Evorel Sequi Patches
Available in 8,16 & 24 Pack Sizes
What are Evorel Sequi Patches?
Evorel Sequi Patches are a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing two hormone medicines, oestrogen (estradiol) and progestogen (norethisterone) that pass slowly into your body through your skin. They’re used to ease symptoms of the menopause and to prevent osteoporosis (fragile bones) in women who have had the menopause and are likely to have bone problems.
How to use this product
Always use Evorel Sequi Patches exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / Chemist4U pharmacist has told you. You may put an Evorel Sequi patch on at any time if:
- You have not used HRT before your menopause and no longer have menstrual periods
- Your menstrual cycles are not regular and you are not pregnant
- You are changing from HRT that does not give you a withdrawal bleed
Start a new pack of Evorel Sequi as soon as you finish one. Do not leave a break between packs. You must change the patches twice a week to give your body a steady supply of hormones. There is enough hormone in each patch to last for several days. Change your patch on the same two days every week. This will mean that one patch is on for three days and the next patch for four days. For example, if you apply your first patch on a Monday, change it on Thursday and again on the following Monday. If you need further information, please refer to the patient information leaflet.
You should stick the patch onto a hairless area of skin below the waist. Most women prefer to wear the patch on the thigh or bottom. Do not apply on or near the breasts. Do not put it on top of cuts, spots or anywhere the skin is irritated. Do not use cream, moisturiser or talc before applying the patch.
Do not apply the patch on the same area of skin twice in a row. It can be worn under loose areas of clothing. Do not wear a patch under elasticated areas or a tight waistband. Apply the patch to clean, dry, cool skin as soon as you open the protective pouch. For further information on how to correctly apply and remove your Evorel Sequi Patches, please refer to the instructions given in the patient information leaflet.
You can have a bath or shower as normal while wearing your patches. Do not scrub too hard as this can loosen the edges of the patch. You can go swimming or exercise and the patch will not be affected. However, do not wear the patch under tight clothing or waist bands and keep it out of direct sunlight.
What is the menopause?
The menopause is a stage that women usually experience when they are between the ages of 45 to 55, but the menopause can also occur in around 1 in 100 women before they reach 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
The menopause refers to when a woman stops having her periods. This can be sudden or gradual, for example, your periods may become infrequent before they stop altogether. The stage before your periods stop is called the perimenopausal stage.
When your periods stop, this means your oestrogen levels are in decline, your ovaries are no longer working and you can’t become pregnant. In the UK, the average age for a woman to go through the menopause is 51.
When should this product not be used?
Evorel Sequi Patches may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not use these patches if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if you have any of the following:
- You have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it
- If you have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it
- If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
- You have a thickening of the of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated
- You have ever had a blood clots in a vein (thrombosis) such as in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- You have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
- You have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries such as a heart attack, a stroke or angina
- You have or have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
- You have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families (inherited)
Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have any of the following:
- Fibroids inside your womb
- Growth of womb lining outside your womb (endometriosis) or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
- Increased risk of developing blood clots
- Increased risk of getting a oestrogen-sensitive cancer (such as having a mother, sister or grandmother who has had breast cancer)
- High blood pressure
- A liver disorder, such as a benign liver tumour
- Diabetes
- Gallstones
- Migraine or severe headaches
- A disease of the immune system that affects many organs of the body (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE)
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- A disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis)
- A very high level of fat in your blood (triglycerides)
- Fluid retention due to cardiac or kidney problems hereditary and acquired angioedema
- History of sudden swelling of the face or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, rapid swelling of the hands and feet and stomach cramps
- Thyroid problems.
Are there any side effects?
Like all medicines, Evorel Sequi Patches may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness. Common side effects include:
- Tender breasts
- Indigestion
- Acne
- Dry skin
- Pain in extremity
- Severe contractions of the uterus
- Vaginal infection or discharge (white or yellowish discharge from the vagina)
For more information on potential side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet. If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Storage information
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice: