Health Conditions

Contraindications

Women who are pregnant should not use contraceptive patches. The patch should also be avoided by women who have or have ever had:

• Blood clots or a clotting disorder
• Breast cancer
• Diabetes that has damaged small blood vessels
• Endometrial cancer
• Heart disease
• Impaired liver function
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes) with pregnancy or with previous COC use
• Liver cancer
• Migraines or other chronic severe headaches
• Unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Very high blood pressure

Precautions

Women with any of the following should use contraceptive patches with caution:

• Active gallbladder disease
• Age over 35 years and a heavy smoker (15 or more cigarettes a day)
• Age over 40 years with another risk factor for heart disease
• Age over 45 years without risk factors for heart disease
• Allergies to adhesives (such as those used for adhesive bandages)
• Breast-feeding
• Depression or a history of depression
• High cholesterol
• Prolonged periods of inactivity (such as bed rest after major surgery)
• Use of some anticonvulsant, antibiotic, or antifungal drugs without other forms of contraception

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.