Contraceptive patch planned

Washington - Health care multinational Johnson & Johnson said yesterday it was developing a contraceptive patch which could…

Washington - Health care multinational Johnson & Johnson said yesterday it was developing a contraceptive patch which could be worn for a week, and would seek marketing approval next year.

The Evra patch, developed along the lines of patches used to deliver hormone replacement therapy, would contain the same active ingredients as some of Johnson & Johnson's birth control pills, a company spokesman said. "You put it on for a week and you can put it onto your arm, or your upper chest, or your abdomen or your buttocks," said Mr Mark Monseau.