The Evra patch is a prescription-only hormonal contraceptive method used to prevent pregnancy. It is a sticky patch that you wear on your skin and change weekly. The Evra patch works in a similar way to the combined contraceptive pill – by releasing man made versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone into the body.

Why do I need to get a prescription?

Evra Patches are a prescription-only medication so you will need to get approval from a doctor first. This is because it may react with certain medications, or may not be suitable if you have certain conditions. You can request Evra Patches online from services like Superdrug Online Doctor without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

The Evra patch contains man made versions of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones work together to help prevent pregnancy in 3 ways:

1. The Evra patch works by preventing an egg from being released from the ovaries (ovulation).
2. The patch also thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to get to an egg.
3. It also thins the lining of the womb, making it harder for a fertilised egg to implant itself.

How effective is the Evra patch?

If the Evra patch is used correctly, it is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. In the real world, this figure is more likely to be around 92%, meaning around 8 in 100 people fall pregnant while using Evra patches, usually because they forget to change their patch.

Some research has shown a link between increased body weight (over 90kg) and the risk of pregnancy while using the Evra patch. However, this was very small and represented less than 3% of the total participants in the study.

To apply the Evra patch:

• Wait until the day you get your period if this is the first time you are using the Evra patch.
• Apply the first patch during the first 24 hours of your period. This is ‘Day 1’ and your ‘Patch Change Day’ will be this day every week. So, if it is Wednesday, you will change your patch every Wednesday.
• Choose where you want to place your patch. Pick somewhere it won’t be rubbed by tight clothing such as your buttock, tummy, upper outer arm, or upper back, but never on your breasts.
• Open the foil sachet using your fingers. Tear it along the edge (do not use scissors).
• Firmly grasp and gently take the patch from the foil sachet.
• Remove half of the clear protective covering from the patch. Try not to touch the sticky surface of the patch.
• Put the patch on your skin. Then remove the other half of the protective covering. Press down on the patch firmly for 10 seconds, making sure all of the edges have stuck.
• Wear the patch for 7 days. Day 8 will be your first ‘Patch Change Day’ – remove the used patch from your skin and replace it with a new one straight away.
• Repeat on Day 15. Rotate where you stick your patch to avoid irritation.
• Remove your patch on Day 22 and do not replace it. You will have a patch-free week from Day 22 to Day 28. You should have a withdrawal bleed, like a period, during this time and you will be protected against pregnancy if you apply your next patch on time.
• Start your next 4 week cycle. Put a new patch on your normal ‘Patch Change Day’, the day after Day 28 (Day 29). You should do this even if you’re still bleeding.

You can find full application instructions in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.

When to apply the Evra patch

Apply your first Evra patch on the first day of your period. Make a note of the day because this will be your ‘Patch Change Day’. If it is Wednesday when you apply the patch, you will change your patch every Wednesday.

How often to apply the Evra patch

Your Evra patch should be changed every week on your normal ‘Patch Change Day’. You will change your patch on Day 8 and Day 15, and remove it on Day 22 for your patch-free week before applying it at the start of the next 28 day cycle (or ‘Day 29’). You repeat the pattern of 3 weeks on, one week off, as long as you’re taking it.

How long do you need to apply the Evra patch for?

Each patch lasts for one week. You should continue to apply the Evra patch using the 28-day cycle for as long as you need protection from becoming pregnant.

What should I do if the Evra patch falls off?

If your patch becomes loose, lifts at the edges, or falls off for less than 1 day (up to 24 hours):

• try to put it back on, or if it will not stick, apply a new patch
• never use tape or anything to hold the patch in place
• you will not require any back-up contraception
• your ‘Patch Change Day’ will remain the same as before

If your patch falls off for more than 1 day (over 24 hours) or you’re not sure how long:

• you must start a new 4 week cycle by applying a new patch
• this day will be your new ‘Patch Change Day’ or Day 1
• you will need to use non-hormonal contraception, such as condoms, for the first week of your new cycle because you will be at risk of becoming pregnant

What happens if I forget to change my Evra patch?

At the beginning of any patch cycle – Day 1:

• put on your new patch as soon as you remember
• you need to use non-hormonal contraception, like condoms, for the first 8 days
• the day you apply the patch will be your new Day 1 and ‘Patch Change Day’

In the middle of your Evra patch cycle – Week 2 or 3 (up to 48 hours):

• apply a new Evra patch as soon as you remember
• your next ‘Patch Change Day’ will be the same as before
• you will not need any back-up contraception

Over 48 hours (2 days or more):

• apply a new patch as soon as you remember, this will become your new Day 1 and ‘Patch Change Day’
• you will need to use non-hormonal contraception (condoms) for the first week

If you forget to remove your patch at the end of your cycle (week 4), apply a new patch on your normal ‘Patch Change Day’.

You can request Evra patches from trusted online services like Superdrug Online Doctor. You may also be able to get them on the NHS.

Can I buy the Evra patch online?

