Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin (transdermal)

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin (transdermal) [ EH-thi-nil-ESS-tra-DYE-ol-and-nor-ell-JESS-tro-min ]
Brand names: Xulane, Ortho Evra, Zafemy
Dosage form: transdermal film, extended release (35 mcg-150 mcg/24 hr)
Drug class:Contraceptives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 11, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin transdermal?

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin transdermal (skin patch) is a combination birth control that is used to prevent pregnancy.

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

You should not use this medicine if you have: uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart problems, coronary artery disease, health problems caused by diabetes, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe migraine headaches (especially if you are older than 35), if you have a BMI of 30 or higher, if you also take certain hepatitis C medication, if you will have major surgery, if you smoke and are over 35, or if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, a blood clot, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Using hormonal birth control can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.

Smoking can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You should not use this medicine if you smoke and are older than 35 years of age.

Before taking this medicine

Using hormonal birth control can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or if you are overweight. Your risk of stroke or blood clot is highest during your first year of using birth control. Your risk is also high when you restart this medicine after not using for 4 weeks or longer.

Smoking can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Your risk increases the older you are and the more you smoke. You should not use this medicine if you smoke and are over 35 years old.

Your risk of serious blood clot may be higher with the use of birth control skin pa...