Zafemy is a combined hormonal contraceptive patch that contains ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, and norelgestromin, a progestin. These hormones prevent pregnancy primarily by suppressing ovulation, meaning the ovary does not release an egg. They also thicken cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg and thin the lining of the uterus, which reduces the likelihood of implantation. Because the medication is delivered through the skin, the hormones are steadily absorbed into the bloodstream over time.
The patch is typically worn on the skin of the abdomen, buttock, upper outer arm, or upper torso (excluding the breasts). A new patch is applied once weekly for three consecutive weeks, followed by one patch-free week during which a menstrual period usually occurs. Zafemy may also help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual cramps, and make periods lighter and more predictable. It should be applied to clean, dry, intact skin and checked regularly to ensure it remains firmly attached.
Common side effects of Zafemy include breast tenderness, nausea, headache, skin irritation at the application site, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods. Some users may also experience changes in menstrual flow or cycle timing. More serious risks include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure, especially in people who smoke and are over 35 years of age. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, vision changes, leg swelling, or weakness on one side of the body. Zafemy should not be used during pregnancy and may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions such as a history of blood clots, certain cancers, or uncontrolled hypertension.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only a healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. TelyRx does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine’s uses from the patient education materials and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you may receive from your healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please review the entire patient education information you receive with the medication.