[Medication of the month. Evra: first contraceptive transdermal patch].

Evra is a transdermal patch releasing 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 150 micrograms of norelgestromin/day during one week. The circulating levels of steroids attained are of similar amplitude though steadier than after intake of an oral combined low-dose estrogen-progestin pill. The transdermal method is user-friendly and is abided by a high degree of acceptability, and a low level of skin irritability. Its contraceptive effectiveness is similar to that conferred by oral contraceptives except if the treated woman is over 90 kg, in which case Evra should not be prescribed. Cycle control is excellent and similar to that of triphasic pills. Adverse effects and tolerance are comparable to those described with low-dose oral contraceptives with a slight estrogen dominance. Lipid and glucose metabolism as well as coagulation are influenced in the same way. Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting) do not prevent the efficacy of the transdermal patch. Compliance with Evra is significantly higher than with oral combined contraceptives--a major point for an effective contraception. Accordingly, Evra constitutes an useful addition to the current array of contraceptive methods.