What is Evra?
Evra is a combination of the two sex hormones, norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol, which is administered using a transdermal patch.
Its primary use is as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Evra, please review the product <monograph>.
How does Evra work?
The transdermal system that Evra uses is a thin, matrix-type system consisting of three layers.
The middle layer of the patch is where the active and inactive ingredients in the patch are found, while the inside layer provides adhesion for the skin attachment, and the outer layer offers protection for the two inner sections.
Each transdermal system contains 6.0 mg norelgestromin (NGMN) and 0.60 mg ethinyl estradiol (EE). The system releases an average of approximately 200 μg of NGMN and 35 μg of EE every 24 hours.
Although the primary function of Evra is to stop ovulation, the patches also cause changes in the cervical mucus (increasing the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus), and the endometrium (reducing the likelihood of sperm implantation).
This means that it functions in two distinct ways:
- It inhibits the release of an egg by the ovaries on a monthly basis, and
- It changes the mucus that is made by the cervix; making it harder for sperm to make it through to the womb where eggs are fertilized.
What is Evra used to treat?
Evra is used as a method of contraception to prevent pregnancy in people assigned female at birth.
How do you take Evra?
Evra’s transdermal contraceptive system keeps you from becoming pregnant, by transferring hormones to your body through your skin. The patch must be attached securely to your skin in order for it to work properly.
This medication uses a 28-day, four-week cycle. You apply a new patch each week, for three weeks, totalling 21 days. DON’T apply a patch during week four. This is the week where you’ll have your period.
You should apply the new patch on the same day of the week, each time you put one on. It’s a good idea to put this into your calendar as “Patch Change Day”.
So, if you apply your first patch on a Monday, all of your patches should be applied on Mondays. Only ever wear one patch at a time.
The day after week four ends, the four-week cycle starts over again, and you apply a new patch.
If you have any other questions about how to use Evra, be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner from Felix. They’ll be able to give you any guidance you need to ensure you’re using your medication safely and effectively.
How long does Evra last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Evra?
The most common side effects that are seen in patients using Evra include:
- Skin irritation
- Vaginal bleeding
- Breast discomfort
- Nausea
- Headache
- Abdominal or back pain
- Bloating
- Changes in menstrual flow
For a complete list of side effects, view the product monograph.
If you’re starting to experience any of these side effects, be sure to talk to your practitioner from Felix. They may be able to suggest alternative medications that could work better for you.
Who shouldn't take Evra?
There are a number of people that shouldn’t take Evra. Don’t take this medication if you have or you’ve ever experienced:
- A history of blood clots or thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins)
- A history of chest pain, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, or severe high blood pressure
- Diabetes complications
- Migraine headaches with aura
- Jaundice
- Liver disease or liver tumours
- History of cancer of the breast, uterus, or liver
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
You also shouldn’t use Evra if you’re:
- Over the age of 35 and smoke
- Scheduled for major surgery, with expected prolonged bed rest
- Pregnant or suspect you could be pregnant
- Taking paritaprevir, ritonavir, or ombitasvir, with or without dasabuvir for the treatment of Hepatitis C
- Allergic to any of the ingredients found in Evra
There are also some people who should take precautions when using Evra, such as:
- People who smoke
- People who weigh more than 90 kg (198 lbs)
- People who have a history of breast disease (i.e., breast lumps), or a family history of breast cancer
- People who have high blood pressure
- People with high cholesterol
- People who have diabetes
- People who have heart or kidney disease
- People who have a history of seizures or epilepsy
- People who have a history of depression
- People with a history of liver disease or jaundice
- People who wear contact lenses
- People who have uterine fibroids (benign tumours of the uterus)
- People who may be pregnant or are breast-feeding
- People who have or have had ‘pregnancy spots’
If you believe that any of these conditions could apply to you, be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner at Felix before requesting an online Evra prescription.
Further reading
