Evra is an effective weekly hormonal birth control patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. The patch is worn for 1 week at a time and is replaced on the same day of the week for 3 weeks in a row. The fourth week, no patch is worn and the woman has her period.

The Patch is a very thin, beige patch. Studies show it is 99% effective when used correctly. Evra prevents pregnancy the same way the birth control pill does. It works by preventing ovulation. Evra may be less effective in women with body weight greater than 198 lbs.

Common side effects are breast tenderness, headache and nausea. The patch is applied to either the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (not on the breasts) or upper outer arm.

Evra can be worn while in the shower, swimming, hot tubs, saunas and while exercising. It does not come off.

The cost will be more than birth control pills at this time. Please contact the Public Health Clinic Services at 519-355-1071 ext. 5901 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca your family doctor or nurse practitioner for further information.