Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel Transdermal System (LEVONORGESTREL/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL PATCH - TRANSDERMAL)

Instructions

DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.

Avoid placing the patch near the breast.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Follow the instructions on the package to use this medicine correctly.

This patch should not be cut.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

Do not remove the patch from its package until you are ready to use it.

Remove old patch before applying new one. Change the location of the new patch.

Do not use if the pouch containing the medicine is torn or damaged.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about locations on your body where this patch can be used.

Remove the plastic liner that protects the sticky side of the patch before applying to the skin.

Do not use soap, oils, or alcohol on the area of the skin before applying the patch. Use only water and gently pat dry. Do not rub the skin.

Apply the patch to a clean, dry, hairless area. Avoid skin that is red, scraped, or damaged.

Press the patch firmly for a few seconds to make sure it stays in place.

If the patch does not stick, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not cover the patch with bandage or tape unless instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

After removing the patch, fold it together and discard it out of reach of children and pets.

Do not dispose of a used patch by flushing it into the toilet.

Avoid getting the medicine in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands after touching patch.

Put the patch on a different area each time. Wait at least one week before using the same location again.

You can bathe, swim or shower while wearing the patch.

Clothing should be worn over the patch.

Avoid placing the patch where tight clothing will rub against it.

Check regularly during the day to make sure the patch is firmly stuck to the skin.

This medicine may cause dark patches to appear on your face. Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen lotion to minimize further darkening of these skin patches.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Do not use more than 1 patch at any one time.

Cautions

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Ask your doctor how to do a breast self-exam. Check monthly. Report any changes to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about getting a complete physical exam every year while on this medicine.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your doctor about using an extra form of birth control if you forget any doses of your medicine.

This medicine does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Ask your doctor if patch should be removed before having an MRI scan to avoid serious burns.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• bloating
• breast pain or swelling
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
• nausea and vomiting
• skin irritation where medicine is applied
• weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• breast lumps
• chest or jaw pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• fainting
• severe or persistent headache
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• shortness of breath
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• persistent or unusual thirst
• increased urinary frequency
• cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina
• vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.