Contraceptive patch explained

Contraceptive patch
Width:200
Bc Type:Hormonal (combined estrogen + progestin)
Date First Use:2002
Rate Type:Failure
Perfect Failure%:0.3
Perfect Failure Ref:[1]
Typical Failure%:9
User Reminders:Weekly application for 3 weeks
Clinic Interval:3-6 monthly
Std Protection Yesno:No
Periods Advantage:Regulated, may be lighter and less painful
Benefits:Compared to oral pills, may be less affected by antibiotics
Weight Gain Loss:No proven effect
Risks:DVTs rates similar to oral combined pills
Drug Name:norelgestromin / ethinyl estradiol
Type:combo
Component1:Norelgestromin
Class1:Progestogen
Component2:Ethinylestradiol
Class2:Estrogen
Tradename:Ortho Evra, Xulane, Evra
Licence Eu:yes
Dailymedid:Norelgestromin_and_ethinyl_estradiol
Pregnancy Us:N
Pregnancy Category:Contraindicated
Legal Ca:Rx-only
Legal Uk:POM
Legal Uk Comment:[2]
Legal Us:Rx-only
Legal Status:Rx-only
Routes Of Administration:Transdermal (patch)
Atc Prefix:G03
Atc Suffix:AA13
Cas Number:53016-31-2
Cas Number2:57-63-6
Unii:R0TAY3X631
Unii2:423D2T571U
Pubchem:91758695
Drugbank:DB06713
Drugbank2:DB00977
Chemspiderid:None
Kegg:D10839
Iupac Name:(3Z,8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,17R)-13-ethyl-17-ethynyl-3-hydroxyimino-1,2,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-ol;(8R,9S,13S,14S,17R)-17-ethynyl-13-methyl-7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-octahydro-6H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,17-diol
C:41
H:53
N:1
O:4
Smiles:CCC12CCC3C(C1CCC2(C#C)O)CCC4=CC(=NO)CCC34.CC12CCC3C(C1CCC2(C#C)O)CCC4=C3C=CC(=C4)O
Stdinchi:1S/C21H29NO2.C20H24O2/c1-3-20-11-9-17-16-8-6-15(22-24)13-14(16)5-7-18(17)19(20)10-12-21(20,23)4-2;1-3-20(22)11-9-18-17-6-4-13-12-14(21)5-7-15(13)16(17)8-10-19(18,20)2/h2,13,16-19,23-24H,3,5-12H2,1H3;1,5,7,12,16-18,21-22H,4,6,8-11H2,2H3/b22-15-;/t16-,17+,18+,19-,20-,21-;16-,17-,18+,19+,20+/m01/s1
Stdinchikey:KBFRRZPPJPKFHQ-WKXKRCMPSA-N
Drug Name:levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol
Type:combo
Component1:Levonorgestrel
Class1:Progestogen
Component2:Ethinylestradiol
Class2:Estrogen
Tradename:Twirla
Dailymedid:Twirla
Pregnancy Us:N
Pregnancy Category:Contraindicated
Legal Us:Rx-only
Routes Of Administration:Transdermal (patch)
Atc Prefix:G03
Atc Suffix:AB03
Chemspiderid:None

A contraceptive patch, also known as "the patch", is a transdermal patch applied to the skin that releases synthetic oestrogen and progestogen hormones to prevent pregnancy. They have been shown to be as effective as the combined oral contraceptive pill with perfect use, and the patch may be more effective in typical use.[3] [4]

Xulane[5] and Twirla[6] are approved for use in the United States. Evra is approved for use in Canada and marketed by Janssen Inc.,[7] and it is approved for use in the United Kingdom[8] and in Europe[9] and marketed by Janssen-Cilag. The patches are packaged in boxes of three and are only available by prescription.

Medical uses

Because the patch works similarly to that of birth control pills, many of the benefits are the same. For example, the patch may make a woman's period lighter and more regular. It may also help to clear acne, decrease cramps, and reduce PMS symptoms. Additionally, the patch is associated with increased protection against iron deficiency anemia, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometrial and ovarian cancer.

