Understanding the price of the contraceptive patch is just as important as knowing how to use it. In South Africa, the EVRA patch is one of the most popular brands available for this contraceptive method.

As a guide for South African women, our article is here to help with the following:

1) EVRA patch price
2) How to get it prescribed online
3) Evra patch reviews
4) Everything You Need to Know: Effectiveness, Usage, Placement, Side Effects, and Benefits

What is the price of the EVRA patch?

For one pack of the EVRA patch containing 3 patches, the price can range from R240 to R278. 

The price of the contraceptive patch in South Africa will always vary depending on the pharmacy. To get the most accurate and current price, it is best to check with local pharmacies within South Africa.

What is the contraceptive patch price at Dischem?

The price of the contraceptive patch at Dischem typically ranges between R176.63 and R278.44 per box. Dischem may only prescribe one brand of the contraceptive patch which is EVRA.

For the current pricing, it's always best to check directly with Dischem as this price is usually never advertised online.

 

What is the birth control patch price at Clicks?

The price of the birth control patch EVRA at Clicks Pharmacy is R226.09 as of 2024 for one box. It's important to note that these prices increase every year. For the current pricing, it's always best to check directly with Clicks as this price is usually never advertised online or updated.

 

 

Some Quick facts:

	What is it? The patch is a contraceptive method that sticks to your skin similar to a tiny band-Aid
	Ingredients Contains the hormones estrogen and progestogen (combined contraceptive)
	Effectiveness When used as directed by most people, the patch is quite effective: Perfect use: It is 99.7% effective Typical use: It is 93% effective
	Side Effects Common side effects include nausea, irregular bleeding, and breast tenderness, but these are usually temporary as your body is adjusting to the patch
	Effort You'll need to change the patch once a week
	Simple to Get To buy the patch, you'll need a prescription from your doctor or telehealth service

 

Where can you get the birth control patch?

In person

Since a prescription is required for the birth control patch, you will need to consult with a medical doctor, either through telehealth or in person.

 

Online

If you do not wish to visit a clinic/doctor in person, you can order a prescription for the contraceptive patch at Get My Pill.

1. Choose the Patch: Select this option, head to checkout and answer a few health questions

2. Medical Review: Our licensed healthcare professionals will carefully review your order and issue a prescription if it's safe for you

3. Convenient Options: With your prescription, you can either purchase the  contraceptive patch at your local pharmacy or through our delivery partner, Clicks Pharmacy, with the added benefit of free delivery

 

 

Evra patch reviews

The EVRA patch, like any contraceptive method, may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some reviews from women who have used the patch.

Birth control patch side effect reviews

Review 1

“I've used the Evra patch for the past 2 years and I absolutely love it. I tried out different birth controls, such as the pill and the nuva ring, and it was always horrible. They caused me heavy mood swings and very low sex drive. This has completely changed since I've started using the patch. No mood swings, normal sex drive, no additional weight gain, no more acne, almost no period pain and very short period (only 3 days instead of 7+ days before). The only thing is that the patch gets itchy from time to time, but I change the position every week (on the butt cheek). It always depends how your body reacts to it, but I would definitely recommend to give it a go. Makes your life much more easy” - Momo
Source - WebMD

 

Review 2

“I felt that my mood was impacted and my partner at the time noticed I had become a lot more irritable. I also experienced a lot of headaches which I usually rarely suffer from.” - anonymous 
Source -  The lowdown

 

 

Everything You Need to Know: Effectiveness, Usage, Placement, Side Effects, and Benefits

Is the Birth Control Patch an Effective Prevention Method?

A "prevention patch" is essentially a medical adhesive patch that administers hormones through the skin, designed to prevent pregnancy.

If used correctly and consistently, the birth control patch is regarded as an effective method of preventing pregnancy.

 

How to use the EVRA contraceptive patch

It's essential to understand how the birth control patch works correctly to ensure its effectiveness. 

• 1 patch ---> Lasts one whole week 
• Apply a new patch each week for three weeks

How to use the Evra patch for the first time

You can begin using the birth control patch immediately upon receiving it, regardless of the day of the month or your menstrual cycle phase. Yet, it's important to note that if you apply the patch at certain times, you may require a backup birth control method, such as condoms, for the initial 7 days.

• If you start using the patch within the first 5 days of your period, it will begin working immediately and you will not require backup birth control.
• For example, if you get your period on Monday morning, you can start using the patch at any time until Saturday morning and be protected from pregnancy right away.

It will take seven days to protect you from pregnancy if you begin using the patch at any other point during your menstrual cycle.

How often do I need to put on a new patch?

