Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Menopause

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Evorel Sequi patch fallen off

11 replies

emsiewill · 28/06/2021 20:10

I've just started on Evorel Sequi patches, so am on the first 4 Evorel 50 patches. The second one I have applied (on Saturday) has just come off in the shower. The instructions say to apply a new one of the same type straight away and continue with the same change over days. The instructions also say to "ask your doctor for a spare box for this sort of situation" but I don't imagine they are happy to dish out "spare boxes" just in case.

If I follow the instructions this will mean that I will put the 3rd patch on now and will use the 4th patch in the pack when I should be using the 3rd patch, and when I should be applying the 4th patch I won't have one and will only have the Conti patches available, which (if I start with them at that point) I will be starting on 4 days early. I have only been given one box and a repeat prescription for 2 more boxes. If I fill the prescription now to get the extra patch I need I'm still going to be down a patch at some point.

Should I instead leave this patch on until I would normally be putting the 4th patch on (next Saturday instead of Wednesday)? Or should I start on the Conti patches early?

I know the sensible thing to do would be to call my GP surgery, but it is near impossible to get through to them - I'm talking 50-60 redials before even getting through to be put on hold and told there are no appointments for 3 weeks.

What have other people done in this kind of situation?

OP posts:
Purplewithred · 28/06/2021 20:18

Done what the instructions say and then order a new box when I'm starting the last box so I dont run out. I dont think anyone is keeping tabs on exactly what I used when. Assume your patches are on a repeat prescription you can order online somewhere?

Original poster
emsiewill · 28/06/2021 20:25

@Purplewithred

Done what the instructions say and then order a new box when I'm starting the last box so I dont run out. I dont think anyone is keeping tabs on exactly what I used when. Assume your patches are on a repeat prescription you can order online somewhere?
I do have a repeat prescription which I will have to order tomorrow to get it in time to have the 4th patch available for Saturday (as I was only given 1 box initially). The repeat is only for 2 more boxes as it has to be reviewed after 3 months, so I will be 1 patch short before the review is due. And that's if no more of them fall off before then.

I specifically asked for patches, had been on tablets previously, and I'm wishing I hadn't bothered now.

OP posts:
TitsInAbsentia · 28/06/2021 20:31

Am assuming you are being careful not to use any body lotion etc on the area you are applying, or have any on your hands, failing that where are you applying them? If it's somewhere that rubs maybe? I had some patches (can't recall the name) and I had to use a square of clear dressing to keep them stuck on!

I'd let your GP know you are having problems now as if they are anything like my surgery you'll have trouble getting your next prescription early.

Original poster
emsiewill · 28/06/2021 20:37

@TitsInAbsentia

Am assuming you are being careful not to use any body lotion etc on the area you are applying, or have any on your hands, failing that where are you applying them? If it's somewhere that rubs maybe? I had some patches (can't recall the name) and I had to use a square of clear dressing to keep them stuck on!

I'd let your GP know you are having problems now as if they are anything like my surgery you'll have trouble getting your next prescription early.

I was in the shower when it came off. I have been trying not to rub the area when showering but it's only the second one I've used, so am still getting used to them.

It's such a ballache trying to communicate with my GP surgery. Once you actually have an appointment they are fine, but getting one or getting to speak to someone is really really difficult. I'm actually getting anxious at the thought of trying to talk to someone tomorrow.

OP posts:
Spodge · 29/06/2021 18:09

I could certainly get a spare box from my GP as I have to get HRT privately. But I am stingy.

My method is to wear each patch for 4 days, rather than 4 and then 3. I know they say to change on the same day each week but sod that. It's easy enough to remember or diarise and if a patch lasts for 4 days I can't see the point of taking it off after 3. This inevitably builds in a surplus which is useful for times when a patch comes off.

My patches are Estraderm (or Estradot if I can get them) so this may not translate to yours.

Original poster
emsiewill · 30/06/2021 14:37

@Spodge

I could certainly get a spare box from my GP as I have to get HRT privately. But I am stingy.

My method is to wear each patch for 4 days, rather than 4 and then 3. I know they say to change on the same day each week but sod that. It's easy enough to remember or diarise and if a patch lasts for 4 days I can't see the point of taking it off after 3. This inevitably builds in a surplus which is useful for times when a patch comes off.

My patches are Estraderm (or Estradot if I can get them) so this may not translate to yours.

Hmm, that's interesting. So instead of your box of 8 patches lasting 28 days, they last 32? But your prescription is based on a 28 day cycle? So you "gain" 4 days for every box.

You are right that it seems crazy to take a patch off if it will last another day. Maybe I will follow this approach. Thanks for the idea.

OP posts:
Spodge · 30/06/2021 18:03

@emsiewill - exactly. And the spares came in handy during a period of very hot and sweaty weather when my patches were really unwilling to stay on for the full time. I tried using micropore tape around the edges of them but that was useless.

LizB62A · 30/06/2021 18:22

I'm on Evorel Conti and my GP said to keep them on for 4 days (not 3 then 4) as it makes much more sense (I'm probably saving the NHS pennies, but every little helps !)

Original poster
emsiewill · 30/06/2021 23:30

@LizB62A

I'm on Evorel Conti and my GP said to keep them on for 4 days (not 3 then 4) as it makes much more sense (I'm probably saving the NHS pennies, but every little helps !)
Yes, it does seem to make more sense.

My GP blithely said "you can call us any time with any questions or any issues" which is great, but she obviously doesn't realise how hard it is to even get through to being on hold, let alone actually speaking to someone (it took 6 weeks from my first call to actually having a telephone consultation, with a week of that taken up with just trying to get through to make the appointment). This is why I turned to MN & as always, you haven't let me down. Thanks all.

OP posts:
Lunariagal · 05/07/2021 17:41

I stick mine down with a tegaderm film patch. I get the 6cm x 7cm ones from amazon. Stuck down like glue.

Original poster
emsiewill · 06/07/2021 14:24

@Lunariagal

I stick mine down with a tegaderm film patch. I get the 6cm x 7cm ones from amazon. Stuck down like glue.
Useful to know - will investigate them. Thanks
OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread