Combined hormonal contraceptive, transdermal route
Updated · Methodology
Second line
Regular contraception in women with daily-pill difficulties seeking a simpler regimen. Per SEGO 2023, second-line after 2nd-gen COCs (levonorgestrel) due to higher VTE risk. One patch weekly for 3 weeks, then 1 patch-free week with withdrawal bleed.
Sources
ICD-10: Z30.0 · ICD-11: QA21
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
Not recommended
Evra patch during breastfeeding. MEC 2015 category 4 first 6 weeks, then 2. Higher systemic estrogen exposure than COCs raises milk-supply reduction risk. Not used while breastfeeding.
Sources
ICD-10: Z30.0 · ICD-11: QA21
The patch delivers 150 µg norelgestromin and 20 µg ethinylestradiol daily. Systemic ethinylestradiol exposure is 60% higher than an equivalent oral COC, raising VTE risk. Per Cochrane 2013 meta-analysis and warning 2008, VTE risk is higher than with 2nd-gen COCs.
Remove and stop using if pregnant.
Estrogen reduces milk supply more than COCs (higher systemic exposure). WHO MEC first 6 weeks – category 4. Not recommended while breastfeeding.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.
Summary of a multi-drug list →
Medicine list: everything you take in one place →
Norelgestromin + Ethinylestradiol (transdermal patch) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Contraception (evidence tier A), Contraception during breastfeeding (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Norelgestromin + Ethinylestradiol (transdermal patch) (≥ 1 in 100): Application-site reaction, Headache, Breast tenderness, Nausea, Spotting. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Remove and stop using if pregnant.
Estrogen reduces milk supply more than COCs (higher systemic exposure). WHO MEC first 6 weeks – category 4. Not recommended while breastfeeding.
Norelgestromin + Ethinylestradiol (transdermal patch) is contraindicated in: VTE; Thrombophilia; Smoking after 35; Migraine with aura; HTN. Full list in the Safety section.
Norethisterone, Progesterone, micronized, Red clover (Trifolium pratense), Tibolone, Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia), Drospirenone + ethinylestradiol, Ethinylestradiol, Etonogestrel (implant)