Transdermal hormonal contraception: benefits and risks

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Aug;197(2):134.e1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.04.027.

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery systems have been available in the United States for >20 years. Since the introduction of the first transdermal patch (scopolamine) for the treatment of motion sickness, >35 transdermal patch products have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for a variety of indications that include hormone replacement therapy, nicotine replacement therapy, chronic pain (fentanyl), angina (nitroglycerin), hypertension (clonidine), and more recently, overactive bladder (oxybutynin), and contraception (ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin). Clinical data demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the contraceptive patch; however, concerns regarding estrogen levels and reports of venous thromboembolism led to the development of 2 epidemiologic studies and, subsequently, revised product labeling. Despite this, the contraceptive patch may be an appropriate option for some patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adhesiveness
  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / administration & dosage*
  • Contraceptives, Oral / administration & dosage
  • Drug Combinations
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / administration & dosage*
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / adverse effects
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / pharmacokinetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Norgestrel / administration & dosage
  • Norgestrel / adverse effects
  • Norgestrel / analogs & derivatives*
  • Norgestrel / pharmacokinetics
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Venous Thrombosis / chemically induced

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Female
  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Drug Combinations
  • Ortho Evra
  • Norgestrel
  • Ethinyl Estradiol