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Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Xulane, Zafemy, Onsura

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin has an average rating of 6.1 out of 10 from a total of 904 reviews on Drugs.com. 48% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 29% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Rav...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 4 months. I haven't noticed any emotional changes, nor weight gain, but I've been spotting throughout using almost every patch. I am not supposed to have a period with the way my doctor set this up for me (taking patches back to back, indefinitely), but I still have them throughout using the patch. The first month I bled every single day, then it cleared up for a couple of months, now I’m back to bleeding every day. It’s like a mild period, but I’d say it’s more than just spotting. I’m trying to stick with it to see how it plays out, and hoping I will stop bleeding before the 6 month mark."

4 / 10
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  • Liz...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 2, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm 22 and have been on this birth control for a few months, and I have had no major problems with it. No weight gain, my face is super clear, VERY light periods that last about 5 days! I'm writing this because there are so many negative reviews about this birth control when it just depends on your body since we're all different! The only negative would be I do get a bit more moody, but nothing major!"

9 / 10
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15 Report
  • Ryo...
  • February 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I ended up trying the patch after having too many bad experiences with the pill form. I have fibroids and am extremely irregular (skipping months at a time), so I really needed to be on something. The first few months were a bit rough, but it evened out pretty smoothly after that. I've now been on the patch for over two years, and I absolutely love it. I've never had it fall off, and I no longer have any side effects. In fact, 99% of the time, I forget it's even there. Not pregnant yet either, so it works there too. Great option if you can't handle the pill."

10 / 10
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  • Sha...
  • October 18, 2013

For Birth Control "Loved the patch! Been using it for about 5 months. The first 2 months my breasts were super sore, but I went up 2 cup sizes! Soreness started to taper off after 2 months. Weight, acne, and sex drive did not seem to be impacted. If anything, they got better. Only complaint is that the patch would sometimes cause my skin to itch a lot."

9 / 10
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  • Rar...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for 5 years. I never had any problems, always used it as it was directed. I decided myself to give my body a break, and after a month, I got pregnant, and I was okay with it. But I love the patch, thinking about getting back on it."

10 / 10
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14 Report

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  • kks...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 23, 2016

For Birth Control "Been on it for 10 months. Had mood swings and on-and-off bleeding the first month, but after that, it worked great (I did do the quick start method). I usually keep it on my shoulders, and I hardly remember it's there once I've applied it. Only once had it peel, and my pharmacist simply gave me a new box (he explained that he told the manufacturer it had malfunctioned, and they will send a replacement). I switch patches on Friday, and my period always starts Monday. It ends by Friday when I apply the next patch. Period is now light and pretty much cramp-free, I barely notice. As far as birth control, my boyfriend and I very rarely use condoms anymore, and I have had no issues with pregnancy."

9 / 10
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  • Pnw...
  • October 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m on my fourth patch. I’ve found the best place to put it is on your low abdomen, right above where your pubic hair grows. It doesn’t fall off here for me, I always put it on an hour or two after a shower and don’t shower for at least 24 hours after I put it on, and I try to avoid exercise in the first 24 hours after application. I tried putting it on my arm, and that did not work at all. I didn’t have any negative symptoms until my third patch, now I’ve been having really bad cramps and really intense breast pain and tenderness. My boobs are always really sore, and I’ve noticed as well that they’re really swollen, and I’ve gone up at least one cup size. I don’t mind the fact that my boobs are bigger, but man, they really hurt. I’m 22, and I’ve tried so many different birth controls since I was 14, but this is the first time I’ve ever had breast tenderness and had them get bigger. This is a really easy birth control method though, and I’m okay with the symptoms."

8 / 10
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  • Lok...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Been on the patch for a few weeks now, and as soon as I started it, I started spotting for 12 days straight. Now I have heavy bleeding (have to change tampon every hour, 2 hours max) for 8 days and counting."

