Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2009

"I was on Ortho Evra for almost 6 years (since my early 20s). I've had very few issues with it... no weight gain, no moodiness, no stale sex drive. All I've experienced were slight skin irritation (where the patch was placed) and spotting. I switched to NuvaRing under the guidance of my physician (because of my concerns over the FDA warnings). It was as easy as the patch, but I quickly gained 5-7 pounds over 2 months of usage. Then my doctor put me on Microgestin 1/20 FE. It was the first and will be the last birth control pill I ever take! I have gained 15 pounds over 6 months, experienced excessive night sweats, and lost all interest in sex altogether. Now, I might return to the patch."

• liv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2013

"No mood swings, no acne, no weight gain, controlled period, protects me from being pregnant, only changed once a week, same sex drive, and increased a cup size! I love it. The sticky part washes away and I rotate between shoulder blades, it doesn't fall off me, works great for me, and I recommend it to anyone who has had other forms of birth control issues, this just might work for you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 25, 2020

"I've been on Xulane for almost a year now. When I first started it, I was scared of symptoms and weight gain because this is the first birth control I've ever tried, but I have had a pretty good experience. