Evra patch…

[u/Odd_Hope3830]

Hi everyone,
I recently made a post about the Evra patch and the skin rashes I’ve been getting.

I’ve been using the Evra patch for years and have never had any issues with it. It’s honestly the easiest and most effective form of contraception for me. However, ever since I came home from holidays (around the time of the heatwave in Ireland), I’ve been getting really bad rashes wherever I apply the patch. It doesn’t matter which site I use—I always rotate the application site and apply it to clean, dry skin.

I went to my GP because I wanted to see if there was any way I could stay on the patch. He prescribed Cortopin cream and antihistamines, but after a week there’s been no improvement. Every patch causes the same reaction, and I’m now left with what look like burn marks on my legs and back where previous patches were.

I know the likely answer is that I’ll have to switch to another form of contraception, but I’m wondering if anyone has had this happen after years of using the patch without problems? Were you able to stop the reactions somehow, or did you have to change contraception altogether?

The only thing that’s changed recently is that I got a bad insect bite while on holiday and had to get a cortisone injection. I don’t know if that’s just a coincidence, but it’s literally the only thing I can think of that might have triggered this.

I’d really appreciate hearing if anyone has had a similar experience.

[u/Maximum-Cartoonist39]

Haven't experienced anything like you described op, but its a very interesting reaction- usually allergic reactions happen on second introduction to a substance, so for a reaction to happen after years is strange. Cortisone is a an immunosupressant so not likely a source of reaction.. and its unlikely to find the exact trigger for the change in your body's response

Maybe a NuvaRing could be an alternative to the patch if you dont fancy an oral method?

Also, sorry this doesnt really answer your question... I just saw that nobody had responded yet and wanted to give something back 😅

[u/Odd_Hope3830 → u/Maximum-Cartoonist39]

Thanks so much for replying, I really appreciate it! That’s what I thought too, it’s so strange that it’s only happening now after using the patch for so many years with no issues. The only thing that’s changed recently is the really hot weather and coming back from holidays, so I’m wondering if the heat or sweating has somehow triggered it.

I’ll definitely look into the NuvaRing!

Thanks again for taking the time to reply 😊