ethinyl estradiol + norelgestromin

Ethinyl estradiol + norelgestromin is a transdermal contraceptive patch containing two active hormones: ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norelgestromin (a progestin). It is primarily used for the prevention of pregnancy. The patch works by inhibiting ovulation (preventing the release of an egg from the ovary), thickening cervical mucus to block sperm entry into the uterus, and altering the endometrial lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation. The medication is applied as a skin patch once weekly for three consecutive weeks followed by a one-week patch-free interval. It may be less effective in individuals with a body weight over 198 pounds (90 kg) or BMI ≥30 kg/m²[1][2][3][4][5]. Common side effects include headache, nausea, breast tenderness, and irregular uterine bleeding.

Brand names

Ortho EvraXulaneZafemyEvra

Other names

norelgestromin/ethinylestradiolnorelgestromin-ethinyl estradiol