Consistent Weekly Change Day and Management of Patch Detachment

Maintaining a Consistent Weekly Change Day

Patients should keep the same day of the week for each patch change to ensure continuous hormone delivery and simplify the regimen. This recommendation is supported by the CDC MMWR (2013) guidelines. 1

If a patch detaches less than 48 hours after application: Apply a new patch immediately, continue the established weekly change day, and no additional contraception is required when the patch is used for contraceptive purposes. (CDC MMWR, 2013) 2
If a patch detaches 48 hours or more after application, or if the timing of detachment is uncertain: Apply a new patch immediately, maintain the same weekly change day, and use backup contraception for the next 7 days when the patch serves as a contraceptive method. (CDC MMWR, 2013) 1