Evra Patch
"An effective contraceptive patch that gradually releases two hormones to help prevent pregnancy. It stays on your skin and you change it weekly. An alternative to the combined pill. You’ll need an annual blood pressure and weight check to use it."
What is Evra Patch?
The Evra Patch is a contraceptive you wear on your skin and change weekly. It’s 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. The patch measures just 2 inches by 2 inches (5cm x 5cm).
How does it work?
You stick the Evra contraceptive patch to your skin and it releases synthetic oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones are absorbed into the body through the skin to prevent pregnancy. They work by stopping your body releasing an egg (ovulation) and thickening the mucus in your cervix, to block sperm from getting in.
How to use Evra Patch
Only use one patch at a time. Apply it to clean, dry, hairless skin and keep in place for 7 days. When you remove the patch, replace it with a new one on the same day.
- You can wear a patch (changing weekly) for 3 weeks, then take a 7-day break.
- Another option is extended use, where you use the patch for 9 weeks (changing weekly) then take a break for 4 or 7 days.
- Or you can choose continuous use. Always wear the patch, with no breaks, just changing it weekly.
Our clinicians will let you know which ways you can use the patch.
It’s okay to wear the Evra birth control patch in the shower and sauna or when you’re exercising. However, always check it hasn’t fallen off. And never use tape to keep the patch in place.
Where to put the Evra Patch
You can stick your Evra contraception patch almost anywhere on your body. You just need the skin to be clean, dry and not too hairy.
However, don’t put it on:
- Your breasts.
- Sore or irritated skin.
- Areas that can get rubbed by tight clothing, for example under your bra strap.
Each time you apply a patch, it’s best to change the position on your body. It’ll help avoid irritating a single patch of your skin.
Effectiveness
Apply the Evra patch on the first day of your period, and you’ll be protected immediately from pregnancy.
If used correctly the patch is 99% effective. In cases where it’s not used exactly as directed, it can lead to pregnancy for around 9 out of 100 women. So, it’s important to follow advice and instructions.
Important: you should only start using Evra if you’re certain you aren’t pregnant.
Side effects of Evra Patch
Most women experience no side effects when using the Evra Patch. However, the most common reported side effects are headaches, skin irritation, nausea or sore breasts.
This contraceptive carries a slightly higher risk of blood clots than others. In rare cases some women will develop them.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Evra Patch patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, including blood clots, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
99% effective when used correctly
Change it just once a week
Protection not affected by vomiting
What is Evra Patch?
The Evra Patch is a contraceptive you wear on your skin and change weekly. It’s 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. The patch measures just 2 inches by 2 inches (5cm x 5cm).
How does it work?
You stick the Evra contraceptive patch to your skin and it releases synthetic oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones are absorbed into the body through the skin to prevent pregnancy. They work by stopping your body releasing an egg (ovulation) and thickening the mucus in your cervix, to block sperm from getting in.
How to use Evra Patch
Only use one patch at a time. Apply it to clean, dry, hairless skin and keep in place for 7 days. When you remove the patch, replace it with a new one on the same day.
- You can wear a patch (changing weekly) for 3 weeks, then take a 7-day break.
- Another option is extended use, where you use the patch for 9 weeks (changing weekly) then take a break for 4 or 7 days.
- Or you can choose continuous use. Always wear the patch, with no breaks, just changing it weekly.
Our clinicians will let you know which ways you can use the patch.
It’s okay to wear the Evra birth control patch in the shower and sauna or when you’re exercising. However, always check it hasn’t fallen off. And never use tape to keep the patch in place.
Where to put the Evra Patch
You can stick your Evra contraception patch almost anywhere on your body. You just need the skin to be clean, dry and not too hairy.
However, don’t put it on:
- Your breasts.
- Sore or irritated skin.
- Areas that can get rubbed by tight clothing, for example under your bra strap.
Each time you apply a patch, it’s best to change the position on your body. It’ll help avoid irritating a single patch of your skin.
Effectiveness
Apply the Evra patch on the first day of your period, and you’ll be protected immediately from pregnancy.
If used correctly the patch is 99% effective. In cases where it’s not used exactly as directed, it can lead to pregnancy for around 9 out of 100 women. So, it’s important to follow advice and instructions.
