Ortho Evra® Birth Control Patch Side Effects

The following are some possible Ortho Evra® birth control patch side effects. Though a number of adverse reactions have been linked to use of combination hormonal contraceptives, most are fairly uncommon. Please consult your doctor or the prescribing information included in your Ortho Evra® prescription for more information. To learn more about the life-threatening conditions associated with use of the Ortho Evra® patch, go to our Serious Risks page.

Common Ortho Evra® Side Effects

According to the manufacturer of Ortho Evra®, the most common side effects of the birth control patch are:

Breast symptoms
Headache
Application site reaction
Nausea
Upper respiratory infection
Menstrual cramps
Abdominal pain

Adverse Reactions Associated with Use of Combination Hormonal Contraceptives

The following adverse reactions have been associated with the use of combination hormonal contraceptives in general. Women who are using the Ortho Evra® birth control patch should take note of these possible side effects:

Nausea
Vomiting
Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating)
Breakthrough bleeding
Spotting
Change in menstrual flow
Amenorrhea
Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment
Edema
Melasma which may persist
Breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, secretion
Increase or decrease in weight
Change in cervical erosion and secretion
Diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum
Cholestatic jaundice
Migraine
Rash (allergic)
Depression
Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates
Vaginal candidiasis
Change in corneal curvature (steepening)
Intolerance to contact lenses

Adverse Reactions that may be linked to Use of Combination Hormonal Contraceptives

The following adverse reactions have been reported in women who are taking hormonal contraceptives. However, a cause and effect association has never been proven:

Pre-menstrual syndrome
Cataracts
Changes in appetite
Cystitis-like syndrome
Headache
Nervousness
Dizziness
Hirsutism
Loss of scalp hair
Erythema multiforme
Erythema nodosum
Hemorrhagic eruption
Vaginitis
Porphyria
Impaired renal function
Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Acne
Changes in libido
Colitis
Budd-Chiari Syndrome

Serious Risks

For information about serious risks associated with use of the Patch, go to our Serious Risks page.

For more information about Ortho Evra® birth control patch side effects, please talk to your doctor. If you have experienced serious health problems as a result of using the patch, contact the firm of Douglas & London for legal counsel.