Does Removal Of Evra Patch For Few Minutes Lessen Its Efficacy?

Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014

Question: I am on the evra patch. I applied my patch this morning as it is my patch change day. It is my first patch after my withdrawal bleed. I have had the patch on all day (15 hours) but noticed it has wrinkled slightly. I know slight wrinkles do not make the patch less effective. The wrinkle was uncomfortable and bugging me so I took that patch off and replaced it in a different area with a new patch. The patch was off my skin for a maximum of 5 minutes. I know any other time this would be fine, for example on my week 2 but I just want to know I haven’t compromised any effectiveness since it was my week 1 patch change day.

Answered by Dr. Srilatha Myaka (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
your contraception is not compromise

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear
I can understand your concerns
In my option what ever you have done it not going to affect your contraception.
Patch site reactions are seen in 17% of women and its not a serious condition.
You responded aptly for the situation and since the window period is only five minutes there is nothing to worry.
If the window period more than 24 hours its advisable to shift to other contraception methods like barrier method.
Relax and enjoy your life
Kindly write back to us for any further info
Regards
Dr.sree

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Srilatha Myaka (11 minutes later)

Thank you.

I did not have a patch site reaction so im unsure of what this had to do with my question?

I was only worried because this is the first day of week 1 of a new cycle with the patch. Does this make no difference as it was not detached for more than 24 hours?.

So I do not need to use back up contraception for a week? I have the new patch in a new location.

Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Srilatha Myaka (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear
Patch site reactions are of different types ranging from mild wrinkling to severe erythematous reactions.
It might be a very mild type of reaction.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Srilatha Myaka (4 minutes later)

ah I see now.

could you answer my other 2 questions please?

many thanks!

Answered by Dr. Srilatha Myaka (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no need of any back up contraception

Detailed Answer:
hi dear
there is no need of any other back up contraception.
usually the ovulation will be around 14 th day from the starting of new cycle.
so there is no chance of ovulation at the end of first week.
At the same time there is no loss of continuation of the contraception.
you are following the method perfectly.
so just relax and enjoy your life.
hope this satisfies your query.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj