Ortho-Evra patch. Can I cut it?

Hi all!

Does anyone know if the Ortho_Evra birth control patch can be cut in half? I'm trying to wean off of BCPs, because of endometriosis issues. This is done on my own, as I can't find a doctor who will help me.

Laura

Laura,

Who originally prescribed your patch for you? Have you tried asking your pharmacist if it would be possible to cut it? I understand your concerns about endometriosis and using estrogen so I'm confused that you said you can't find a doctor who will help you.

There was a topic in this Jungle recently about cutting estrogen patches that might help you determine if it can be done but it would be better to check with your pharmacist or doctor first just to be 100% sure.

Cutting Patches

s to you!

I guess I should explain more. I've been to two different gyns, who both say the only thing I need is birth control pill or patch. This will cure all my trouble. However, I"m having side effects, and I know my endo is coming back, but my gyn keeps telling me bcps are safe for endo.

I'd like to try a no hormone route to see if it will kill the endo. My doctor say's I'm going to end up feeling awful, and I am silly for even considering being without hormones.

So I"m trying this on my own.

Laura

My gyn told me that the bests thing to treat my endo was to completely cut off estrogen. He suggested Lupron. 1 shot every month for 6 monthes. Lack of est. greatly reduces the endo - downfalls - temp fix and causes menopause because no estrogen. Periods start again after you stop the shots.

Good Luck

Hi (((Laura))) The Ortho Evra patch is a matrix type patch, which means that technically, you could cut it... of course the manufacturer doesn't say that in their prescribing information (but then neither do the mfrs for Vivelle dot or Climara, and it's pretty well known that those matrix patches can be cut as well). So, you are doing it *at your own risk*, but I'm not sure what the downside would be. Of course, the reservoir type patches are a whole different story... those cannot be cut at all.

I hope this helps!
s,
-Linda