Missed Birth Control - Birth Control Patch (EVRA™)

In order for any birth control to be effective, it needs to be taken as directed. Timing and consistency are key! This fact sheet is to help you get back on track if you are late in removing or applying a patch or if the patch falls off.

Please note that these are only recommendations. You should consult your health care provider if you have any additional questions or concerns.

My patch has been off for less than 24 hours :

1. Reapply the patch or put a new patch on as soon as possible.
2. Your patch change day will remain the same.
3. Make a cycle of 3 patches.

My patch has been off for more than 24 hours:

During week 1

Your patch has been off for 24 hours or less:

1. Apply a new patch as soon as possible.
2. Keep it on until your next scheduled patch change day.
3. Make a cycle of 3 patches.
4. Use back-up birth control (i.e. condoms) for the next 7 days and consider using emergency contraception (Plan B™).

During week 2 or 3

Your patch has been off for less than 72 hours (3 days):

1. Apply a new patch as soon as possible.
2. Keep your same patch change day.
3. Finish the cycle of patches and start a new cycle of 3 patches with no patch-free week.

Your patch has been off for more than 72 hours (3 days):

1. Apply a new patch as soon as possible.
2. Keep your same patch change day.
3. Finish the cycle of patches and start a new cycle of 3 patches with no patch-free week.
4. Use back-up birth control (i.e. condoms) for 7 days and consider using emergency contraception (Plan B™).

If you forget to take the patch off (the patch works for up to 9 days):

If patch 3 is on for more than 9 days:

This is the patch-free week and will not decrease the effectiveness of the patch unless worn past the next patch cycle.

If patch 1 or 2 is on for 9 to 12 days:

1. Apply a new patch.
2. Keep the same patch change day.
3. Finish the cycle of patches and start a new cycle of patches without a patch-free week.

If patch 1 or 2 is on for 12 or more days:

1. Apply a new patch.
2. Keep the same patch change day.
3. Finish the cycle of patches and start a new cycle of patches without a patch-free week.
4. Use back up birth control (i.e. condoms) for 7 days and consider using emergency contraception (Plan B).

Still not sure what to do?

• Visit the Sexuality and U website.
• Call the KFL&A Public Health Sexual Health Information Line.

 Reference:

• Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. "Missed Hormonal Contraceptives: New Recommendations". November 2008.