Need answers about the OE Patch...

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2004
Need answers about the OE Patch...
3
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 11:48am
My gyno called in my prescription, so I haven't had the chance to ask her these questions. I have just gotten a prescription for the OE patch and I need some help. I am currently on Alesse pill and will be switching to the patch on my next cycle...

1. My sugar pills began this week, and my next full pack would have begun NEXT Sunday...do I start my patch on that day, or on the first day of my period this week?

2. I have heard very mixed opinions about sex drive and the patch. Basically, I am switching because I have LO/NO sex drive now and I'm on Alesse; off of the pill I am a very "driven" girl and I am hoping the patch will bring it back. Will the patch bring back or at least help my sex drive?

3. How long after I apply my first patch will it begin to provide contraception since I am switching immediately from the Alesse pill to the OE patch?

I know everyone has different experiences, but any help would be greatly appreciated!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2004
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 3:00pm
Please NO ONE get offended!!! I accidentally posted here, but reposted my Q in the right spot. Sorry for taking up the space.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 8:25am
You'll start the patch on the same day that you would have started a new pack of pills, that way your protection is uninterrupted. Theoretically, you won't need to use backup protection, but I generally do just because I'm a touch paranoid. If you want to change your start day, you can do it pretty easily this week--it's okay to have less than seven days off, you just can't go more. Make sure you read the patient information that comes with the patch! I think I remember something about starting being different than with the pill, but off the top of my head I can't remember what it is. It may have to do with using backup at first or when to start--I can't pull up the .pdf online right now or I'd check!

As far as sex drive goes, it's anybody's guess. How we respond to each pill is extremely unique especially where libido is concerned. I've had varying responses with each different thing I've taken, and I've found that my biggest problem with libido is actually fatigue and lack of free time. ;) But it can't hurt to try!

Good luck, I hope you like the patch!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 8:57am
Hi Wantahug...

I swear, I thought I answered this Question yesterday!

1. My sugar pills began this week, and my next full pack would have begun NEXT Sunday...do I start my patch on that day, or on the first day of my period this week?

If you don’t begin the patch at the start of your pill period your protection might not continue uninterrupted Read the prescribing information for Ortho Evra at: http://www.orthoevra.com/for_prescribers/full.html You should follow the instructions and apply the first patch on the first day of your pill-period, withdrawal bleeding. The prescribing information has this to say about beginning the patch after being on oral contraceptives:

“Switching from an Oral Contraceptive

Treatment with ORTHO EVRA® should begin on the first day of withdrawal bleeding. If there is no withdrawal bleeding within 5 days of the last active (hormone-containing) tablet, pregnancy must be ruled out. If therapy starts later than the first day of withdrawal bleeding, a non-hormonal contraceptive should be used concurrently for 7 days. If more than 7 days elapse after taking the last active oral contraceptive tablet, the possibility of ovulation and conception should be considered.”

2. Will the patch bring back or at least help my sex drive?

It might. We are all different and I think we have had members post about inereased libido when switching methods.

3. How long after I apply my first patch will it begin to provide contraception since I am switching immediately from the Alesse pill to the OE patch?

As the instructions (above) say, when switching from OCs if you apply the patch on the first day of your period you should be covered immediately. Any later and you should use back-up for 7 days. Even when back-up is not recommended, when switching hormonal methods, some women will use it for a week just for peace of mind. Let us know how you like the patch, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill