A Clinical Study of Transdermal Contraceptive Patch in Thai Women
Othanee Suwanmalee MD*, Surasak Taneepanichskul MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Objective : To study cycle control, compliance and safety of a transdermal contraceptive patch in Thai women.
Materials and Methods : Sixty-nine healthy women were assigned to receive 3 cycles of contraceptive patch
(ethinyl estradiol 20 µg and norelgestromin 150 µg /day). All participants aged 18-45 years were invited to
participate at the family planning clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Adverse effects, per-
ceived advantages, and disadvantages were collected.
Results : The participants averaged 22.4 years old, height 158.9 cm, weight 52.5 kg, BMI 20.7. The most
common location of patch application was abdomen and the most adverse event was application site reaction
(29%) followed by breast tenderness, nausea vomiting, and headache. The breast symptom was mild in
severity. The participants reported decrease in dysmenorrhea and shorter duration of bleeding. Only 1.1%
had breakthrough bleeding. There were no significant changes in body weight and blood pressure. Improve-
ment of their facial acne was reported. There were no pregnancies during the use and the adhesion of contra-
ceptive patch was excellent, partial patch detachment was reported at only14.4%. No complete patch detach-
ment was found.
Conclusion : The study found an overall positive impression of new transdermal contraceptive patch. Good
compliance and few side effects were demonstrated. The adhesive of the contraceptive patch was excellent.
Keywords : Transdermal contraceptive patch, Satisfaction, Adverse effects
