What is Combipatch: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow all the prescriber’s instructions.

Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with this medicine before you start using Combipatch.

Please read and follow the Instructions for Use that come with this medicine.

Apply a new patch twice weekly, about every three or four days. You can choose the days of the week to replace patches, but keep to your schedule.

Combipatch may be prescribed on a 28-day cycle, with an estradiol-only patch worn for the first 14 days and on the last 14 days of the cycle. Make sure to use the right patch during these cycles.

Remove the old patch before applying a new one.

• Remove the patch carefully to avoid irritating the skin.

• Once removed, fold the used patch in half with the sticky side together. 

• Throw it in the trash out of the reach of children and pets. 

• Do not flush the patch down the toilet.

The Combipatch should be placed on the lower abdomen.

• Choose a spot different from the patch being replaced.

• Do not place the patch near the breasts.

• Do not place the patch on your waistline; it may get rubbed or pulled off.

• Apply the patch to skin that is clean and dry.

• Do not apply the patch to damaged skin that is irritated, burned, hairy, or has a skin condition.

To apply a new patch:

• Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. 

• Tear the wrapper open carefully. Never open the wrapper with scissors. 

• Peel off the protective liner from the sticky side without touching the surface of the sticky part of the patch.

• Place the patch on the skin sticky side down.

• Peel off the remaining protective layer.

• Press firmly for 10 seconds to attach the patch.

• Rub the edges of the patch with a finger to get good adhesion.

Once the patch is applied:

• You may bathe, shower, or swim while wearing a patch. 

• Do not expose the patch to the sun for long periods.

• If a patch falls off, put it back on. If the patch does not stick completely, put on a new one, but continue following the original schedule.

Store the unopened pouches at room temperature for up to six months.

If you forget to change a patch, remove the old one and put on a new one as soon as you can. 

Remain on the twice-a-week schedule for the next patch.

Do not use two patches to make up for a forgotten patch.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to estrogen or progestin, are pregnant, or have:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor

• Any current or past hormone-dependent cancer, such as breast or ovary cancer

• Any blood clot problem, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)

• A history of stroke

• A history of heart attack

• Liver disease

Combipatch should not be used by women who have had a hysterectomy.

Taking estrogen/progestogen medications like Combipatch increases the risk of:

• Blood clots

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Breast cancer

• Dementia (in women 65 years of age or older)

Other serious side effects include:

• Cancer of the uterine lining

• Cancer of the ovaries

• Fibroid enlargement

• High blood pressure

• High triglyceride levels 

• Liver problems

• Gallbladder disease

• Thyroid problems

• Depression

• Blood clots in the retina

To decrease the risks of taking Combipatch:

• Immediately tell the prescriber about unusual vaginal bleeding

• Have a mammogram, breast exam, and pelvic exam once yearly or more often if necessary

• Reduce or quit smoking 

The doctor will need to regularly review Combipatch therapy with you, adjust the dose, perform blood tests, and monitor for side effects. Keep all appointments. 

Another way to reduce the risk of serious side effects is to tell the doctor about all your medical conditions before starting treatment, particularly:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding

• Endometriosis

• Asthma

• Seizures

• Diabetes

• Migraine headaches

• Heart problems

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

• Thyroid problems

• High calcium

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol 

• Lupus 

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. It can alter the results of important medical tests. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before a medical procedure or prolonged bed rest.

To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken, particularly:

• Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin

• Oral azole antifungals such as ketoconazole or itraconazole

• Antiviral drugs called protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir or nelfinavir

• Carbamazepine, efavirenz, nevirapine, Paxlovid, phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, rifabutin, rifampin, St. John’s wort

Do not drink grapefruit juice when wearing a Combipatch.

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.