Will the patch fall off?

“Patches fall off only about 5% of the time—so not very often. But if the patch falls off, here’s what you need to do. If it’s been off for less than 48 hours, put a new patch on right away (if you still have the patch that came off and you first put it on within the last 24 hours, you can stick the same patch back on if it is still sticky). Or, you can just apply a new patch. No backup method of birth control is needed, and you can keep your same patch change day.

If it’s been more than 48 hours since your patch came off, put on a new patch as soon as possible. You’ll need to use another method of birth control if you have sex for the next 7 days. You should keep your same patch change day. If it’s the third week of your patches when your patch comes off, skip the patch-free week and start a new box of patches instead.

DO NOT use bandages, tape, or adhesive to make a non-sticky patch stick. The hormones that keep you from getting pregnant are mixed with the adhesive, so if it won’t stick, it’s also not going to be effective as birth control.

Try this: Make sure you don’t use body lotion, oil, powder, creamy soaps (like Dove or Caress) or makeup on the spot where you’ll put your patch on your skin. Even moisturizing after the shower can interfere with the patch sticking. Try to avoid putting your patch on places where your clothes or other parts of your body will rub and make sure your skin is clean, dry, and not irritated when you apply your patch.”

Still not working?

If it still keeps falling off, maybe you want to try another method; nothing else sticks to your skin, so check out the options.