular again!
   — Karla K.

August 16, 2002
Have you thought about the Nuva-ring instead? It releases the same hormones as the birth control pill and the Ortho-Erva patch, but only about half as much, so you may be able to tolerate it better (so long as having to take it out and then insert another each month doesn't bother you). I haven't tried the Nuva-ring myself, though, so I can't speak from any experience on what it's like to use. Regarding your moodiness, I have found that birth control pills with varrying dosages of hormones throughout the month (tri- or bi-phasic) definitely make me moody. I'm okay though so long as the dosage is constant throughout the month (monophasic).
   — Patricia E.

August 16, 2002
Have you thought of trying Lunelle. It is a once a month shot that is a smaller does of depo. The good thing about it thought is that you don't have the side effects that depo brings. I was on depo for almost a year and gained weight, had headaches and my periods were all messed up. I have now been on lunelle for almost 5 months am continuing to lose weight and have experinced no side effects.
   — jenna F.