Dong quai and Ortho Evra

• Generic Name: dong quai
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

Dong quai is a plant also known as Angelica China, Angelica sinensis, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Angélique Chinoise, Angélique de Chine, Chinese Angelica, Dang Gui, Danggui, Danguia, Kinesisk Kvan, Ligustilides, Radix Angelicae Gigantis, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Tang Kuei, Tan Kue Bai Zhi, Tanggwi, or Toki.

Dong quai has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating premature ejaculation, when it is combined with other ingredients and applied to the outer skin of the penis before sexual intercourse. Dong quai may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat this condition.

Dong quai has also been used to treat menopause symptoms. However, research has shown that dong quai may not be effective in treating this condition.

Other uses not proven with research have included constipation, psoriasis, anemia, ulcers, joint pain, and high blood pressure.

It is not certain whether dong quai is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Dong quai should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Dong quai is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Dong quai may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

• Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin
• Dosage Forms: patch, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Ortho Evra, Xulane

Ortho Evra is a contraceptive skin patch containing a combination of female hormones (ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin) that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medicine also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ortho Evra skin patches are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Ortho Evra may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.