The transdermal contraceptive system

The transdermal contraceptive system or contraceptive patch (Ortho EVRA, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Raritan, NJ), approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2001, is a novel combination hormonal contraceptive that contains the hormones norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol. In clinical trials, the contraceptive patch was shown to have comparable safety and efficacy with that of oral contraceptives (OCs), and results indicated that the women who used the patch did so more correctly and consistently than those who used OCs. The enhanced patient compliance may be due to the once-a-week dosing and relative ease of use of this system. The transdermal delivery approach minimizes the "peaks and troughs" of hormone concentrations associated with daily oral administration and avoids hepatic first-pass metabolism. Side effects are similar to those seen with OCs with the exception of application site reactions that are obviously unique to transdermal delivery. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.