Evorel Conti Patches

Evorel Conti Patches are a type of HRT that releases both oestrogen and progesterone at the same time, which is why it is often referred to as ‘continuous combined.’

The oestrogen in Evorel Conti Patches replaces the oestrogen normally made by the ovaries. The progesterone is needed because taking oestrogen alone can cause the lining of the womb to become thicker in women who still have a womb. The progesterone helps shed the womb lining and prevents issues.

When using Evorel Conti, most women do not have regular monthly menstrual periods. However, some bleeding or spotting is common in the first few months as the body adjusts to the medication.

It is important to know that Evorel Conti is not a contraceptive. If you have had a menstrual period in the last 12 months or are under 50 years old, you may still need to use additional birth control to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to use contraception while using Evorel Conti.

The active substances in Evorel Conti are oestradiol hemihydrate (E2), a steroid hormone made from cholesterol and norethisterone acetate, which contains progesterone. The two active ingredients are forms of the key female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which are essential for managing menopausal symptoms in women.

For the medication to work, you need to follow the instructions for use, which can be found on the patient information leaflet included in the packaging, or alternative can be found online.

When applying the patch:

Do not use a patch if the protective pouch is already opened.

Tear open the pouch along the two notched edges.

Remove the patch from the pouch with the protective backing facing you.

Bend the patch and peel off half of the protective backing, being careful not to touch the sticky side.

Apply the exposed half of the patch to your skin and smooth it down.

Remove the remaining protective backing and press down the rest of the patch.

Use your palm to firmly press the entire patch to ensure it sticks properly.

When removing the patch:

Gently peel one edge of the patch away from your skin.

Fold the patch in half so the sticky side sticks to itself.

Dispose of the used patch in household rubbish, out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush down the toilet.

Some adhesive may remain on your skin after patch removal. This will go away over time or can be removed with baby oil.

As with any medication, it can come with unwanted side effects. If you show any signs of an allergic reaction to the treatment, you should stop using it and consult a medical professional straight away.

You should remove the patch as soon as you show any signs of the following and seek urgent medical attention:

Sudden swelling of the face or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, rapid swelling of the hands and feet and stomach cramps

Blood clots (thrombosis) or stroke

Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, or other liver problems

Migraine-type headaches for the first time or more frequent

An increase in blood pressure

Breast or ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer or hyperplasia

Widespread rash with peeling skin and blistering in the mouth, eyes and genitals

Convulsions or fits

Commonly reported side effects of HRT include:

Being unable to sleep

Feeling depressed, nervous or anxious

Headache

Heart palpitations

Varicose veins

Flushing, skin reddening

Breast pain

Numb or tingling hands or feet

Nausea

Diarrhoea

Stomach-ache

Pain including pain in the back or joints

Painful periods

Discharge from the vagina

Irregular, heavy or prolonged bleeding from the vagina, including after sex

Water retention or build-up of fluid under the skin

Feeling tired

Weight gain

If you have any concerns about possible side effects or ones you are experiencing while taking Evorel Conti Patches, you should speak to your prescriber, your GP or pharmacist. You can report any side effects to the MHRA’s yellow card scheme.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that food will interact with this medication. However, it is not advised that you drink alcohol while using Evorel Conti Patches as it could potentially affect the effectiveness of the treatment. If you are concerned with the effect that your alcohol consumption is having on your body in connection with your Evorel Conti Patches, then we advise you to consult with either your doctor or prescriber.

Some medications can interact with Evorel Conti Patches, so it is important you inform your prescriber of any medications you may be currently taking, before they prescribe you any HRT treatments.

Evorel Conti Patches may affect the following types of medications:

Medications and treatments for HIV

Various types of antibiotics

Medication for tuberculosis

Medication for epilepsy

While HRT patches are generally considered to be less likely to mix with these medications than pill forms, you should still consult a medical professional.

Do not use Evorel Conti Patches if you are or may be pregnant, as it could potentially harm the baby. Evorel Conti is only indicated for use in postmenopausal women. If you become pregnant while using Evorel Conti, remove the patch and contact your GP or pharmacist straight away. Do not use Evorel Conti if you are breastfeeding, as the hormones may pass into your breast milk. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Keep Evorel Conti patches out of the sight and reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 25°C in the original unopened pouch and carton.

Do not use any patches past the expiry date printed on the label (expiry is the last day of the stated month).

Do not use a patch if its protective pouch has already been opened.

Dispose of used patches and any unused medicine properly. Do not throw away via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist for guidance on proper disposal methods that will help protect the environment.

This information can be found in the patient information leaflet.

You should buy Evorel Conti Patches if you are post-menopausal and had your last period a least 18 months ago. This treatment may not help with all symptoms as everyone’s body responds differently to medication. But when using Evorel Conti Patches, most women will see the benefits. It is advised that you consult your GP or pharmacist before you begin using the treatment, to ensure you are taking the most suitable medication for your needs.