gynecology and obstetrics
Transdermal and Vaginal Ring Hormonal Contraceptives
Transdermal contraceptives
There are 2 contraceptive patches available in the United States. The medications, approximate dose released daily for 7 days, and size of each are: Ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin:Ethinyl estradiol35 mcg and norelgestromin (the active metabolite of norgestimate) 150 mcg, 14 cm2 Levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol:Levonorgestrel120 mcg andethinyl estradiol30 mcg and , 28 cm2 After 1 week, the patch is removed, and a new patch is applied to a different area of the skin. After 3 patches are used, no patch is used for the 4th week to allow for withdrawal bleeding. are much more constant with the skin patches than with oral contraceptives (OCs). Overall, contraceptive efficacy, incidence of bleeding, and adverse effects with the patch are similar to Adverse Effects , but patient adherence may be better with the patch because it is applied weekly rather than taken daily. The patch may be less effective in women who weigh > 90 kg or have a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30. Patients should be advised to use a backup contraceptive method concurrently for 7 days if > 2 days have elapsed since a new patch was to be applied. 