I need answers about the patch

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2004
I need answers about the patch
5
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 11:51am
I posted this on the wrong place so I'm posting again!

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!!

Avatar for ilovemyfeet
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 1:07pm
i switched from otrho try cyclin to orthos evera well almost three months agaio. i had almost no sex drive on ortho try cyclin its better now but i still dont feel the same before i started bc. I have alot of vaginal dryness (sorry if thats too mutch info) when i switched i chose ot put my patch on the first day of my period acording to the directions you are protected right away if you put the patch on with in the first 24 hours of your period thats what i did. in the papers you will get with your preciption it tell you if you are switching froms of bc. then it gives a little explanation. hope that helped some. you cna always talk to the people at he pharamacy too they can tell you they are great for asking questions. i dont seme to be as irratable as i was on try cyclin. any way if you have any more question let me know

julie
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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2004
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 1:11pm
So if you put it on the first day of your period, is that your "start" day, or do you change it the following Sunday? I'm just really confused. You normally don't take BC during your period, they are placebo pills, so why should you start the patch that week either?
Avatar for ilovemyfeet
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 2:52pm
ok i went and got the paper that came with my perscription it siad if you are switching from the pill to ortho evra wait untill you get your period. if you dont get your period within five days of taking you last active pill check with your dr to be shure your not prego. the packet said that you can do a sirst day start or a sunday start for a first day start you put the patch on within the first 24 hours of your period the day you apply your patch will be day 1 your patch change day will be on this day every week.

for a sunday start you appply your firat patch on the first sunday after your period starts. you must use a back up methodfor the first 7 days. the day you apply the patch will be day 1 and your patch change day will be on this day every week.

after three weeks youll have a patch free week so you will use three patches a month. when you take off that third patch you will get your period.

does that help any. i did a first day start so i put on my first patch within 24 hours of getting my period. that period was shorter by like a day mabie a day and a half if i remember right. a quick tip if you put your patch on your butt or your tummy make shure you where white panties for a couple days or your going to get a dark colored ring around it. youll still get a ring but it wont show up as bad. iv only put mine on my but because i live on teh beach and am in a swim suite alot so it was the only place that it wouldnt show. be shure you dont put lotion on the area either or it wont stick good. lets see any other tips make shure your skin is verry dry wate a while after you get out of the shower to be shure their is no moisture left on your skin. any other question feel free to ask.... be shure to read the paper that comes with your precription it gives prity good directions...

hope i helped julie

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 3:35pm
Hi wantahug, welcome!

Whichever day you apply your first patch will be your start day. When beginning the patch after being on no previous oral contraceptive back-up should be used for the first 7 days of patch wear. So it seems logical to me that when switching from OCs 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.”

Let us know how you like the patch, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

Avatar for geisha453
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-23-2003
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 6:11pm
I've been on the patch for a little over a year. I have had no MAJOR problems with it. Some things that I have experienced are: a return of my sex drive (woo hoo!), A ring around the patch (lint and other things may stick to it), and for the first 3-5 months I would feel sick the day after I put on my week one day 1 patch. My doctor said it was because I couldn't handle the surge in hormones and advised that I take a B complex vitamin to help the nausea. It worked and the condition went away after about 6 months anyway. I love the patch. I was on Lunelle before they took it off the market, but I think this is a great alternative. Hope it works for you.

Jen
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