Description evra patches are a highly effective contraceptive method worn on the skin and changed weekly. With an effectiveness rate of up to 99% when used correctly, evra patches offer reliable contraception. These patches are available on prescription and are a preferred choice for individuals who find it easier to manage their contraception with weekly applications rather than daily tablets. Description directions use one patch at a time. Apply a patch to clean, dry, hairless skin. Keep the patch on for 7 days. Change the patch on the same day. After 3 weeks of continuous patch use, take a 7 day break from the patch. Evra can also be used in the following ways, if directed by your doctor • extended use 1 patch weekly for 9 weeks then no patch for the next 4 or 7 days. • continuous use 1 patch weekly with no break. You can shower, sauna and exercise while wearing the patch. However, you should check that the patch has not fallen off after these activities. Do not use tape to keep the patch in place. Directions warnings like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you get any side effects, particularly if severe and persistent, or have any change to your health that you think may be due to yasmin, please talk to your doctor. An increased risk of blood clots in your veins venous thromboembolism vte or blood clots in your arteries arterial thromboembolism ate is present for all women taking combined hormonal contraceptives. Serious side effects • contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of angioedema swollen face, tongue and or throat and or difficulty swallowing or hives, potentially with difficulty breathing. The following is a list of the side effects that have been linked with the use of yasmin common side effects between 1 and 10 in every 100 users may be affected • menstrual disorders, bleeding between periods, breast pain, breast tenderness • headache, depressive mood • migraine • nausea • thick whitish vaginal discharge, vaginal yeast infection uncommon side effects between 1 and 10 in every 1,000 users may be affected • breast enlargement, changes in interest in sex • high blood pressure, low blood pressure • vomiting, diarrhoea • acne, severe itching, skin rash, hair loss alopecia • infection of the vagina • fluid retention and body weight changes rare side effects between 1 and 10 in every 10,000 users may be affected • allergic reactions hypersensitivity • breast secretion • hearing impairment • asthma • the skin conditions erythema nodosum characterised by painful reddish skin nodules or erythema • multiforme characterised by a rash with target shaped reddening or sores • harmful blood clots in a vein or artery for example o in a leg or foot i.e. Dvt o in a lung i.e. Pe o heart attack o stroke o mini stroke or temporary stroke like symptoms, known as a transient ischaemic attack tia o blood clots in the liver, stomach intestine, kidneys or eye. The chance of having a blood clot may be higher if you have any other conditions that increase this risk. Reporting of side effects if you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed here. You can also report side effects directly . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. United kingdom yellow card scheme website www.mhra.gov.uk yellowcard or search for mhra yellow card in the google play or apple app store. Warnings ingredients the active substances are norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol. Each 20 cm2 transdermal patch contains 6 mg norelgestromin and 600 micrograms ethinyl estradiol. The active substances are released over 7 days with an average of 203 micrograms norelgestromin and 34 micrograms ethinyl estradiol being released every 24 hours. The other ingredients are • backing layer low density pigmented polyethylene outer layer, polyester • inner layer and middle layer polyisobutylene polybutene adhesive, crospovidone, non woven polyester fabric, lauryl lactate • third layer polyethylene terephthalate pet film, polydimethylsiloxane coating. Ingredients faqs what happens if my evra patch comes off? If your evra patch comes off the skin before the week is over, there's a possibility of reduced protection against pregnancy. Here's what to do • up to 48 hours without a patch try to reapply it or put on a new patch immediately. Your 'patch change day' remains the same. • more than 48 hours without a patch or uncertain detachment time start a new patch immediately, establishing a new 'day 1' and patch change day. Use condoms for the next 7 days and consider emergency contraception if you've had recent unprotected sex. • more than 24 hours late after a 7 day patch free break apply a new patch immediately and keep it on until your usual change day. Consider emergency contraception if you had unprotected