5 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch one month, a complete cycle. I started after my first ever miscarriage, so I was a little weary and nervous about how my periods were going to be since I have been bleeding off and on for the past 2-3 months! Xulane works amazingly for me!! My period is shorter and lighter, but I still spot a few times, which was expected. But I have literally had no other side effects! I forget it is there! I alternate putting it on each side of my back, above my pants line but below my bra line, so no irritation. It has never fallen off, even with bathtubs, I had no issues. I have seen a lot of negative comments, but I truly think it is just how your body will handle it. The patch is amazing for me, but the pill makes me so sick. I recommend!!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 24, 2014

For Birth Control "Best birth control I have ever been on. I was on Seasonique before the patch, and I had my period for a month straight. I have been on almost every birth control. This is by far the best birth control I have ever been on. It also helped with my acne. I only break out maybe two pimples before my period now. It also cleared up my acne I had before going on this birth control."

10 / 10
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  • Pat...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 1, 2021

For Birth Control "The issue with a lot of these reviews is they don't give the patch time to settle. You're giving your body hormones that it isn't used to having excess of, so it can take up to 6 months for it to fully settle. I've been on the patch for 8 years and love it. The first 3 months, I had headaches, cramps, and slight nausea, but after that, I have had 0 side effects. No other birth control works for me, and I would recommend the patch. Please just give it time, it won't be for everyone, but 3 weeks, like most of the reviewers have had it for, just isn't long enough."

10 / 10
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  • Fra...
  • June 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control since I was 14 or 15 to control my period. I have been on the pill, the ring, and the shot. The shot was the devil, and while on the shot, I went to my gyn and told her I wouldn't stop bleeding, and I wanted to stop the shot, and I told her I wanted to try the patch. I was going to wait for the shot to wear off because I have 5 more weeks, but I couldn't take the bleeding, so I put on the patch on a Sunday. A couple of hours later, the bleeding stopped!! I love, love the patch, it is easy to remember. The only problem I have had the last 2 patches is it left my skin irritated, but it's my fault because I shaved the area before I put on the patch."

10 / 10
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  • aeb...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I love the patch. I'm 17, and I use it to regulate my periods. They used to be very irregular and long, and now they come like clockwork. They're kind of heavy, but they only last 4-5 days, which is so nice. The first week of the patch, I felt pretty nauseated, and I had loss of appetite, but after that, I was fine. No nausea, no headaches, and my breasts got bigger. The only problem is that I'm extremely emotional. I overreact and cry a lot, especially before/during my period. Overall, though, the patch is great, and way easier than the pill. I recommend it."

9 / 10
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  • Gre...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 2, 2021

For Birth Control "So I've always sucked at taking the pill, I would always forget. I had Mirena and really didn't like it, had NuvaRing and same thing. And Nexplanon was the worst of them all. I won't go into details, but they all failed me in one way or another. Xulane has been the only birth control where I really have zero complaints. It is very easy to manage. When I was taking the pill, I ended up pregnant at 18 because I wasn't diligent about taking it at the same time or forgetting to take it. Xulane has made my cystic acne clear up almost completely. I've been on it for almost 6 months now, and I won't be changing it. I recommend this to anyone that's struggled with other forms of birth control. I wish I would have tried this sooner."

10 / 10
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  • Bek...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old, and I have been on the patch for 2 and a half years now. No baby! And no scares either! I live by this patch. I have had no side effects apart from my breasts growing larger (which you can't complain about)."

10 / 10
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  • aim...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 7, 2014

For Birth Control "Well, basically when I first used it, it was great, only had tender breasts, felt a little sick, but it went away. Then all of a sudden I had these terrible mood swings. Felt really emotional. And I've been that exhausted, I've had to take naps during the day. So yeah, not that good for me."

3 / 10
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  • Sic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this birth control to my worst enemy. I have had terrible headaches, arm and stomach pain, and nausea. I stopped the patch as soon as I started throwing up while driving in my car. I am thinking about going to the ER, it has been almost 2 hours, and I still cannot stop vomiting. This is the worst pain ever. I regret ever using this patch. It is worse than the pills."

1 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • September 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 6-7 years, and I love it! It regulated my periods, they don't last as long and are not that heavy. I used to get the worst cramps, now I get a little bit on the first day. I went a cup size bigger, and I gained 5-10 pounds, give or take. Which isn't a whole lot. I haven't had any side effects. I used to have acne, but it is all cleared up now. I did go off the birth control for a little bit. When I started back up, I put the patch on too soon, and then I ended up having my period for an entire month until the next cycle happens. So with my experience, don't put your patch on before you get your period if you're just starting it. I never have any issues, the only thing is the lint that shows up around the patch."

