Short answer: Section 2.3 of the Minivelle label says that if a patch was not applied on time, apply a new one as soon as possible and keep the original treatment schedule. The Patient Information says the same. If a patch falls off, reapply it or put a new one on another spot, then keep the original schedule.
| Situation | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Schedule | One patch applied twice weekly (2.1, 2.2) |
| Forgot to change the patch | Apply a new patch as soon as possible (2.3, Patient Information) |
| After catching up | Keep your original change days (2.3, Patient Information) |
| Patch fell off | Reapply it, or apply a new one to another spot; keep the original schedule (2.3) |
| Gaps in treatment | May raise the chance of breakthrough bleeding, spotting and symptoms coming back (2.3) |
Section 2.3 says: if a woman has forgotten to apply Minivelle, have her apply a new system as soon as possible. Apply the new system on the original treatment schedule. It adds that an interruption of treatment might increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding, spotting and recurrence of symptoms.
The Patient Information says: if you forget to change your patch on the correct date, apply a new patch as soon as you remember, and continue to follow your original schedule.
Example: your change days are Monday and Thursday and you remember on Tuesday. Under the label you would put on a new patch Tuesday, then change it again on Thursday as usual.
Section 2.3 says that if a patch falls off, reapply the same one, or apply a new one to another spot. In either case, continue the original treatment schedule.
The Patient Information says to apply each patch to a different area of the abdomen or buttocks, not to use the same site 2 times in the same week, and not to apply Minivelle to the breasts. Remove the old patch before applying a new one.
This page summarizes FDA labeling. It is not personalized medical advice; confirm what to do with your prescriber or pharmacist.