A 28-year-old woman using a transdermal contraceptive patch asks how it should be used. The correct regimen is:
- A One patch applied daily for 21 days, then 7 patch-free days
- B One patch applied weekly for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by 1 patch-free week ✓
- C One patch applied every 2 weeks for 6 weeks, then 1 patch-free week
- D Two patches applied simultaneously every 4 weeks continuously
Correct answer: B. One patch applied weekly for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by 1 patch-free week
Explanation
The transdermal contraceptive patch (releasing ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin) is applied once weekly for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by a patch-free week to allow withdrawal bleeding. This regimen provides steady hormone levels and improves compliance compared to daily pills.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.