How to Use Zafemy
You’ll wear your Zafemy patch in 28-day cycles, changing it once every 7 days for the first 3 weeks, and taking a week off for the fourth. During the week you’re not wearing Zafemy, you’ll typically experience a withdrawal bleed – which is similar to a period. After the fourth week of your 28-day cycle, you’ll start a new cycle by applying a new patch. Never take more than a seven day break between your patches.
You should change your patch on the same day each week. Make sure you only wear one patch at a time, and that you don’t cut, damage, or alter your patches in any way. When starting Zafemy, you should stick to the following instructions that are most appropriate for you.
If you aren’t currently using any kind of hormonal contraception, you have two options:
- Apply your patch on the first day of your period, which will be your patch change day. Change your patch on this day for week two and three of your 28 day cycle, and then remove your patch on this day for the fourth week of your cycle. If you apply your patch after the first 24 hours of your period, you’ll need to use back-up contraception, like condoms, for the first seven days of your first cycle.
- Apply your first patch on the first Sunday after your period starts. If your period started before Sunday, you’ll need to use back-up birth control (such as condoms) for the first seven days of your first cycle.
If you’re switching to Zafemy from a combined contraceptive pill:
- Complete your current cycle of tablets, then apply your first Zafemy patch when you would take your next active pill. If you don’t have a period within a week after taking the last active pill of your previous birth control, you should check with a doctor to see if you’re pregnant. If you apply your first Zafemy patch more than one week after taking your last active pill of your last birth control, you’ll need back-up contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days of Zafemy.
If you’re changing to Zafemy from a different skin patch or vaginal ring:
- Finish your current cycle with your patch or ring, and then apply your first Zafemy patch on the day your next patch or ring cycle would start. If you don’t get a period within a week of removing your last method of birth control, you should check with your clinician to see if you’re pregnant. If you apply your Zafemy patch more than a week after removing your last patch or ring, you should use back-up contraception (such as condoms) for the first seven days of your new cycle.
If you’re starting Zafemy after using a birth control injection or implant:
- You should apply your first Zafemy patch on the day your next injection is due, or on the day your implant is removed.
If you’re switching to Zafemy after using an intrauterine system (IUS) for birth control:
- Apply your first Zafemy patch on the day your IUS is removed. If your IUS isn’t removed on the first day of your period, you’ll need non-hormonal back-up contraception (like condoms) for your first seven days on Zafemy.
If you were using a progestin-only mini pill before Zafemy:
- You should apply your first Zafemy patch on the day your next mini pill cycle would start.
If you’re starting Zafemy after having a child:
- You should only use Zafemy after childbirth if you aren’t breastfeeding. You can start Zafemy after four weeks post-childbirth, as there’s an increased risk of blood clots if you begin before this. If you haven’t had a period since giving birth, you should use a backup contraception for the first seven days of Zafemy.
If you’re starting Zafemy after an abortion or miscarriage:
- If an abortion or miscarriage happens in the first trimester, you can start Zafemy right away. You won’t need another method of contraception if you start Zafemy immediately. If you don’t start Zafemy within five days you should follow the instructions for first time users of Zafemy, and use a back-up method of contraception (such as condoms) for the first week of your cycle. You can only start Zafemy after four weeks have passed from a second trimester abortion or miscarriage (as there’s an increased risk of blood clots if you begin earlier).
If you’re wondering where to put your Zafemy patch, the best places are: your upper outer arm, abdomen, buttocks, or on your back. Pick a spot where it won’t be rubbed off by your clothing (for example, don’t put it near your waistband). Never apply your patch on or around your breasts, on cut or irritated skin, or on the same site as your last patch.
To apply your Zafemy patch:
- Clean and dry the area of skin you plan on applying the patch to. Make sure there’s no lotion, cream, oil, powder, make-up, or other substances on your skin that could stop your patch sticking properly;
- Tear open the pouch containing your patch, and remove it. Be careful not to peel off the clear plastic lining from the patch;
- Peel away half of the clear plastic lining, and avoid touching the sticky part with your finger;
- Apply the sticky part of the patch to the area of skin you chose, and then carefully peel away the other half of the clear plastic lining. Then, make sure all of the patch is attached to your skin;
- Press down firmly on your patch with your palm for at least ten seconds. This ensures the patch has properly stuck to your skin;
- Smooth the edges of your patch down with your fingertips to get rid of any wrinkling around the edges of your Zafemy patch.
How long does it take for Zafemy to work?
If you apply your first Zafemy patch of your 28-day cycle on the first day of your period, Zafemy will protect you from pregnancy right away. If you apply your first patch after the first 24-hours of your period, you’ll need to use a barrier method (condom, diaphragm, etc.) for the first seven days of using Zafemy.
What should I do if I make a mistake taking Zafemy?
If your Zafemy patch isn’t sticking, becomes loose, or falls off, it might not work properly. If one of the edges of your patches lifts up, push down firmly on the patch for ten seconds to make sure it sticks back down fully. If it doesn’t play ball, remove your patch and replace it with a new one. Don’t tape or wrap the patch to your skin, or reapply a patch that has stuck to clothing.
If your patch has come off (partially or fully) for less than one day, try to reapply the patch. If it doesn’t stick, you should apply a new patch immediately. You won’t need back-up contraception, and you can keep the day you change your patch the same. If it’s been more than one day, or if you can’t remember how long it’s been, you might not be protected from pregnancy anymore. Apply a new patch right away, and start a new 28-day cycle. This will be your new patch day, and you’ll need to use back-up contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days of your new cycle.
If you forget to change at the start of your 28-day cycle, you might not be protected from getting pregnant. Apply the first patch of your cycle as soon as you remember, and the day you do so will become your new patch change day. You’ll need back-up contraception for the first week of this new cycle.
If you forget to change your patch during the second or third week of your 28-day cycle, you can apply a new patch within 48 hours of your patch change day. You won’t need any back-up contraception, and your patch change day will stay the same. If it’s been more than 48 hours since you should have changed your patch, you might not be protected from pregnancy. Stop your current 28-day cycle, and start a new one by applying a new patch. This is your new patch change day, and you’ll need back-up contraception (like condoms) for the first week of your new cycle.
If you forget to remove your patch for the fourth week of your 28-day cycle, just take it off when you realize. Start your next 28-day cycle on your usual patch change day. You don’t need any extra back-up contraception.
