Times Of Swaziland: CAN EVRA PATCH SOLVE TEEN PREGNANCY

CAN EVRA PATCH SOLVE TEEN PREGNANCY
================================================================================
Editor on 10/11/2024 08:35:00


Madam,
Eswatini continues to face the significant challenge of high adolescent
pregnancy rates, which strain the healthcare system and jeopardise the future of
our youth. As a nurse midwife and maternal, child, and adolescent health
researcher, I have observed the dedication of Sexual and Reproductive Health
(SRH) programmes in educating and supporting adolescents to improve their
well-being. Despite these commendable efforts, persistent shortages of essential
medications, limited resources, and varying levels of maternal health literacy
continue to hinder the effectiveness of SRH interventions.
To strengthen existing SRH programmes, I propose incorporating the Evra Patch as
an additional contraceptive option for adolescents. The Evra Patch is a
transdermal contraceptive that delivers two hormones, ethinyl estradiol and
norelgestromin, through the skin to prevent pregnancy. These hormones work
together to stop ovulation (the release of an egg), thicken cervical mucus to
make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and alter the lining of the uterus
to reduce the chances of a fertilised egg attaching.
The patch is applied to areas such as the upper arm, back, stomach, or buttocks
and is changed once a week for three consecutive weeks, followed by a patch-free
week to allow for a menstrual period. This simple, weekly application schedule
provides a non-invasive, easy-to-use alternative to daily birth control pills,
which can be difficult for some adolescents to remember consistently.By offering
a reliable method that fits into their lifestyle, the Evra Patch can improve
adherence and reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies. Integrating the Evra
Patch can empower adolescents with greater control over their reproductive
health, leading to better educational outcomes and long-term economic prospects.
This approach can also ease pressure on healthcare systems by reducing the
incidence of adolescent pregnancies. Additionally, the introduction of new
contraceptive options should align with existing HIV prevention and education
efforts, recognising the interconnected nature of reproductive health and HIV
prevention. Eswatini’s commitment to the well-being of its youth is evident.
By adopting innovative, evidence-based solutions that reflect this
generation’s needs and realities, we can make meaningful strides towards
securing a healthier, brighter future for our adolescents. Thank you for
considering this important perspective.I am confident that, together, we can
drive significant and positive change for the youth of Eswatini.
Zama Mkhonta
Nurse Midwife, RFM Hospital
RIGHT TO REPLY
Before using any health products such as a contraceptives is essential to
consult your doctor or health care specialist. When it comes to contraceptives,
the Ministry of Health in Eswatini is guided by the World Health Organization
(WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
There isn't much information about whether the World Health Organization (WHO)
has approved the Evra patch as a safe contraceptive method, but here's some
information about the Evra patch and its approval by the European Medicines
Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The EMA decided that the benefits of Evra outweigh its risks for female
contraception and recommended that it be given marketing authorisation. However,
the patch is not considered safer than oral birth control pills. Though it is
more than 99 per cent effective when used correctly, in real-world use, about 8
in 100 people become pregnant each year because they forget to change the patch.
The FDA has updated the labeling of the Evra patch to warn patients and
providers that it exposes women to higher levels of estrogen than most birth
control pills. The FDA has also issued a black box warning for Ortho Evra, which
was updated in 2011. The FDA's Joint Advisory Committee recommended that Ortho
Evra remain on the market, but that the label be revised to more clearly
describe the risks and benefits. According to FDA, Common side effects include
headaches, skin irritation, nausea, and breast tenderness. Rare side effects
include developing blood clots.
Ed