The patch is a simple and convenient form of birth control that requires weekly attention. When a woman stops using the patch, her ability to become pregnant returns quickly.[10]

Side effects

In three large clinical trials involving a total of 3,330 women using the Ortho Evra / Evra patch for up to one year, 12% of users discontinued the patch because of adverse events. The most frequent adverse events leading to patch discontinuation were: nausea and/or vomiting (2.4%), application site reaction (1.9%), breast discomfort, engorgement or pain (1.9%), headache (1.1%), and emotional lability (1.0%).[11]

The most frequent adverse events reported while using the Ortho Evra / Evra patch were: breast discomfort, engorgement or pain (22%), headache (21%), application site reaction (17%), nausea (17%), upper respiratory tract infection (10%), menstrual cramps (10%), and abdominal pain (9%).[11]

Breakthrough bleeding and/or spotting while using the Ortho Evra / Evra patch was reported by: 18% in cycle 1, 12% in cycle 3, 8% in cycle 6 and cycle 13. Breakthrough bleeding (requiring more than one pad or tampon per day) was reported by: 4% in cycle 1, 3% in cycle 3 and cycle 6, and 1% in cycle 13.[12]

Overall, side effects that tend to go away after two or three months include bleeding between periods, breast tenderness, and nausea and vomiting. Symptoms that may last longer include skin irritation around the area where the patch is placed and a change in the woman's sexual desires.

Additional side effect information is provided in the Ortho Evra label information and the Evra Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) and PIL.[5] [8] [13]

Interactions and contraindications

Contraceptive effectiveness of the patch or any other hormonal contraceptive may be reduced significantly if administered alongside various antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, or other drugs that increase metabolism of contraceptive steroids.

However, despite the interactions with many other antibiotics, a clinical pharmacokinetic drug interaction study showed that oral administration of tetracycline HCl 500 mg for three days prior to and seven days during use of Ortho Evra "did not reduce effectiveness of Ortho Evra." This is a significant factor in the common decision to administer tetracycline-derived antibiotics following an abortion (preventatively to fight potential infection) when synthetic hormone contraceptives are to be used afterwards.

Drugs containing St. John's wort are also known to affect the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

It has also been found that the patch is less effective in women who weigh more than 198 pounds (90 kg).

The contraceptive patch and other combination hormonal contraceptives are contraindicated in women older than 35 years who smoke cigarettes.

The contraceptive patch is contraindicated for use in women with a BMI ≥ 30kg/m2.

Thromboembolism

All combined hormonal birth control products have a very small increased risk of serious or fatal thromboembolic events. There is ongoing research into the thromboembolic risks of Ortho Evra as compared to combined oral contraceptive pills. A recent study found that users of the contraceptive patch may have a twofold increased risk for non-fatal venous thromboembolic events compared with women who took a norgestimate-containing oral contraceptive with 35 μg of estrogen.[14] [15] However, a different study concluded that the risk of nonfatal venous thromboembolism for the contraceptive patch is similar to the risk for oral contraceptives containing 35 μg of ethinylestradiol and norgestimate.[16] The contradiction in findings between the two studies is not easily resolved, because the confidence intervals for the studies are overlapping.

In studies with oral contraceptives, the risk for cardiovascular disease (such as thromboembolism) is significantly increased in women over the age of 35 years who also smoke tobacco.[17] Hence, Ortho Evra's package insert states: "Women who use hormonal contraceptives, including Ortho Evra, should be strongly advised not to smoke."

According to the manufacturer, the patches introduce a 60% higher level of estrogen into the bloodstream as compared to oral contraceptives; however, the clinical significance of this difference is unknown.

