Contraceptive patch
Before using this medication, read this card and the instruction leaflet inside the box.
Tell your doctor you’re using the contraceptive patch if you need other medicines or treatment.
Make sure you’ve told us about any allergies or medical conditions you have and any other medicines you take before you start this contraception.
It’s rare for the patch to have a serious impact on your health. But if you have any of these symptoms, remove the patch and see a doctor immediately:
painful swelling of one leg
chest pain, trouble breathing or coughing up blood
numbness or weakness in your arm or leg
a migraine for the first time
How to use the patch
Stick the patch onto your skin. Choose an area that’s clean, dry, and doesn’t have much hair.
Change the patch for a new one after 7 days.
Use the patch like this for 3 weeks and then have a break for 7 days. During this break, you’ll have period-like bleeding called a withdrawal bleed.
It’s also completely safe to choose how often you bleed, by using the patch without having a break or taking a break less often, as long as you put on a new patch every 7 days.
When does the patch start working?
It’s my first time using the patch
If you put your first patch on during the first 5 days of your period, it will start working straight away and prevent pregnancy. If you start the patch at any other time, use condoms or do not have sex until you’ve worn the patch for 7 days in a row.
I’m already using the patch
As long as you change the patch every 7 days, your next patch will start working straight away. If you want advice on switching contraception methods, text our team.
Repeat prescription
If repeat prescriptions are available, we’ll text you to remind you to order 2 weeks before this contraception runs out.
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