Patch approved in EU

Published: 18-Sep-2002


A new prescription birth control method has been approved by the European Commission. The first birth control patch, EVRA (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system), combines the effectiveness of the pill with the ease of once-a-week dosing.

The thin patch is applied to the skin and worn for one week at a time and changed on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. The fourth week is 'patch free'. EVRA uses an innovative transdermal system to deliver a continuous flow of hormones through the skin and into the bloodstream to suppress ovulation. Janssen-Cilag Associates expects to launch EVRA during the second half of 2003.

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