On November 10, 2005, Ortho McNeil, in conjunction with the FDA, revised the label for Ortho Evra, including a new bolded warning about higher exposure to estrogen for women using the weekly patch compared to taking a daily birth control pill containing 35 μg of estrogen, noting that higher levels of estrogen may put some women at increased risk for getting blood clots. The label was again revised in September 2006, and on January 18, 2008, the FDA again updated the label to reflect study results: "The FDA believes that Ortho Evra is a safe and effective method of contraception when used according to the labeling, which recommends that women with concerns or risk factors for serious blood clots talk with their health care provider about using Ortho Evra versus other contraceptive options."[18]

Method of use

The patch is first applied onto the upper outer arm, buttocks, abdomen or thigh on either the first day of the menstrual cycle (day 1) or on the first Sunday following that day, whichever is preferred. The day of application is known from that point as patch change day. Seven days later, when patch change day comes again, the user removes the patch and applies another to one of the approved locations on the body. This process is repeated again on the next patch change day. On the following patch change day, the patch is removed and not replaced. The user waits seven days without a patch in place, and on the next patch change day they apply a new patch. Extended use regimens, where patches are used for several weeks before a patch-free week, have been studied.[19]

The patch should be applied to skin that is clean, dry, and intact. This means if skin is red, irritated, or cut, the patch should not be placed in that area. Additionally, avoid using lotions, powder, or makeup around the area where the patch is or will be placed.[20]

Backup contraception

Mechanism of action

Like all combined hormonal contraceptives, Ortho Evra / Evra works primarily by preventing ovulation. A secondary mechanism of action is inhibition of sperm penetration by changes in the cervical mucus. Hormonal contraceptives also have effects on the endometrium that theoretically could affect implantation; however, no scientific evidence indicates that prevention of implantation actually results from their use.[22]

The 20 cm2 Ortho Evra contraceptive patch contains 750 μg ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) and 6000 μg norelgestromin (a progestin). The 20 cm2 Evra contraceptive patch contains 600 μg ethinylestradiol and 6000 μg norelgestromin. The Ortho Evra contraceptive patch and the Evra contraceptive patch are both intended to gradually release into the systemic circulation approximately 20 μg/day of ethinylestradiol and 150 μg/day of norelgestromin.[5] [8]

Lawsuits

The patch has been associated with strokes and thrombosis and the mechanism for hormone absorption and dissipation from the body's tissues is different from "the pill". Several lawsuits have been instigated over these issues.[23]

A lawsuit filed in Federal Court in New Jersey on September 2, 2005, by a Georgia woman who had a pulmonary embolism alleges the company promoted the patch despite knowledge of its health risks, for financial gain, while failing to warn of the risks of blood clots and other injuries.

