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CombiPatch is an alcohol-free patch that releases both estradiol (an
estrogen) and norethindrone acetate (a progestin) continuously upon
application to your skin. This patch technology allows the medication
to be absorbed into your skin in a predictable manner over 3 ½ days.
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Clinical studies show that the addition of progestin to an estrogen treatment for at
least 12 days per cycle reduces, but does not eliminate, the incidence of enlargement
of benign tumors of the uterus (fibroids) and the potential risk of cancer of the uterus
in women with an intact uterus. The addition of progestin to an estrogen treatment has
not been shown to interfere with the effectiveness of hormone therapy for its approved
uses.
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CombiPatch was the first patch in the U.S. to deliver both estrogen and progestin.
CombiPatch was created with an innovative technology called DOT Matrix™
that allows it to be the smallest combination patch available.
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CombiPatch is a small clear, discreet patch that comes sealed in a small protective
pouch. In clinical studies, CombiPatch was proven to have excellent skin adherence with a
complete adherence rate of 90 percent. Furthermore, patients reported that there were fewer
than four days per year when their patch failed to adhere.
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CombiPatch is worn on the lower abdomen.
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There has been a very low incidence of skin reactions reported with the use of CombiPatch.
In clinical studies of 2,500 postmenopausal women, only 6 percent discontinued use of the
product due to application-area reactions over the course of one year. Generally, reactions
will include skin irritation, redness or rash at the area of the CombiPatch application.
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If your patch falls off, the same patch can be reapplied to another area of your lower
abdomen. If necessary, a new patch can be applied, and the original treatment schedule
should be continued. Only one system should be worn at a time during the 3 ½ day wear
period
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CombiPatch should be replaced twice weekly, and the new patch should be placed on a
different skin area. The areas of application should be rotated, with at least one week
allowed between applications to the same spot. CombiPatch should be placed on a
smooth (fold-free), clean, dry area of the skin.
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In this case, you should remove the old patch and apply a new one to a new spot as soon as
you remember. No matter what day this happens, you should stick to the twice-a-week schedule
for the next patch.
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Contact with water when bathing, swimming or showering should not affect the patch as long as
it is not rubbed when washing. However, soaking in a hot tub for a long time should be avoided
as this can cause the patch to come off. The patch should not be exposed to the sun for
prolonged periods of time.
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While on hormone therapy, you might experience irregular bleeding or spotting. Over the
course of a one-year study with CombiPatch, this bleeding and spotting stopped in the
majority of women. Women who experienced bleeding usually characterized it as light. Rarely
are these side effects serious enough to stop therapy.
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CombiPatch is made for menopausal women with an intact uterus. Some patients may experience
side effects. Most are usually temporary and disappear over time. They include breast pain,
vaginal bleeding and headaches. You should not use hormone therapy if you are pregnant because
of possible risk to the fetus. When you speak with your health care provider, be sure to
discuss your personal or family history of breast lumps, abnormal vaginal bleeding, abnormal
blood clotting, severe headache, or dizziness. While on hormone therapy, if you experience any
abnormal symptoms, such as leg or chest pain or vision changes, please contact your health care
provider immediately as these symptoms may indicate serious life threatening illnesses such as
heart attack or blood clots.
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