Yes, the Evra patch can be requested through Superdrug Online Doctor. Our service is easy and convenient. To request the Evra patch:

1. Fill in a brief questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
2. Select your preferred choice of treatment and make payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your questionnaire answers.
4. If your request is approved, your treatment will be posted directly to your address or to a Superdrug Pharmacy for collection.
5. If treatment is not right for you, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other suitable options.

Can I buy the Evra patch over-the-counter?

No, you will need a prescription to buy Evra patches.

Can I get Evra patches on the NHS?

It may be possible to get the Evra patch on the NHS if it is suitable for you. You will need to make a face-to-face appointment with your GP, so they can see if it is right for you.

You may get side effects when using the Evra patch, but not everyone experiences them.

Some very common Evra patch side effects include:

• feeling sick
• headache
• tender breasts

Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, are:

• thrush
• mood changes
• dizziness
• migraine
• bloating
• stomach ache
• skin rashes
• acne
• painful periods
• menstrual cycle changes
• tiredness
• weight gain

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:

• allergic reaction
• swelling
• sleep issues
• low libido
• vaginal dryness
• high blood pressure
• increased appetite
• hair loss
• sensitivity to sunlight

Rare side effects:

• blood clots
• breast, cervical or liver cancer
• abnormal taste
• itchy skin
• fluid retention

You can find a full list of known Evra patch side effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

How long do Evra patch side effects last?

Side effects are most common in the first 3 months of starting the Evra patch. These temporary side effects should go away on their own or become more manageable. If they do not or you are worried about them, speak to your doctor for advice. They may recommend an alternative that may cause fewer side effects.

What to do if you get Evra patch side effects?

Let your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist know if you experience side effects while using the Evra patch, especially if you find them difficult to manage.

You can also report side effects, even those not listed in the patient leaflet via the Yellow Card Scheme.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should go to A&E or call 999:

• swollen face, tongue, throat, difficulty swallowing, or hives
• difficulty breathing
• blood clot symptoms (swelling in one leg, sudden unexplained breathlessness, vision loss, chest pain, severe pain in your stomach)

Do not use the Evra patch if you:

• have or have ever had a blood clot in your leg
• have a blood clotting disorder
• need to have an operation or will be off your feet for a while
• have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• have angina
• experience migraine with aura
• are allergic to any of the ingredients in the patch
• have liver disease or liver tumours that affect liver function
• experience unexplained vaginal bleeding
• have hepatitis C and take any of the following: ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, dasabuvir, glecaprevir, pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, or voxilaprevir
• have been told you may have breast, womb, cervical, or vaginal cancer

Some medications can interfere with the Evra patch and may stop it from working properly. So, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal remedies, including:

• antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis C
• some antibiotics
• epilepsy medications
• bosentan
• St. John’s Wort

Evra patches may not be right for everyone. There are many different contraception methods available to stop pregnancy. Some can also be used to treat acne or heavy periods.

Depending on your needs, you may choose hormonal or non-hormonal alternatives.

Hormonal contraception

Mini pills

The mini pill or progesterone-only pill (POP) does not contain any oestrogen, so is most suitable for women who can’t have oestrogen for health or personal reasons. Some of the mini pills we offer at Superdrug Online Doctor are:

• Cerelle
• Cerazette
• Hana
• Desomono
• Noriday

Combined pills

Combined pills also known as ‘the pill’ contain two man made versions of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Some of the combined pills we offer include:

• Microgynon 30
• Yasmin
• Gedarel
• Brevinor
• Lizinna

Vaginal ring

At Superdrug Online Doctor we offer NuvaRing, a small, soft plastic ring that’s inserted into your vagina that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. NuvaRing lasts for 3 weeks and you can insert the ring yourself, there’s no need for medical assistance.

Intrauterine system (IUS)

An IUS is also known as the hormonal coil. It is a small plastic T-shaped device that is inserted into your womb by a doctor or nurse. The IUS releases progesterone to prevent pregnancy.

Contraceptive implant

The implant is a small plastic rod about 4cm long that is inserted under the skin of your arm by a trained medical professional. It helps prevent pregnancy by releasing progesterone into the bloodstream, preventing eggs being released from the ovaries.

Contraceptive injection

The contraceptive injection contains progesterone and stops eggs being released from the ovaries to prevent pregnancy. It lasts for 8 to 13 weeks but is not suitable for everyone.

Non-hormonal options

There are some non-hormonal contraception methods available:

• condoms
• copper intrauterine device (IUD)
• menstruation apps and trackers

Does the Evra patch stop your period?

When you use the Evra patch, you will experience a withdrawal bleed similar to your period during Week 4 when you do not wear a patch.

You can use the Evra patch to delay your period by applying a new patch at the beginning of Week 4 rather than not wearing one, but you may experience some light breakthrough bleeding. You should not wear the Evra patch continuously for more than 6 weeks without a break.

Does the Evra Patch cause weight gain?

Although the NHS states that there is no evidence that the contraceptive patch will cause weight gain, it is listed as a common side effect in the Evra patch patient information leaflet. If you are concerned about weight gain while using the Evra patch speak to your doctor or nurse for advice.

Can I get pregnant on my week off the patch?

If you have used the patch correctly, you will be protected against pregnancy during your patch-free week.