What Is Zafemy? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Zafemy is a prescription birth control patch that you wear on your skin for one week at a time. It's a generic medication — meaning it contains the same active ingredients and delivers the same dose as the original brand, Ortho Evra (now discontinued). Here's a complete overview of Zafemy: what it is, how it's used, who can take it, and what you should know before starting it.

What Is Zafemy?

Zafemy is the brand name for a generic norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system — a 12.5 cm² patch that sticks to your skin and steadily releases two synthetic hormones: norelgestromin (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen). It is manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC and was approved by the FDA in 2021.

Zafemy belongs to the drug class of combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs). It is clinically equivalent to Xulane — the other generic patch on the market — which contains the same hormones at the same daily doses.

What Is Zafemy Used For?

Zafemy is FDA-approved for one indication: the prevention of pregnancy in women with a BMI under 30 kg/m² for whom a combined hormonal contraceptive is appropriate.

When used correctly (applied on time every week, changed on schedule), Zafemy is about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. With typical use — accounting for human error like forgetting to change the patch on time — effectiveness is closer to 93%.

Important limitation: Zafemy may be less effective in people who weigh 198 lbs (90 kg) or more.

What Are the Active Ingredients in Zafemy?

Each Zafemy patch delivers:

150 mcg/day norelgestromin — a progestin (synthetic progesterone) that primarily prevents ovulation

35 mcg/day ethinyl estradiol — a synthetic estrogen that supports cycle regularity and enhances contraceptive effect

How Do You Use Zafemy?

Zafemy uses a 28-day (4-week) cycle:

Week 1 (Day 1): Apply your first patch. The day you apply it becomes your "Patch Change Day" every week.

Week 2 (Day 8): Remove old patch; apply new one on the same weekday.

Week 3 (Day 15): Remove old patch; apply new one on the same weekday.

Week 4 (Days 22–28): Remove the Week 3 patch; do NOT apply a new one. This is your patch-free week. Withdrawal bleeding (similar to a period) typically occurs during this week.

After Week 4 ends, start a new 4-week cycle by applying a fresh patch on Day 29.

Where Do You Apply the Zafemy Patch?

Apply Zafemy to clean, dry skin on one of these sites:

Upper outer arm

Abdomen

Buttock

Back

Do NOT apply to the breasts, to cut or irritated skin, or in the same spot as the previous week's patch. Avoid using lotions, creams, or oils at the patch site, as they can prevent proper adhesion.

Who Should NOT Use Zafemy?

Zafemy is contraindicated in:

Women over 35 who smoke (boxed warning — increased cardiovascular risk)

Women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (higher VTE risk)

Women with a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack

Women with liver tumors or severe liver disease

Women with uncontrolled high blood pressure

Known or suspected pregnancy

Is Zafemy a Controlled Substance?

No. Zafemy is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a prescription medication but can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider — including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and telehealth providers — without any special DEA registration or controlled substance restrictions.

How to Store Zafemy Patches

Store Zafemy at room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F). Keep each patch in its sealed protective pouch until you're ready to apply it. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer. Fold used patches in half (sticky side together) and dispose of them in the trash — not in the toilet.

Want to understand the science behind how Zafemy works? See our guide on how Zafemy works. If you're having trouble filling your prescription, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to find one with Zafemy in stock.