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| |  First Birth Control Patch, ORTHO EVRA Now Available by Prescription For the first time, women have a birth control option they only need to think about once-a-week RARITAN, NJ -- April 30, 2002 -- The Pill that changed women's lives is now available in the form of a once-a-week birth control patch. ORTHO EVRA™ (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system), the first birth control patch approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is now available by prescription from Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. The first-of-its-kind patch combines the effectiveness of the Pill -- 99 percent when used correctly -- with convenient once-a-week dosing. "This is the most significant innovation in birth control since the introduction of the Pill," said Patricia Stephenson, M.D., a clinical trial investigator and partner at Stoneridge Obstetrics and Gynecology in Sellersville, PA. "ORTHO EVRA gives women control, flexibility and it's non-invasive, unlike other new methods introduced in the past few years." ORTHO EVRA is a thin beige patch worn for one week at a time and is replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. The fourth week is "patch-free." Women can wear ORTHO EVRA discreetly on one of four areas of the body: the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (front and back, excluding the breasts), or upper outer arm. "I like ORTHO EVRA because I only had to change it once a week. It stayed on when I exercised, took a bath and even through a day at the water park," said Yolanda Robles, a clinical trial participant. "It made sense for my active lifestyle." Like the Pill, ORTHO EVRA contains two hormones -- an estrogen, ethinyl estradiol, and a progestin, norelgestromin. When a woman applies the thin, flexible patch to her body, these hormones are released from the patch at constant and continuous levels each day. As these hormones are absorbed through the skin and pass into the bloodstream, they work just like the Pill to prevent pregnancy. Women can learn more about ORTHO EVRA by calling 1-877-BC-PATCH or visiting <http://www.orthoevra.com>. The site is available in English and Spanish, and features information about the product, how to use it and frequently asked questions. ORTHO EVRA already has been accepted by many managed care formularies. ORTHO EVRA is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. ORTHO EVRA is not for everyone. Women should speak with their health care professional about which birth control method is right for them. The contraceptive patch contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. Hormonal contraceptives are not for everybody. Most side effects of the contraceptive patch are not serious and those that are, occur infrequently. Serious risks, which can be life-threatening, include blood clots, stroke or heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use hormonal contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the contraceptive patch, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. The contraceptive patch does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. ORTHO EVRA was developed by the Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C. (formerly the R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute) and is marketed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. Ortho-McNeil is a pioneer in contraception and a leader in women's health care. Ortho-McNeil offers the broadest range of prescription birth control options, including nine birth control pills, a leading intrauterine device (IUD), diaphragms and now the first birth control patch. The company also markets prescription pharmaceutical products in other therapeutic categories, including central nervous system, urology, infectious disease, analgesics and wound healing. For more information, visit <http://www.orthoevra.com> or <http://www.ortho-mcneil.com>. Please see full U. S. Prescribing Information enclosed or at <http://www.orthoevra.com>. SOURCE: Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
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