Ortho Evra, a new contraceptive patch

Ortho Evra is the first transdermal patch approved for the prevention of pregnancy. Comparative trials have shown that Ortho Evra has efficacy similar to the oral contraceptives Mercilon (not available in the United States) and Triphasil for the prevention of pregnancy when used as directed. Adverse effects with Ortho Evra are similar to those reported with combined oral contraceptives, with the exceptions of mild-to-moderate application-site reactions and an increased frequency of breast symptoms. The most commonly reported adverse reactions were breast symptoms, headache, application-site reactions, nausea and vomiting, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal pain. Approximately 5% of study subjects had at least one patch that did not stay attached to their skin, and about 2% of women withdrew from clinical trials due to irritation from the patch. In clinical studies, the patch appeared to be less effective in women weighing more than 90 kg than in women with lower body weights. More research is needed on the relationship between body weight and contraceptive patch efficacy. In two clinical trials, compliance was greater with the patch than with oral contraceptives. Whether this will result in reduced pregnancy rates in general use is unknown. Additional studies are warranted to determine if the patch offers any significant efficacy or safety advantages over current methods of hormonal contraception.