I was prescribed ortho evra contraceptive to regulate my menstrual periods? Shall I request the pills instead?

I was prescribed ortho evra yesterday in an attempt to regulate my menstrual periods. I am healthy, slightly overweight but exercise three times a week. I have an 8 years old son but even after that I never became regular. I have my periods bi-monthly if anything, sometimes longer. I read the side effects of this rx and I am afraid now. I don't want to become another statistic of a healthy woman dying because of this rx. Shall I request the pills instead? I just ask the dr not to give me a contraceptive that would make me gain weight and he gave me this one. Of course I will use this one to prevent pregnancies, but also to regulate me. Shall I get the meds or shall I take a prescription for regular pills. Only the dr can give me pills or those are over the counter? Sorry, never used these things before. So I really need help.