Evorel Conti

What is Evorel Conti?

Evorel Conti belongs to a group of medications called hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and contains oestrogen (estradiol) and progestogen (norethisterone). These are two hormones found in the female body. 

Evorel Conti comes in patches, with the hormones spread evenly in each patch. The patches come in memory packs, which helps you remember when a patch change is needed. Each pack contains 24 patches. The hormones diffuse slowly from the patch into the skin and then slowly into the body.

What is Evorel Conti used for?

Evorel Conti is used to treat the symptoms of menopause. During menopause, the level of oestrogen produced by female ovaries starts to decline. This decline in oestrogen causes symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. This medication is suited to postmenopausal women who have not experienced a period for at least 18 months. 

Post-menopausal women are also at a higher risk of fragile bones (osteoporosis) and Evorel Conti can be used to treat this as well if other medications are unsuitable. 

How does Evorel Conti work?

Evorel Conti is known as a continuous combined HRT, which means it contains two hormones (estradiol and norethisterone) which are released at the same dose every day. The oestrogen hormone in the patches is used to replace the declining level of oestrogen in the body and relieve troublesome symptoms. However, oestrogen can cause the thickening of the lining of the womb so the progestogen (norethisterone) is used alongside to stop this from occurring. Evorel Conti is not a form of oral contraceptive. It does not cause monthly bleeding but can cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting.

The patches should be changed twice a week in order to give the body a steady supply of hormones. A new pack should be started once you finish the old one. You should not take a break between packs. The patches should be changed on the same 2 days every week.

Active ingredients

The active ingredients are 3.2mg estradiol hemihydrate and 11.2mg norethisterone acetate. 

Each Evorel Conti patch delivers 50 micrograms of estradiol and 170 micrograms of norethisterone acetate per day.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are acrylate-vinylacetate copolymer (Duro-Tak 387-2287), polyethylene terephthalate foil (Hostaphan MN19) and guar gum.

How to use Evorel Conti?

Evorel Conti is known as “continuous combined” or HRT as it involves taking two hormones at exactly the same dose every day. 

A new patch is applied to the skin twice a week, on the same days. If you’re already using a form of HRT, it’s best to complete that pack before starting Evorel Sequi. If you’re starting HRT for the first time, you can begin Evorel Conti anytime.

The protective foil should be removed, and the patch applied to clean, intact skin. Avoid touching the sticky part of the patch, and place it below your waistline. Most women prefer to place it on the thigh or buttock.

What should I do if I forget to change the patch?

If you forget to change a patch, change it as soon as you remember but then keep the same schedule of changing patches. However, this may cause some bleeding and spotting, like a period, during this time. 

Evorel Conti side effects

Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 women):

• Irritated skin where the patch is applied
• Breast pain or tenderness

Common side effects (affects less than 1 in 10 people):

• Depression 
• Emotional lability
• Feeling nervous 
• Being unable to sleep  
• Headache or migraine
• Hypertension (increased blood pressure)
• Itchy skin or red rash  
• Nausea
• Having an upset stomach or diarrhoea  
• Indigestion
• Increased flatulence
• Abdominal pain
• Pain including pain in the back, muscles, joints  
• Weight gain  
• Heavy vaginal bleeding, painful periods  
• Water retention or build-up of fluid under the skin (oedema)

Uncommon side effects (affects less than 1 in 100 people):

• Concentration problems  
• Feeling dizzy  
• More or less interest in sex than usual  
• Allergic reaction or hypersensitivity
• Thrush (fungal infection)
• Tiredness
• Experiencing palpitations
• Numb or tingling hands or feet 
• Breast lumps (non-cancerous)  
• Fuller breasts  
• Irregular vaginal bleeding  
• Thickening of the lining of the womb
• Breast conditions such as fibroadenoma and cancer
• Palpitations
• Vertigo
• Varicose veins
• Skin discolouration

Frequency not known side effects:

• Mood swings  
• Bloated feeling  
• Gallstones  
• Swelling of the hands and feet (peripheral oedema) 
• Puffy skin where the patch is applied
• Endometrial cancer
• Stroke
• Epilepsy
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism

If you experience side effects, speak to your doctor to see if there is a more suitable HRT option.

HRT also slightly increases your risk of developing the following serious conditions:

• Breast cancer  
• Abnormal growth or cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia or cancer)  
• Ovarian cancer  
• Blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)  
• Heart disease (over the age of 60)
• Stroke  
• Memory loss if HRT is started over the age of 65 

If you notice any of these side effects contact your doctor

Contraindications

Evorel Conti should not be used if you:

• Are allergic to anything in the patches  
• Have (or have ever had), or think you may have breast cancer 
• Have (or are suspected of having) or ever had a cancer that was made worse by oestrogens (such as endometrial cancer)  
• Have a thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) which has not been treated  
• Have vaginal bleeding you cannot explain  
• Have ever had blood clots in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or a blood clot that has travelled to your lung (pulmonary embolism)  
• Have problems with your blood which increases the likelihood of developing a blood clot (thrombosis) 
• Have (or have ever had) liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal 
• Have ever had blocked arteries (arterial thromboembolic disease) that gave you angina or a heart attack that resulted in a stroke  
• Have a blood problem called porphyria
• Are breastfeeding, or there’s a possibility you could be pregnant

If you think you have any of these conditions, make sure to let your doctor know. He might find another HRT method that is more suited to you.

Before being prescribed HRT, the doctor will ask you about your and your family’s medical history. They might conduct an examination of your breast or abdomen and may even do an internal examination. 

Once you have started HRT, make sure you see the doctor regularly. You should also go for regular breast and cervical smear tests. It is also imperative to check your own breast for any of these:

• Dimpling of the skin
• Changes in the nipple
• Lumps that you can see or feel

How should I store Evorel Conti?

Evorel Conti should not be kept within reach of children. They should be stored at room temperature in the original pouch and carton. They should not be used after the expiry date stated on the label. Do not use the patches if the pouch is already open.

Can Evorel Conti be used as a contraceptive?

The patch cannot be used as a form of contraception, as the hormone levels in the patch are too low. While using the patch, you can use non-hormonal contraceptive methods such as condoms, diaphragms or a coil until your periods have completely stopped.

Can I continue with normal everyday activities while using the patch?

While using the patch, you can shower and bathe as per normal. You can also go swimming, exercise and play sports. The patch should not be worn under tight clothing or waistbands. You can spend time in the sun and tan, however, keep the patch out of direct sunlight.