• New patch: Put a new contraceptive patch on your body every week for three weeks straight on the same day. To prevent irritation, apply every new patch to a different section of skin.
• Patch-free week: After three weeks of using the patch, take a break for one week. During this time, your period will typically occur.
• Repeat: After your patch-free week, start a new cycle by applying a fresh patch. Continue this pattern to maintain contraception.

 

Does the birth control patch stop your period?🩸

To skip your period, use the patch every week. Start a new pack every three weeks without stopping (keep using the patch in the fourth week). This keeps hormones steady in your body, stopping your monthly bleed.

How long after removing the contraceptive patch does the period start?

After removing the contraceptive patch, it's typical for the menstrual period to start within a few days to a week. However, this timing can vary from person to person. Some may experience their period shortly after removal, while for others, it might take a bit longer.

 

Where to put the evra patch?

Another key question would be where to place the birth control patch? 

You can place the EVRA contraceptive patch on any part of your body as long as the skin is clean and dry. Ideal places are the top of your arm or above your waistline (where your clothes won’t rub against it). 

Here are some of the best places to put a birth control patch, as illustrated in the picture below.

      

Avoid the following:

• Placing it in an area where clothing will frequently rub against it, such as next to a bra strap, the top of your pants, or your skin.
• Applying the patch to your breasts as well as any sore or irritated skin.
• An area where you sweat a lot
• Recently shaved or overly hairy areas
• Exposing it to heat sources like saunas, hot tubs, heating pads, etc.

 

 

Side Effects of the EVRA Patch

It's natural to have concerns about the side effects from the birth control patch but It's also important to keep in mind that you're introducing new hormones into your body, so it may take a few months for your system to adapt.

Birth control patch side effects

Skin irritation: Possible redness or irritation at the patch site 🔴

Breast tenderness: Temporary breast changes 🫁

Headaches: Occasional headaches or migraines 🤕

Nausea: Upset stomach, managed with food or alternative methods 🤢

Mood changes: Mood swings, irritability, or libido changes 😠

Menstrual changes: Altered bleeding patterns, usually temporary 🩸

Skin reactions: Rare allergic reactions, seek medical help ⚠️

 

Can the birth control patch cause a rash?

The birth control patch can sometimes cause a rash at the application site. It's a common side effect, showing as redness, itching, or irritation. This happens because some people are sensitive to the patch's adhesive or hormones

Is mood swings a side effect of the birth control patch?

The hormones in the birth control patch, such as estrogen and progestin, can influence neurotransmitters in the brain, which in turn can affect mood. However, it's crucial to differentiate between temporary adjustments as your body adapts to the hormones and more persistent mood changes that might indicate a need to switch to a different contraceptive method.

 

Benefits of using the birth control patch

Here are some of the advantages of using the patch:

• Highly effective: Only a 1% typical failure rate when used correctly.
• Convenience: Requires weekly application, avoiding the need for daily attention like pills.
• Easy application: Simple, at-home application on clean, dry skin; suitable for all activities.
• Continuous protection: Provides uninterrupted pregnancy protection throughout the week.
• Regulated menstrual Cycles: Hormones can regulate periods, and reduce cramping, irregular bleeding, and PMS.
• Reversible: Effects are reversible; fertility returns within a few months after discontinuation, making it suitable for future conception plans.

 

Key takeaway

The birth control patch is a simple, safe, and effective method of hormonal birth control. It only needs to be replaced once a week, which may be easier for some people than a daily option, such as the pill.

There are, however, longer-acting forms of contraception available for those seeking long-term birth control. If you're not sure you can book a telephonic consult with one of our healthcare professionals if you believe the birth control patch or another form of contraception may be right for you.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How effective is the birth control patch?

The effectiveness rate of the birth control patch is approximately 91%, according to statistics on typical use. This means that nine women may become pregnant for every 100 women who use the patch for a year. On the other hand, 99% effectiveness is achievable with perfect use (always applying the patch correctly, changing it when necessary, etc.).

 

Does the birth control patch offer STI protection?

Since hormonal birth control only works to prevent pregnancy, it is impossible to use it to prevent STIs.

Therefore, you must use a barrier method, such as condoms, during sexual activity to lower the risk of catching a STI or spreading it to others.

 

The birth control patch vs the pill 

Choosing between the birth control patch and pill boils down to preference. The pill is a daily oral contraceptive, while the patch is worn weekly. Both prevent pregnancy effectively by releasing hormones, but the patch requires less daily attention.

 

Can I get pregnant on birth control patch?

When used correctly, birth control patches are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, with a failure rate of less than 1%. However, like any form of birth control, including pills, patches, or implants, there's still a small chance of pregnancy, especially if the method isn't used consistently or correctly. 

 

 

 

 

This article's information is not meant to be taken as health or medical advice; rather, it is meant for educational and informational purposes only. If you have any concerns about a health objective or a medical condition, always seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider (link).