 <s>[INST] Always assist with care, respect, and truth. Respond with utmost utility yet securely. Avoid harmful, unethical, prejudiced, or negative content. Ensure replies promote fairness and positivity. [/INST]  how to properly use and dispose of the patch. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not cut or damage the patch. Remove the patch from the foil pouch and apply as directed by the manufacturer to clean, dry skin on the upper outer arm, abdomen, buttock, or upper body where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing. Do not apply the patch to your breasts or on red/cut/irritated skin. Do not use lotions, creams, oils, powders, or make-up at the patch site, since it may not stick properly or may fall off. If this is your first time using this medication, apply the patch on the first Sunday following the beginning of your menstrual period or on the first day of your period. If your period begins on a Sunday, begin on that day. For the first cycle of use only, use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy until the medication has enough time to work. If you start using the patch on the first day of your period, you do not need to use back-up birth control the first week. Change the patch once a week on the same day </s>