There is No Progestin-Only Birth Control Patch Currently Available
Currently, there is no progestin-only contraceptive patch on the market. The only transdermal contraceptive patch available is a combined estrogen-progestin patch (Ortho Evra), which contains both hormones 1.
Available Progestin-Only Contraceptive Methods
Since a progestin-only patch does not exist, the following progestin-only alternatives are available 2:
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
- Subdermal implants (Nexplanon/Implanon containing etonogestrel) - single rod placed under the skin, effective for 3 years 2, 3, 4
- Progestin-releasing IUDs (levonorgestrel IUD/Mirena) - intrauterine device 2, 5
Other Progestin-Only Options
- Injectable contraception - depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA/Depo-Provera), given every 3 months 2, 6, 3
- Progestin-only pills (POPs/"mini-pills") - daily oral medication requiring strict adherence 1
Why the Distinction Matters
The existing transdermal patch (Ortho Evra) contains both estrogen and progestin, which creates important clinical limitations 1:
- Higher estrogen exposure - 1.6 times higher than low-dose combined oral contraceptives 1
- Increased VTE risk - potential increased risk of venous thromboembolism with odds ratios of 1.2 to 2.2 compared to oral contraceptives 1
- Contraindicated in specific populations - not recommended for patients with SLE, positive antiphospholipid antibodies, history of thrombosis, or cardiovascular disease 1
Clinical Recommendations for Patients Requiring Progestin-Only Methods
For patients who need progestin-only contraception (due to estrogen contraindications), IUDs and subdermal implants are strongly recommended as first-line options because they have failure rates less than 1% per year 2. These are particularly appropriate for 1:
- Women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies
- SLE patients with moderate or severe disease activity
- Women with history of VTE or thrombophilia
- Women with migraine with aura
- Breastfeeding women