Contraceptive Patch | Superdrug Online Doctor

Contraceptive Patches

Buy the Contraceptive Patch Online

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Contraceptive patches are a highly effective (up to 99%) type of contraception available on prescription in the UK.

Some people prefer to use weekly patches for their contraception, rather than remember to take a daily tablet.

You can buy contraceptive patches from Superdrug Online Doctor. Simply fill out a short, online questionnaire and one of our doctors will review your order.

Order contraceptive patches

To place an order, fill in a brief questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a suitable treatment. You will only be charged if treatment is prescribed.

9 patches

£34.00

18 patches

£64.00

Dosage 6mg/600mcg

In a hurry? Choose Click and Collect and pick up your order after just 2 hours from a Superdrug Pharmacy.

About contraceptive patches

What is the contraceptive patch?

The contraceptive patch is a small patch which, once applied to the skin, releases hormones into your body which stop you from getting pregnant. They contain both oestrogen and progestogen, meaning it is a combined hormonal contraceptive.

How do contraceptive patches work?

The contraceptive patch works in a similar way to the contraceptive pill. But instead of being swallowed, it’s worn on the skin as a patch. The patch releases hormones into the body which stop you from getting pregnant. Each patch lasts for a week and must be changed on a weekly basis before having a week off without a patch. Like the combined pill, contraceptive patches contain both oestrogen and progestogen, and they prevent pregnancy by:

stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg every month (ovulation)
thickening cervical mucus, making it hard for sperm to move through the cervix
thinning the womb lining, making it harder for an egg to attach itself

Some people prefer to use contraceptive patches instead of the contraceptive pill as you do not have to remember to take it every day, and it is an effective form of contraception even if you are sick (vomiting) or have diarrhoea - which can reduce the contraceptive pill’s effectiveness.

How long does it take for the patches to work?

If you start using contraceptive patches in the first 5 days of your period, you will be protected from pregnancy straight away. If you start using them at any other point, you will need to use another form of contraception, like condoms, for the first 7 days of applying the patches.

How effective are contraceptive patches?

If used correctly, the contraceptive patch is more than 99% effective at stopping pregnancy.

How to use contraceptive patches

Where should I apply the patch?

You can stick the patch to any area of skin that is clean, dry, and not very hairy. You should not stick the patch to:

sore or irritated skin
an area where tight clothing may rub against it
your breasts

Moving each patch to a new area of skin will reduce the risk of irritation, but will not change its effectiveness.

You can usually have a shower, bath, or swim without the patch coming off.

How long can I use contraceptive patches for?

You can wear a single patch for a maximum of 7 days before needing to change it for a fresh one on the 8th day. You usually do this for 3 consecutive weeks, and then would have a week off where you do not wear a patch. During your week off you may have a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a period. After 7 days without a patch you can start the 4 week cycle again, even if you are still bleeding.

Alternatively, you can use contraceptive patches in extended regimes, including continuously to delay your period.

What happens if my patch comes off?

Contraceptive patches are very sticky, and should stay on even after being submerged in water. If your patch does fall off, what you should do next depends on how long it has been off.

If your patch fell off less than 48 hours ago, you should:

apply a new patch (don’t try to hold the old patch on with a plaster or bandage)
change the patch on your normal change day

You are protected from pregnancy if you have used your patch correctly for the past 7 days, and the 7 days before your week off if you are in week 1.

If your patch fell off more than 48 hours ago, or you don’t know how long it has been, you should:

apply a new patch (don’t try to hold the old patch on with a plaster or bandage)
change the patch on your normal change day if you are in week 1 or 2 of your cycle. If you are in week 3 of your cycle, you need to start a new cycle, and today is day 1 of your new week 1. You will miss the week off which you were due to start next week
use another form of contraception, like condoms, for 7 days
consider using emergency contraception if you have had sex during your week off or in week 1, and the patch fell off in week 1. If you have had sex during week 2 or 3 and have not had a patch on for the last 7 days, you may also need to take emergency contraception. If you’re unsure whether you will need to take emergency contraception, you should speak to your doctor.

Where can I get contraceptive patches?

Can I buy contraceptive patches online?

Contraceptive patches are available online via Superdrug Online Doctor. Simply fill out a short, online questionnaire, and our doctors will review your order to make sure they are right for you. Your treatment can then be delivered to your home address, or collected from your local Superdrug pharmacy.

Can I get contraceptive patches over the counter?

No. Contraceptive patches are a prescription medication which means a doctor needs to have prescribed it to you. You can get a prescription online from Superdrug Online Doctor.

Can I get contraceptive patches on the NHS?

Yes. Contraceptive patches may be available on the NHS depending on your local guidelines. You will need to make a face-to-face appointment with your GP or visit an NHS sexual health clinic.

Contraceptive patches side effects

You may experience some side effects when using contraceptive patches.

Common side effects include:

headache or migraine
nausea
tenderness or pain in the breast(s)
dizziness
stomach ache or bloating
vomiting or diarrhoea
mood problems, including depression or anxiety
skin rash or irritation
cramps of period pains
weight gain
tiredness

Uncommon or rare side effects include:

allergic reaction
swelling, from water retention
problems sleeping (insomnia)
loss of interest in sex (libido)
raised blood pressure
eczema
hair loss
sensitivity to sunlight
vaginal discharge
increased risk of developing blood clots

A full list of all known side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

You may experience side effects from using contraceptive patches, but they will normally improve or completely go away within the first 3 months. If the side effects do not go away, or you are concerned about them, you can speak to your doctor about finding a more suitable method of contraception for you.

Are contraceptive patches right for me?

Contraceptive patches may not be right for everyone. Certain conditions or medications can interact with the patch and make it less effective, or potentially unsafe.

You may not be able to use contraceptive patches if you are:

pregnant or think you may be pregnant
breastfeeding a baby less than 6 weeks old
a smoker, and are 35 or over
35 or older and stopped smoking less than a year ago
very overweight
taking certain medicines, such as St John's wort, or medicines used to treat epilepsy, tuberculosis (TB) or HIV

You may also not be able to use contraceptive patches if you have or have had:

blood clots in a vein or artery (or an immediate family member had a blood clot before they were 45)
a heart problem
high blood pressure
a blood condition that increase your chance of getting a blood clot, such as lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
breast cancer
migraine with aura
disease of the liver or gallbladder

Contraceptive patch alternatives

There are several alternative forms of contraception you may choose to use, including:

If you are unsure which form of contraception is right for you, speak to your doctor and they will help advise you.

We can provide you with a contraceptive consultation service for just £5. Here, you’ll complete a short medical questionnaire and one of our doctors will recommend the most suitable contraceptive for you.

Sources

Contraceptive Patch (2021) NHS [accessed December 2021]