Side Effects of Ortho Evra

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By Isabel Prontes
eHow Contributing Writer

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Ortho Evra is commonly known as the birth control patch contraceptive method. Women who take Ortho Evra apply the birth control patch once a week, three weeks in a row. Then on the fourth week of the cycle, the woman goes patch free for the entire duration of the seven days. It is a very popular birth control method, following the birth control pill. As with any kinds of medication, there are several side effects that are associated with taking Ortho Evra birth control patch.

Common Side Effects

The manufacturers of Ortho Evra state that there are several side effects that come about as a result of taking the birth control patch, that usually tend to decrease with time. Some of these common Ortho Evra side effects include skin reactions on the location of the patch medication, breast symptoms (such as breast pain and tenderness), nausea, vomiting, headaches, menstrual cramps and upper respiratory infections.

Life Threatening Side Effects

There are more serious side effects associated with taking Ortho Evra, some of which can even be fatal. These extremely serious side effects are strokes, heart attacks and blood clots. If you experience any of these adverse reactions as a result of using the birth control patch, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Warning

Women who smoke cigarettes have a greater chance of experiencing negative side effects as a result of using Ortho Evra birth control patch (this problem increases especially with women over thirty-five years in age). Women who use hormonal contraception such as Ortho Evra and the birth control patch are strongly discouraged from smoking.

Serious Side Effects

There are other side effects associated with Ortho Evra that are not typically fatal, but are reasons to contact your physician immediately. These side effects are migraine headaches (or changes in migraine headaches), headaches, confusion, sudden weakness or numbness (usually one one side of the body only), loss of appetite, stomachaches, breast lumps, insomnia, depression, jaundice (yellowness of the eyes or the skin), chest pain or feelings of heaviness, excess sweating, pain behind the eyes, vision and speech issues, and ankle, feet or hand swelling.

Minor Side Effects

There are some less serious side effects of Ortho Evra that are not as common in users. These side effects are darkening of the skin on the face and freckles, loss of scalp hair, increased growth of hair, issues with wearing contact lenses, nervousness, fatigue, dizziness, weight or appetite changes, menstrual period changes and sex drive changes (either increases or decreases - though usually decreases) and others.