Ortho Evra 2

Top 75. Mar 5, 2003 9:51 PM

» ttcweb - Spotting, URI, and tanning

Spotting is a common side effect of many hormonal birth control methods, and the patch is included in the list. The spotting should stop during the first three months of use.

URI, or upper respiratory infections, are common side effects to many medications that contain synthetic hormones (birth control, steroids, etc.). Usually the increased risk of getting an URI decreases the longer you use the medication (or birth control method in this case).

I have not found any information concerning using the patch and tanning beds. The best thing to do would be to contact the makers of Ortho Evra through their web site at http://www.ortho-mcneil.com/orthoevra/co... and fill out the form with your question about tanning beds. It may end up being added to their FAQ.

For additional information about the patch and it's side effects, enroll in Birth Control: Your Options!. You will learn about all of the prescription methods currently available in the US as well as non-prescription methods like condoms and Natural Family Planning.

-- posted by ttcweb

Top 76. Mar 6, 2003 2:19 AM

» inmy20s - Bad side effects from the patch

I have been taking the patch for 2 1/2 months now. My change day is on Sun. I am now discontinuing the use of the patch due to a burning and itching vagina and hair loss and headaches. Should I wait until the burning stops? There is no discharge or any odor. I know it is from the patch. Vaginal problems are listed in the side effects. Are there any safe birth control methods out there? I have also experience alot of hair loss and headaches. With the hair loss I didn't even notice it until I got a trim and was told my hair is falling out....I can't take it anymore...and I can't stay awake I sleep all the time to where I can't get anything done. Is anyone else experiencing these side effects?

-- posted by inmy20s

Top 77. Mar 6, 2003 2:52 AM

» inmy20s - Re: anxiety and hair loss

In response to message posted by hazelwest:

Yes I have had hair loss and alot of breakage, but my hairloss wasn't noticeable like yours. I would only notice it by my hair line and I would find short strands everywhere on my head. It hasn't grown back yet. I've been using the patch for at least 2 1/2 months. And i've decided to stop taking the patch. We as women need our hair. I'm a student also so I know what you mean.

-- posted by inmy20s

Top 78. Mar 10, 2003 10:25 AM

» ttcweb - Re: Bad side effects from the patch

In response to message posted by inmy20s:

I am going to guess that when you asked about 'safe birth control methods' you mean that you are looking for an effective method will little to no side effects. If this is the case, then you do have a few options to choose from. There are condoms (both male and female) that have a very low risk of side effects (usually just alergic reactions to the spermicide or material of the condom), spermicides (foams, jellies, creams), the recently released (in Canada) Today Sponge, and there is also Natural Family Planning and the Fertility Awareness Method.

Which one is best for you depends on the type of relationship you are in, and your lifestyle. The best way to make a choice is to be as informed as possible about all of your options. You can search the web for as much information as you can find about every possible option, or you can take the course Birth Control: Your Options! where I have brought all the information together for you.

Which ever you decide to do, just remember that the more information you have, the better a choice you will be able to make smile

-- posted by ttcweb

Top 79. Mar 10, 2003 2:02 PM

» Raquel78 - Re: Bad side effects from the patch (Hair loss)

I have only been on the patch for a few months. Side effects I have expereienced are: frequent migraines and nauseau.

I have tried many BC methods and want to warn you to never try Depo Provera, a quarterly injection. After the first year of injections, my hair lost about half its thickness! I was on Depo for four years before I connected it with the hair loss.

Three years after discontinuing Depo, my hair is very thin, my hair line has receded and my doctor and dermatologist are clueless as to whether this loss will be permanent. I haven't found any treatment that will restore the thickness. Good luck!

-- posted by Raquel78

Top 80. Mar 11, 2003 7:04 AM

» TSK4137 - Uh, What The HECK Was THAT?

I finished my third patch on Thursday and started my period on Saturday. All was going well until Monday morning when I went to change my sanitary product (took me a while to think of a nice way to put it) and out came this...I have no clue. It was like the size of the egg silly putty comes in. I know that's a random description. No pain, but it was GROSS and seemed to actually be a sac made of SKIN and filled with...stuff.

I brought it to the doctor's office immediately, but they had NO clue what it was. It was sent to pathology and they gave me a blood test to see if it was a miscarriage. I have been on the patch for a month and used backup contraception EVERY time I have had sex. I have been tested for every STD and am negative. I am VERY concerned about whatever just fell out of me yesterday and wondered if anyone else had anything similar happen (on the patch or otherwise).

If this is a side effect, then I'm DEFINITELY stopping the patch.

-- posted by TSK4137

Top 81. Mar 11, 2003 8:34 AM

» scarlett0884 - Re: Uh, What The HECK Was THAT?

In response to message posted by TSK4137:

you poor thing! how incredibly shocking! The only thing I can remotely think of that resembles this is my best friend a few years ago had something to that effect but it was still in her uterus and was causing her pain. I'm not sure of the details but it was like a mass of blood and tissue but not a fetus by any means...she was on Depo Provera though, so I don't know if this relates at all. The doctor removed it I think, and then everything has been perfect since.

Please make sure to post and let us know if you find out what it is!

Take care

-- posted by scarlett0884

Top 82. Mar 11, 2003 9:24 AM

» Phinest - Re: Uh, What The HECK Was THAT?

I am not sure if my experience is the same or not. I was on the depo shot for 4 years and my cycle has not been right since. And because I can go months without having a period, when I do I have blood clots. One morning I was in the shower and a "thing" like you described feel out and just landed at my feet. It was the scariest thing I have ever seen. But the doctors say it was just a blood clot.
Keep us informed!

-- posted by Phinest

Top 83. Mar 12, 2003 3:19 AM

» inmy20s - Re: Re: Bad side effects from the patch (Hair loss)

In response to message posted by Raquel78:

My hair isn't thin yet (praying that it will stay thick) but I do have breakage around the hairline, and I keep finding broken pieces of hair..i've stopped using the patch the side effects for me were a little too much. My friend was on depo and her hair fell out and it's never been the same since...and she used it probably 4 years ago. Her hair is limp and very thin. There are conditioners that you can try like Nexus:Emergency or Humectress. But the Emergency costs around $30 but it works. I'm going to start treatments on my hair and try to catch the damage since i'm the only one that notices the breakage and my mom (hairstylist). Good luck.!

-- posted by inmy20s