Explain how to remove the patch from the pouch and remove backing

• Explain that she should tear the foil pouch along the edge.
• She should then pull out the patch and peel away the backing without touching the sticky surface.

Show her where and how to apply the patch

• Explain that she can apply it on the upper outer arm, back, stomach, abdomen, or buttocks, wherever it is clean and dry, but not on the breasts.
• She must press the sticky, medicated part against her skin for 10 seconds. She should run her finger along the edge to make sure it sticks.
• The patch will stay on even during work, exercise, swimming, and bathing.

She must change the patch every week for 3 weeks in a row

• She should apply each new patch on the same day of each week—the “patch-change day.” For example, if she puts on her first patch on a Sunday, all of her patches should be applied on a Sunday.
• Explain that to avoid irritation, she should not apply the new patch to the same place on the skin where the previous patch was.

She should not wear a patch on the fourth week

She will probably have monthly bleeding this week.

After the patch-free week, she should apply a new patch

She should never go without wearing a patch for more than 7 days. Doing so risks pregnancy.

Supporting the user

Instructions for Late Removal or Replacement

Forgot to apply a new patch at the start of any patch cycle (during week one)?

Apply a new patch as soon as possible.

Record this day of the week as the new patch-change day.

Use a backup method for the first 7 days of patch use. Backup methods include abstinence, male and female condoms, spermicides, and withdrawal.

Tell her that spermicides and withdrawal are the least effective contraceptive methods.

If possible, give her condoms.

Also, if the new patch was applied 3 or more days late (patch was left off for 10 days or more in a row) and she had unprotected sex in the past 5 days, consider taking emergency contraceptive pills (see Emergency Contraceptive Pills).

If late by 1 or 2 days (up to 48 hours):

− Apply a new patch as soon as remembered

− Keep the same patch-change day

− No need for a backup method

If late by more than 2 days (more than 48 hours):

− Stop the current cycle and start a new 4-week cycle by applying a new patch immediately

− Record this day of the week as the new patch-change day

− Use a backup method for the first 7 days of patch use 

Remove the patch.

Start the next cycle on the usual patch-change day.

No need for a backup method.