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Ethinyl estradiol is a form of estrogen and norelgestromin is a form of progesterone. These are both female hormones involved in conception. The ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin topical patch releases estrogen and progesterone that are absorbed directly through the skin.

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin is used to prevent pregnancy.

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Special precautions

Do not use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin without first talking to your doctor if you have or have had:

• blood clots in your legs (thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or eyes;

• chest pain (angina pectoris), heart attack, severe high blood pressure, or disease of the heart valves with complications;

• stroke;

• diabetes with complications of the kidneys, nerves or blood vessels;

• yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or with prior use of hormonal birth control;

• liver tumors or liver disease;

• headaches with neurological symptoms;

• any type of breast, uterine, cervix, vaginal or other hormone-dependent cancer;

• unexplained vaginal bleeding;

• need an extended period of bed rest due to surgery or illness; or

• Heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and over age 35.

Before using ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin, tell your doctor if you have a family history of breast cancer; breast nodules; fibrocystic disease; abnormal breast x-ray; or abnormal mammogram; diabetes; high cholesterol; high blood pressure; heart disease; liver disease; kidney disease; gallbladder disease; migraines or other headaches; epilepsy; a history of depression; a history of scanty or irregular menstrual periods; smoke cigarettes; or need an extended period of bed rest due to surgery or illness.

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin is in the FDA pregnancy category X.

This means that ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin if you are pregnant.

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin may decrease milk flow and have other effects on milk composition. Do not use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• sharp chest pain, coughing blood or sudden shortness of breath (possible blood clot in the lung);

• pain in the calf (possible blood clot in the leg);

• crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (possible heart attack);

• sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, faintness or problems with vision or speech, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg (possible stroke);

• sudden partial or complete loss of vision (possible clot in the eye);

• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), especially with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark colored urine, or light colored bowel movements (possible liver problems);

• severe pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen (gallbladder or liver problems);

• irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting that happens in more than 1 menstrual cycle or lasts for more than a few days;

• swelling (edema) of the fingers or ankles; or

• Severe problems with difficulty sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, or a change in mood (possible severe depression).

• New or changing breast lumps.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache or dizziness;

• changes in menstrual cycle or breast tenderness;

• changes in weight or appetite;

• water retention;

• intolerance to contact lenses;

• changes in skin color; or

• Changes in blood sugar.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.