Important: you should only start using Evra if you’re certain you aren’t pregnant.
Side effects of Evra Patch
Most women experience no side effects when using the Evra Patch. However, the most common reported side effects are headaches, skin irritation, nausea or sore breasts.
This contraceptive carries a slightly higher risk of blood clots than others. In rare cases some women will develop them.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Evra Patch patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, including blood clots, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy
Evra Patch FAQs
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How long does the Evra Patch take to work?
If you start using the patch within the first 5 days of your period, it works straight away to protect you against pregnancy. If you apply your first patch after days 1-5 of your period, you should use additional contraception such as condoms for the first 7 days of using Evra.
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Who can use the Evra Patch?
You shouldn’t use the Evra Patch if you have any of the conditions listed below. You should talk to your clinician about your other birth control options. Don’t use the Evra Patch if:
- You have, or have ever had, a blood clot in a blood vessel of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), your lungs (pulmonary embolus, PE) or other organs.
- You have a blood clotting disorder like protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin-III deficiency, Factor V Leiden or antiphospholipid antibodies.
- You need an operation or have been bed bound for a long time.
- You’ve ever had a heart attack or stroke.
- You have, or have ever had, angina pectoris, a condition that causes severe chest pain and may be a first sign of a heart attack.
- You’ve ever had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) which are temporary stroke symptoms.
- You have diabetes with blood vessel damage.
- You have very high blood pressure.
There are other instances where the pill is not suitable, and our clinicians can advise on this during your online consultation.
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Can I take Evra Patch while breastfeeding?
Don’t use the Evra Patch if you’re breastfeeding or planning to. Combined contraceptives can reduce milk supply and may also put you at greater risk of blood clots in the first 6 weeks after birth.
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What happens if my Evra Patch falls off?
If your patch accidentally comes off before the week is over, you may not be as well protected against pregnancy. Here’s what to do.
If your patch falls off, follow these steps:
- If it has been off for less than 48 hours and still sticks: Reapply the same patch. If it no longer sticks, replace it with a new patch. Continue wearing it until your usual patch change day. You will remain protected against pregnancy and do not need additional contraception.
- If it has been off for more than 48 hours: Apply a new patch immediately and wear it until your usual change day. Use condoms or avoid sex for the next 7 days. If a patch-free break is due during this time, skip it and continue using patches until the next scheduled patch-free break. Consult a clinician to determine if emergency contraception is needed.
For full details of correct use and what to do if your patch falls off, please see the Evra Patch patient information leaflet. If you need more advice you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Where can I buy the Evra Patch?
As the Evra Patch is prescription only, you’ll need to consult with a clinician to get the treatment. Even if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe Evra for you with an online consultation. It’ll only take a few minutes and is completely confidential. However, to make sure this hormone-based treatment is safe for you, we'll also need your height, weight and a recent blood pressure reading.
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Benefits of using the Evra Patch
There are many advantages to using the contraceptive patch. It doesn’t interrupt sex, and you don’t need to think about it every day like a pill. You just need to change it weekly, and it can be worn while swimming, in the bath or shower, or even in hot tubs or saunas.
Unlike pills, the hormones are absorbed through the skin. So you don’t need to worry about losing a dose if you vomit or have diarrhoea. Some women find it helps with their acne. It can make periods more regular, lighter and less painful.
The patch may also reduce your risk of some cancers, and help with recurrent endometriosis after surgery or problems related to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
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Does the Evra Patch stop your period?
The Evra Patch tends to make your periods lighter, more regular and less painful. Some women may find that it stops their periods altogether.
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Evra Patch warnings
Some women using hormonal contraceptives including Evra have reported mood changes and symptoms of depression, which can be serious and may sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. If you’re experiencing side effects like this, please speak to your doctor urgently. They may recommend alternative forms of birth control.
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Evra Patch drug interactions
You should be able to use Evra Patch alongside other medications. So that our clinicians can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
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Alternative Evra Patch contraception
We offer a range of contraceptives, including NuvaRing (vaginal ring), combined pills, low-dose combined pills and mini pills.
View all our contraception options.
There are also long-acting contraceptives available through your GP or family planning clinic, including implants, the coil and injectable contraception.
