Pill/Patch, what's going on?

Avatar for angel919
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Pill/Patch, what's going on?
3
Wed, 03-24-2004 - 1:54pm
Hi everyone. I had a question I'm hoping maybe some of you can shed some light on. I've been on the Ortho Evra patch for over a year. Never had any problem with it at all, ever, in fact I loved it so much because I never had to worry about it. Suddenly, after the new year, mid January or so, my patches will barely stay on, I have to constantly check that it's not peeling off, and by midweek (Wed/Th), I literally have to press it back on almost all around because it's just coming off altogether. Yesterday, it completely came off in the shower, the second time in the last 2 cycles, even though it was completely attached the day/morning before. I'm totally confused. I have changed nothing about my routine, my clothes, not a thing. I have been putting the patch in the same area, varying the actual spot as the directions recommend, and even started pressing it down longer at initial application, thinking maybe that's the problem, and suddenly, after all this time, it's just sliding off, and more so, leaves the area where it was totally red and irritated. I look like a checker board with red squares all over me!

I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow to see if I need another method or something, but this is just too weird. Any thoughts? If not, can you guys recommend a good Pill that's monophasic (same dosage of hormone in all pills)? Multiphasic pills make me crazy and moody. Also, if you're on the Pill, how much variance is in the time you can take it? For example, I wake up at 6 am every weekday, so I can take it right when I brush my teeth, around 6-6:30, but on the weekends, I tend to wake up a little later, usually around 8-9, sometimes maybe 10. Is that still good or should I set an alarm on the weekends and make sure I take it at 6:30 or so?

Avatar for kissmedeadly
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Wed, 03-24-2004 - 2:37pm
I actually have the opposite problem, and this is why I am going to be getting off the patch- Mine DONT want to come off, they hurt like hell when I take it off, and it has actually ripped off a little skin and left scars. I had to stop wearing it on my sholder all together because I was afraid in the summer with tanks and bathing suits I would have square scars all over!!

I am switching to Mircette next month, it that helps. I know it is supposd to be good for mood swings, and it is a low dose. However this is going to just be a short term change in BC, because I have an appointment for an IUD- I cant deal with hormones all together anymore.

Goodluck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 03-24-2004 - 3:21pm
Hi angel 919, welcome!

You might want to ask your pharmacist for his or her thoughts about why the patch is no longer adhering to your skin. Or check with Ortho Evra at http://www.orthomcneil.com/orthoevra/contact.htm

Just thinking out loud… did you change the soap you bathe with about the time you began having a problem or make a change in your diet that might cause your skin to be oily? Or, did you purchase your patches over the Internet? A few weeks ago the FDA warned of counterfeit patches being sold on the Internet. See http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2004/NEW01023.html

Post and let us know what Ortho Evra says, ok?

If you want to switch to another low dose low maintenance hormonal contraceptive you might want to try NuvaRing. It’s a small polymer ring worn in the vagina for 3 weeks and removed for one for your period. A lot of members use the ring and most have been pleased with it. The NuvaRing site is http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 03-25-2004 - 7:39am

I agree, have you thought at all about the ring?

Judie Cl for Birth Control