INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

1. Apply your first Patch on the Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still bleeding. If your period starts on Sunday, start that same day.
2. DO NOT use any lotion or powder on your skin or hands prior to applying the Patch.
3. Open the sealed foil pouch on the top edge and peel the foil open and flat, then peel the Patch and plastic layer off the foil liner.
4. Peel one half of the clear plastic away from the Patch, being careful to NOT TOUCH THE STICKY part.
5. Apply the sticky half of the Patch to clean, dry skin on your buttocks, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper shoulder. NEVER put the Patch on your breasts.
6. Remove the other half of the plastic from the Patch and press the whole Patch to your skin and hold in place with your palm for 10 seconds.
7. Check the Patch daily to make sure it is sticking properly.
8. Each Patch is left on for 1 week and changed at the end of the week. After 3 Patches, no patch is applied for 1 week. During the no Patch week you will have your period, then start on the following Sunday with your Patch again.
9. Keep your patch at room temperature. Don't store in the refrigerator or freezer.
10. Discard used Patches by folding in half to stick it to itself and place in a plastic bag, seal and throw in the trash. Do not flush Patches down the toilet.

WHAT TO DO IF THE PATCH BECOMES LOOSE OR FALLS OFF

1. If it has been less than 24 hours: Put a new patch on right away, Your "Patch change day" will stay the same, No Back-up contraception is needed.
2. If you don't know how long it's been or it has been more than 24 hours: Start a new 4 week cycle by putting on a new patch, This is your new "Patch change day," use back-up contraception for the first week of this new cycle, You could have become pregnant..
3. Don't try to put a Patch back on if: It isn't sticky any more, it gets stuck on itself or something else or it has gotten loose or fallen off.
4. NEVER use tape or anything else to keep the Patch in place. If it doesn't stick to your skin by itself, the Patch won't be effective.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU forget to change your patch on "PATCH CHANGE DAY"

Missed the first week:

1. Put on the first Patch of your new cycle as soon as you remember.
2. This day becomes your new "Patch Change Day"
3. Use back-up contraception for the first week of this new cycle.
4. You could become pregnant.

Misses the second or third week for 1 or 2 days late:

1. Put on a new Patch as soon as you remember.
2. Do not change your "Patch Change Day"; put your next Patch on your normal change day.
3. No back-up contraception is needed.

Misses the second or third week for more than 2 days:

1. Put on a new Patch as soon as you remember.
2. This day becomes your new "Patch Change Day"
3. This starts a new 4 week cycle
4. Use back-up contraception for the first week of this new cycle.
5. You could become pregnant.

If you forget to change your Patch at the end of a Patch cycle, the fourth week:

1. Take the Patch off as soon as you remember
2. Start your next 4 week cycle on your normal "Patch Change Day"
3. Use back-up contraception for the first week of this new cycle.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS:
Call the health department, your physician or seek emergency care if you have any of the following symptoms:

A - Severe Arm or leg pain, or unusual swelling
C - Severe or crushing Chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood
H - Severe, sudden Headache or increase in frequency of severe headaches
E - Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision (Eyes)
S - Severe Stomach pain

If you are having regular periods and miss your period, call the health department, you may be pregnant.

REFILLS:
Remember to call the health department when you open your last box of Patches to make an appointment for more supplies or for your annual exam. Only you can pick up your Patches, do not send a friend or relative. We have NO WALK-INS for refills.

BACK-UP CONTRACEPTION and STD PROTECTION:

1. Patches give NO PROTECTION to STD's. Use condoms for protection.
2. Mistakes happen. It is important to remember that Emergency Contraception Pills can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. They work best when started as soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Discuss this with clinic staff for more information.

More information about the Nuva Ring can be obtained from your local health department.

Other web sites with information about the Nuva Ring:
Nuva Ring