Zafemy

Zafemy is a prescription birth control patch used to help prevent pregnancy in patients with a BMI below 30 kg/m² when combined hormonal birth control is appropriate. It contains norelgestromin, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, and is a generic for Ortho Evra.

• Zafemy is a combined hormonal contraceptive worn on the skin.
• It mainly works by preventing ovulation.
• It also changes cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
• The patch delivers approximately 150 mcg of norelgestromin and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol each day.
• A new patch is generally used each week for 3 weeks, followed by 1 patch-free week.
• Zafemy does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

A healthcare provider will determine whether Zafemy is appropriate for you.

Zafemy is worn on the skin and follows a 4-week schedule. Apply one new patch each week for 3 weeks, changing it on the same day each week. During Week 4, you do not wear a patch.

• Wear only one Zafemy patch at a time.
• Apply it to the upper outer arm, abdomen, buttock, or back - not the breasts.
• Do not cut or alter the patch.
• Check regularly that the patch is securely attached to your skin.
• Do not go longer than 7 consecutive days without a patch between cycles.
• Special instructions apply if a patch becomes loose, falls off, or you forget to change it.

Common side effects can include breast discomfort, nausea or vomiting, headache, skin reactions where the patch is applied, abdominal pain, changes in menstrual bleeding, and mood changes. Not everyone experiences the same effects, and this is not a complete list.

• Combined hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk of serious blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
• Seek urgent medical care for sudden shortness of breath, severe chest pain, persistent leg pain, sudden vision loss, or sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking.
• People over age 35 who smoke cigarettes should not use Zafemy because smoking increases serious cardiovascular risk.
• Zafemy should not be used by patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher because of increased blood-clot risk.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop significant new or worsening headaches.

See Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information.

Zafemy requires a prescription, and your provider should review whether this type of birth control is appropriate for you. Tell them your height and weight, whether you smoke, and if you have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart problems, migraines, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver problems, breast cancer, or unexplained bleeding. Also mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent childbirth, upcoming surgery, long periods of limited movement, and all medicines or supplements you take.

Zafemy should not be used if your BMI is 30 kg/m² or higher because the risk of serious blood clots may be increased. Separately, the prescribing information states that Zafemy may be less effective in people who weigh 198 lb (90 kg) or more. These are two different considerations. Your healthcare provider can review your height, weight, and medical history before prescribing Zafemy.

What to do depends on how long the patch has been partly or completely detached. If it has been off for less than 1 day, it can generally be reapplied or replaced. If it has been off for more than 1 day - or you are not sure how long - pregnancy protection may be reduced, and backup contraception may be needed for 7 days. Follow the Patient Information for exact instructions.

No. Do not use tape, wraps, or other adhesives to hold a Zafemy patch in place. If the patch is no longer sticky, has folded onto itself, or will not stay fully attached, follow the Patient Information for replacing it. Check your patch regularly to make sure all edges remain securely attached.

The next steps depend on which week of your cycle you are in and how late the patch change is. In some situations, you may need to start a new cycle and use backup contraception for 7 days. Apply the instructions in the Patient Information for the specific week rather than extending the patch-free time or guessing when to restart.

Yes. Some medicines and herbal products can lower hormone levels and reduce pregnancy protection. Examples include certain seizure medicines, rifampin or rifabutin, and St. John’s wort. Some interactions require backup contraception. Zafemy can also affect other medicines, including lamotrigine, so tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about everything you take.

Zafemy contains estrogen, which may reduce breast milk production. The prescribing information recommends considering another birth control method while breastfeeding when possible. If you recently gave birth or are breastfeeding, tell your healthcare provider before starting Zafemy because the safest timing and contraceptive choice depend on your individual situation.

ZAFEMY - norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol patch / Source: DailyMed

Link: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5ee34c07-65af-42b8-a98f-e299ff90a8a1 / Published: April 30, 2022