Evra patch

Evra is proven to treat acne and hirsutism, reduce ovarian cysts and improve endometriosis. The patch also offers protection against developing ovarian cysts and uterine and ovarian cancers.

An Evra patch is a convenient alternative to contraceptive pills like Mercilon and Cerazette. Women who don't want to think about contraception every day often choose Evra for this reason.

The transdermal patch remains effective even if you're suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea. That's because it doesn't have to be digested like the pill, as the hormones are administered through the skin. This also reduces the risk of developing nausea or stomach and digestive upsets.

Each contraceptive patch contains a synthetic oestrogen called ethinylestradiol and a synthetic progestogen called norelgestromin. These hormones work together in the same way as the hormones in combined pills; they change the environment of your reproductive system so it's almost impossible to conceive.

The progestogen thickens the mucous in the cervix, making it almost impossible for sperm to reach the womb, and prevents the womb lining from thickening, so the life source of a fertilised egg is removed and it can't develop. The oestrogen prevents your ovaries from releasing a mature egg by tricking your body into thinking ovulation has already happened, which means there's nothing to be fertilised.

An existing or historic case of some medical conditions may mean it's unsafe for you to use the Evra patch, such as epilepsy, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure or thrombosis.

Certain medications can speed up the breakdown of hormones, making the patch less effective. Using the patch can also raise your blood levels if you're taking certain medications, which can increase the risk of side effects. You should tell a doctor if you're using any medication for this reason.

One Evra patch will remain effective for a week. You should replace it on the same day each week, and take a week off using the patch at the end of each month. During this week you'll probably experience a withdrawal bleed, but you'll still be protected from pregnancy.

Starting to use Evra on the first day of your period means it'll work immediately. You can use your first Evra patch up until the fifth day of your period, but you'll need to use another contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the first seven days.

Evra contains similar hormones to the contraceptive pill, which means you could experience side effects like thrush, mood changes, dizziness, acne, skin itching, muscle spasms, tiredness and weight gain.

The dose of oestrogen in each Evra patch is higher than other contraceptives, so you are more likely to develop oestrogen-related side effects like water retention and headaches. Evra can also cause swelling, increased fat levels in the blood, uncontrollable emotions, anxiety, insomnia, reduced libido and vaginal bleeding or dryness, though these are uncommon.

Evra can cause the following rare side effects, which very few women experience: abnormal crying or emotion, inflammation of the gall bladder, hives and increased cholesterol levels. In very rare cases, Evra can cause aggression.

If you complete a consultation with one of our registered doctors, you may be able to buy Evra patches online. This allows your medical history to be reviewed so a doctor can assess whether it's safe for you to use this contraceptive. If they decide the Evra patch is suitable for you to use, our doctor will write a prescription that will be dispensed by our registered pharmacy. It will then be sent to you with free delivery and should reach you within one day of placing an order with Onlineclinic.co.uk.