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 female 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 memory pack either contains 8 or 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. This medication is suited for post-menopausal 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). Evorel Conti can be used to treat this as well only if other medications have failed in treating osteoporosis. 

During menopause, the levels of oestrogen produced by female ovaries starts to decline. This decline in oestrogen causes symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. 

How does Evorel Conti work?

Evorel Conti is known as a continuous HRT, which means both the hormones are released at the same time. The oestrogen hormone in the patches is used to replace the declining level of oestrogen in the body. However, oestrogen can cause the thickening of the lining of the womb so progestogen needs to be added as well 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 estradiol hemihydrate and norethisterone acetate. Each Evorel Conti patch delivers 50 micrograms of estradiol and 170 micrograms of norethisterone acetate a day. 

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are Duro-Tak 387-2287 (patch adhesive), guar gum and Hostaphan MN19 (backing film). 

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 people: 

• Irritated, itchy, red skin and rash where the patch is applied 

Common side effects affecting less than 1 in 10 people: 

• Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity)  
• Difficulty sleeping  
• Feeling depressed, nervous or anxious  
• Headache  
• Experiencing palpitations  
• Varicose veins  
• Flushing, skin reddening  
• Breast pain  
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet  
• Nauseaousness  
• 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 (oedema) 
• Feeling tired  
• Weight gain 

Uncommon side effects affecting less than 1 in 100 people:

• Vaginal infections such as thrush 
• Less interest in sex than usual  
• Wind  
• Itchy skin  
• Rash  
• Swelling of the hands and feet (peripheral oedema) 
• Muscle pain 

Frequency unknown symptoms are:

• Mood swings  
• Feeling dizzy  
• Bloated feeling  
• Gallstones 
• Fuller breasts

If you notice any of these side effects contact your doctor

Contraindications

Evorel Conti should not be used in women who have any of these conditions:

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

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 a condom, diaphragm or 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.