The Zafemy birth control patch is a form of routine birth control for women that helps prevent pregnancy.

Once applied, Zafemy releases a combination of ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin through the skin. Ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic estrogen and norelgestromin is a synthetic progesterone. Together, these hormones prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach your eggs. They may also prevent your uterus lining from thickening, making it hard for a fertilized egg to implant.

Always follow the instruction packet that comes with every box of Zafemy patches.

You place a patch on your upper outer arm, abdomen, buttock, or back in a place that won't get rubbed by tight clothing. You should not place it on your breasts or on irritated or cut skin. 

Generally, each Zafemy patch works for seven days (one week). You replace a patch each week for three weeks, then do not wear a patch on the fourth week. Expect to have your period during the fourth week. Then you begin the cycle again, applying a new patch at the end of the fourth week. You should remove your existing patch every seven days on the same day of the week, and apply a new patch to a different area each time to avoid skin irritation. 

To apply the patch, make sure your skin is clean and dry. Do not use lotions, creams, oils, powders, or make-up at the patch site. It may cause the patch to fail to stick properly or to become loose. Never cut, damage, or alter the patch in any way. Only wear one patch at a time, and check that your patch is still adhered every day. Never go more than 7 consecutive days without wearing a patch or using another form of birth control. To apply the patch, gently remove the patch and its plastic cover together, then use your fingernail to peel away half of the clear plastic. Apply the sticky side to your skin and press firmly on it with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds, making sure all areas adhere to the skin. Run your fingers over the entire patch to smooth out any wrinkles.

If you don't currently use any hormonal birth control, you can apply your first patch during the first 24 hours of your menstrual period or on the first Sunday after your menstrual period begins. If you currently use hormonal contraception, when you start using the patch depends on the type of birth control. You typically begin Zafemy when you would normally start the next cycle of your current birth control. For example, if you take combination birth control pills, you should complete your current pill cycle and apply the patch when you would normally start your next pill.

You should always speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about starting or using Zafemy. Talking about your sexual health doesn't have to be uncomfortable. Cue makes it easy to chat with a qualified physician from the comfort of your home. Take your sexual and reproductive health into your own hands through discreet communication and e-prescriptions.

Each Zafemy (norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system) patch releases 150 mcg of norelgestromin and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol per day. Each carton contains 3 patches (systems) for a one-month supply.

Do not use Zafemy  if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Cigarette smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from combination hormonal contraceptives, including death from heart attack, blood clots, or stroke. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes you smoke. Do not use Zafemy if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. You may be at a higher risk of blood clots than women with a BMI below 30. Zafemy may be less effective in women who weigh 198 lbs or more.

Do not use Zafemy if you have or have had blood clots or problems that increase your risk of blood clots,breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancer, liver tumors or liver disease, undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding. 

Hormones from Zafemy are absorbed into your bloodstream and are processed differently by your body than hormones from birth control pills. You will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen when using Zafemy than if you used a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen.¹ In general, increased estrogen may increase the risk of side effects.

Zafemy birth control patch side effects may include skin irritation at the application site, headache, nausea or vomiting, breast tenderness, and mood changes. You may also experience irregular bleeding (spotting) during the first few months of use.

You should always speak with your clinician if you notice any ongoing side effects or have questions. Our clinicians will check the information in your profile to see if this medication is likely to cause any interactions with other medications you may be taking. Some medicines and grapefruit juice may increase your level of the hormone ethinyl estradiol if used together, including:
• Acetaminophen
• Ascorbic acid
• Medicines that affect how your liver breaks down other medicines (itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, and fluconazole)
• Certain HIV medications (atazanavir, indinavir)
• Atorvastatin
• Rosuvastatin
• Etravirine

Hormonal birth control methods may interact with lamotrigine, an anti-seizure medicine used for epilepsy. This may increase the risk of seizures, so your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dose of lamotrigine. Women on thyroid replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone.

Certain medications may also interact with Zafemy to make it less effective, such as:
• Certain seizure medicines (carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rufinamide, and topiramate)
• Aprepitant
• Barbiturates
• Bosentan
• Griseofulvin
• Certain combinations of HIV medicines (nelfinavir, ritonavir, ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors)
• Certain non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nevirapine)
• Rifampin and rifabutin
• St. John’s wort

Call your healthcare provider or visit an emergency care clinic right away if you have leg pain that does not go away; sudden shortness of breath; sudden vision loss; severe pain or pressure in your chest; sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches; weakness or numbness in an arm or leg; trouble speaking; or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

For a full list of side effects, interactions, and contraindications, please visit medlineplus.gov.

Prescription medications are not currently available in the following states: Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and West Virginia. This list is subject to change.