10 / 10
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  • pat...
  • January 16, 2015

For Birth Control "Before the patch, I was on the pill. I don't know which, but it gave me severe nausea every morning, almost as if I were pregnant. I would have my dad pull the car off to the side of the road for me to vomit in the morning sometimes. When I went off to college, I immediately visited my gyno and said I wanted something different. She said the patch is good but very expensive, but I went for it. I have no side effects except for tender breasts. It is hassle-free, and it is very effective. I keep it on my butt cheek so no one sees, even if I go swimming! I do not think I will ever change from the patch."

9 / 10
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  • ann...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I was completely new to birth control and did not want to be on a pill due to all the stories I've heard. The patch is amazing! Only have to worry about it once a week, haven't had any side effects, not even bleeding or spotting, get to have my regular period, and is basically so convenient. It is on the more expensive side, especially if insurance won't cover it, but for me, it was worth it. I don't have to wait for my period to start when I do plan on getting pregnant and is easy to wear. I prefer to wear mine on my shoulder blade because it doesn't rub against my clothes and people don't notice it, which is nice. This is a great birth control, and whoever invented it is a genius. Highly recommend, especially if you're new to birth control."

10 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 25, 2023

For Birth Control "I've been on BC for 8 years, been on the Xulane transdermal patch for 6 years. In July 2022, I went to pick up my BC and was given Zafemy. I asked why? Even though my script was for Xulane, I was told Xulane is on backorder. Three months later, in October, I asked my doctor to specify Xulane. She did. I went to pick up my BC and it was Zafemy again! Xulane is still on backorder per pharmacy. January rolls around and I go to pick up my 3-month script. Zafemy. Again. I have had a horrible experience with this patch, my menstrual cycle is different, I get horrible cramps, and the patches don't stick! I do not feel secure or safe using this patch! I'm in the process of finding a pharmacy that can get Xulane because that's what worked for the past 6 years."

1 / 10
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  • Jgr...
  • July 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on the depo recently. Switched to the pill and after month 3, just wanted to throw up every morning. Remember having these side effects when younger. So, had a break and jumped to Evra! Can say this is the last and final switch! Three weeks in, so far so good. Just boobs have shot up a size. Nipples sensitive to touch. Hurts to lay on front. But can't complain, looks like I've had a boob job, and I know it's temporary. No morning sickness. Not hot flushes (the pill gave me). No anxiety of some kind that always managed to rear its head. More motivated. No spots. It's a slow release, so I believe as it's not going through the bloodstream, it is necessarily better for you. Definitely recommend if you're out of contraceptive ideas due to above side/e"

9 / 10
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  • oli...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 26, 2013

For Birth Control "My boyfriend and I were getting pretty serious, so I thought to ask my OB about birth control. I had read about the patch and thought, why not, so she prescribed it to me and I didn't even need to have an exam. This is my first time using birth control (I'm 16). So far, the patch is awesome. My acne cleared up, and my breasts have grown a bit. When I first started using it, I had some cramps, but that may just have been because of my period, although the cramps were worse where I had placed the patch. I felt nauseous for about a week, but it was intermittent and went away. After that, I felt completely fine. And I have discovered that the best place to put the patch is on your hip near your butt, that way, it doesn't wrinkle."

10 / 10
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22 Report
  • Mic...
  • January 8, 2014

For Birth Control "First birth control I've used, and I LOVE it. Been using it for 6 months now. I remember the first 2 patches I ever put on made me a bit nauseous, but now I put it on with no complaints whatsoever. When the patch needs to be taken off for my period, I typically get my period after 24 hours. Although not recommended, it does work if you have unprotected sex, so it's nice to have that safety in the back of your mind. The only complaint I could possibly have about it is the price of the patch per month. Other than that, I've had no side effects and am very happy about it!"

10 / 10
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  • hle...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I really, really enjoy using this. I'm 17, and I am now on my period from the 2nd cycle. The only downside is sometimes it would feel like it itches, but it turns out it's the area around it. Also, my cramps are horrid right now, but I think this is a very effective contraceptive."

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.