The parents of a 14-year-old girl from Wisconsin have filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson because they claim that she died from a blood clot that arose from her use of the patch.[24]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Trussell J . 2011. Contraceptive efficacy. Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Nelson AL, Cates Jr W, Kowal D, Policar MS . Contraceptive technology. 20th revised. New York. Ardent Media. 978-1-59708-004-0. 0091-9721. 781956734. 779–863. Table 26–1 = Table 3–2 Percentage of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy during the first year of typical use and the first year of perfect use of contraception, and the percentage continuing use at the end of the first year. United States.
  2. Web site: Evra transdermal patch - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) . (emc) . 26 June 2020 . 4 July 2020 . 24 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201024122318/https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6794/smpc . dead .
  3. Book: Trussell J . 2007 . Contraceptive Efficacy . Hatcher RA . Contraceptive Technology . 19th rev. . New York . Ardent Media . 978-0-9664902-0-6 . http://www.contraceptivetechnology.com/table.html . etal . registration .
  4. Book: Nanda K, Burke A . Contraceptive patch and vaginal contraceptive ring. . Hatcher RA, Nelson AL, Trussell J, Cwiak C, Cason P, Policar MS, Edelman A, Aiken AR, Marrazzo J, Kowal D . Contraceptive Technology . twentieth . Ardent Media, Inc. . Atlanta, Georgia . 2011 . 272 . 978-1-59708-004-0 .
  5. Web site: Xulane- norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol patch . DailyMed . 19 April 2017 . 17 February 2020.
  6. Web site: FDA Approves Agile Therapeutics, Inc.'s Twirla (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) Transdermal System – A New Weekly Contraceptive Patch Delivering a 30 mcg Daily Dose of Estrogen and 120 mcg Daily Dose of Progestin . Agile Therapeutics . 14 February 2020 . 17 February 2020.
  7. Web site: Evra Product information . Health Canada . 2018-06-21 . 17 February 2020.
  8. Web site: Evra transdermal patch - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) . (emc) . 29 November 2018 . 17 February 2020 . 7 November 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171107020253/https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/12124 . dead .
  9. Web site: Evra EPAR . European Medicines Agency . 17 September 2018 . 18 February 2020.
  10. Web site: Planned Parenthood . Birth Control Patch (Ortho Evra). . 3 February 2011 .
  11. Sibai BM, Odlind V, Meador ML, Shangold GA, Fisher AC, Creasy GW . A comparative and pooled analysis of the safety and tolerability of the contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra/Evra) . Fertility and Sterility . 77 . 2 Suppl 2 . S19–S26 . February 2002 . 11849632 . 10.1016/S0015-0282(01)03264-2 . free .
  12. Zieman M, Guillebaud J, Weisberg E, Shangold GA, Fisher AC, Creasy GW . Contraceptive efficacy and cycle control with the Ortho Evra/Evra transdermal system: the analysis of pooled data . Fertility and Sterility . 77 . 2 Suppl 2 . S13–S18 . February 2002 . 11849631 . 10.1016/S0015-0282(01)03275-7 . free .
  13. Web site: Janssen-Cilag . Janssen-Cilag . January 26, 2007 . Evra Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) . 2007-07-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070928060133/http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/assets/c/html/displaydoc.asp?documentid=12125 . September 28, 2007 . dead .
  14. Medpage Today. Evidence on Ortho Evra Patch Thrombosis Risk Is Contradictory . Published February 17, 2006.
  15. Cole JA, Norman H, Doherty M, Walker AM . Venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke among transdermal contraceptive system users . Obstetrics and Gynecology . 109 . 2 Pt 1 . 339–346 . February 2007 . 17267834 . 10.1097/01.AOG.0000250968.82370.04 . 1572286 .
  16. Jick S, Kaye JA, Li L, Jick H . Further results on the risk of nonfatal venous thromboembolism in users of the contraceptive transdermal patch compared to users of oral contraceptives containing norgestimate and 35 microg of ethinyl estradiol . Contraception . 76 . 1 . 4–7 . July 2007 . 17586129 . 10.1016/j.contraception.2007.03.003 .
  17. Pitsavos C, Stefanadis C, Toutouzas P . Contraception in women at high risk or with established cardiovascular disease . Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences . 900 . 1 . 215–227 . 2000 . 10818409 . 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2000.tb06233.x . 45035196 . 2000NYASA.900..215P .
  18. https://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01781.html FDA Approves Update to Label on Birth Control Patch
  19. Stewart FH, Kaunitz AM, Laguardia KD, Karvois DL, Fisher AC, Friedman AJ . Extended use of transdermal norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol: a randomized trial . Obstetrics and Gynecology . 105 . 6 . 1389–1396 . June 2005 . 15932834 . 10.1097/01.AOG.0000160430.61799.f6 . 8831803 .
  20. Web site: Ortho Evra (Contraceptive Patch). . https://web.archive.org/web/20121015203449/http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ortho-evra/MY01006/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect . 15 October 2012 . Mayo Clinic . 2010 . 3 February 2011 .
  21. Web site: What is spermicide? . Picaboo.biz . 2020-05-29 . 2020-07-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200728052450/https://picaboo.biz/what-is-spermicide-and-what-effects-does-it-have-on-our-body/ . dead .
  22. Rivera R, Yacobson I, Grimes D . The mechanism of action of hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine contraceptive devices . American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology . 181 . 5 Pt 1 . 1263–1269 . November 1999 . 10561657 . 10.1016/S0002-9378(99)70120-1 .
  23. Web site: Tim . 2006-10-26 . FDA warns of contraceptive patch dangers - Parker & Waichman . 2024-04-06 . Parker Waichman LLP . en-US.
  24. Web site: Family sues birth control maker over death of daughter, 14 . Schott K, Foley RJ . The La Crosse Tribune . The Associated Press . https://web.archive.org/web/20081026135427/http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2005/11/18/news/00lead.txt . 26 October 2008 . 18 November 2005 .