Norelgestromin
Is It Right for You?
A complete guide to Norelgestromin — what it treats, how it works, dosages, side effects, and when a clinician may prescribe it following an online consultation.
What Is Norelgestromin?
Norelgestromin is a progestogen used in the combined contraceptive patch. Worn on the skin and combined with an oestrogen, it prevents pregnancy without the need to take a daily pill.
The patch is applied once a week for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week, releasing hormone steadily through the skin. It is found in the combined contraceptive patch known as Evra.
The norelgestromin contraceptive patch is a prescription-only medication in the UK. A licensed clinician can review your suitability and medical history through a telehealth consultation and prescribe where appropriate.
What Conditions Is Norelgestromin Used For?
Norelgestromin is mainly used for:
preventing pregnancy as the progestogen in a weekly combined patch.
for those who prefer not to take a daily tablet.
giving a regular, predictable monthly bleed during the patch-free week.
As a combined hormonal method, the patch carries a small increased risk of blood clots. Seek urgent help for a swollen, painful leg, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness, and tell your clinician about clot risk factors before starting.
How Does Norelgestromin Work?
In the combined patch, norelgestromin works with the oestrogen to prevent pregnancy, mainly by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg (ovulation).
The combination also thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb and thins its lining, adding to the contraceptive effect.
Because the hormones are absorbed steadily through the skin, the patch gives continuous levels over the week it is worn, with the oestrogen helping to control the bleeding pattern.
Dosages & Administration
The correct dose depends on the type and severity of infection, age, weight, and kidney function. Always follow your clinician's instructions. The table below is for general reference only.
Administration Tips
Change the patch on the same day each week for three weeks, then have a patch-free week, and apply to clean, dry, hairless skin away from the breasts.
Check the patch stays stuck; if it comes off for too long, follow the leaflet advice and use extra precautions if needed.
Side Effects of Norelgestromin
Side effects are similar to other combined methods. Skin reactions at the patch site can also occur.
- Skin irritation or redness where the patch is applied
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Mood changes
- Irregular bleeding or spotting at first
- Signs of a blood clot - swollen, painful leg, chest pain, breathlessness
- Signs of a stroke - sudden weakness, speech or vision problems
- Severe migraine or migraine with aura
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Severe allergic reaction
The combined patch carries a small increased risk of blood clots. Learn the warning signs - a swollen painful calf, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or coughing up blood - and seek urgent medical help if they occur.
Drug Interactions
Always disclose all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements to your clinician or pharmacist before starting norelgestromin.
Some epilepsy medicines, rifampicin, and St John's Wort can reduce effectiveness; another method may be advised.
These can affect hormone levels; your clinician will advise on suitability and precautions.
Combined methods can lower lamotrigine levels, which may affect seizure control; specialist advice may be needed.
Tell your clinician about other hormones you take so contraception can be managed safely.
Important Warnings
Tell your clinician about smoking, migraine with aura, obesity, immobility, or a personal or family history of clots, as these affect whether the patch is suitable.
The patch may be less effective in people above a certain body weight; your clinician can advise whether it is the best method for you.
The patch prevents pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms as well if needed.
Your blood pressure and suitability are reviewed periodically, and any new symptoms or medicines should be reported.
Speak to a Clinician About Treatment
Getting advice no longer means sitting in a waiting room. Through The GP Service, you can consult with a licensed clinician in minutes — from home, on your lunch break, or wherever works for you. If treatment is clinically appropriate, your clinician can issue a prescription during the consultation. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
The treatment you need, when you need it.
Norelgestromin FAQs
Yes. A licensed clinician can review your medical history and suitability through a telehealth consultation and prescribe the norelgestromin patch where appropriate.
You apply a new patch once a week for three weeks, then have a patch-free week during which you usually have a bleed, before starting again.
If it comes off, follow the leaflet advice. If it has been off for too long you may need to restart and use extra precautions such as condoms for a time.
Apply it to clean, dry, hairless skin such as the buttock, upper arm, lower abdomen, or upper back, avoiding the breasts, and rotate the site each week.
The patch is a combined method, so it carries a small increased clot risk similar to the combined pill. Your clinician will check your risk factors first.
Yes. The patch is designed to stay on during showering, swimming, and exercise, but check it remains firmly stuck afterwards.