Abstract
Combination hormonal contraception, particularly the oral contraceptive, is one of the most widely used reversible methods worldwide. However, improper use contributes significantly to unintended pregnancy. The purpose of this article is to review relevant clinical data to support the use of the transdermal contraceptive patch as a method of birth control. The transdermal contraceptive patch provides a weekly dosing approach without sacrificing efficacy. The frequency of side effects is similar to that experienced by oral contraceptive users, although certain side effects, for example, breast tenderness and skin irritation, are more common among patch users. Although there has been concern that the transdermal contraceptive patch may be associated with higher rates of venous thromboembolism than other combination contraceptive methods, study results are not consistent, and the rates of venous thromboembolism are significantly lower than those experienced by pregnant women.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
Ronald T Burkman has served as a consultant and received research support from the Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Company, Raritan, NJ, USA. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.