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[Medication of the month. Evra: first contraceptive transdermal patch]
1Service de Gynécologie, CHU du Sart Tilman-Université de Liège.
Revue Medicale De Liege
|January 30, 2004
Summary
Evra, a weekly transdermal contraceptive patch, offers steady hormone levels and high compliance, making it an effective birth control option comparable to oral contraceptives for women under 90 kg.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Combined low-dose estrogen-progestin pills are common contraceptives.
- Transdermal delivery systems offer an alternative administration route for hormonal therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the contraceptive effectiveness, safety, and user acceptability of the Evra transdermal patch.
- To compare Evra's performance with oral contraceptives.
Main Methods:
- Evra is a weekly transdermal patch releasing ethinylestradiol and norelgestromin.
- Comparative analysis of circulating steroid levels, contraceptive efficacy, cycle control, adverse effects, and compliance was performed.
Main Results:
- Evra provides steady steroid levels, comparable efficacy to oral contraceptives (except for women >90 kg), and excellent cycle control.
- High user acceptability, low skin irritability, and significantly higher compliance than oral contraceptives were observed.
- Metabolic and coagulation profiles are similarly affected as with oral contraceptives; gastrointestinal disturbances do not impact efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Evra is a user-friendly and effective contraceptive method with high compliance.
- It represents a valuable addition to available contraceptive options, particularly for women who may struggle with daily oral pill adherence.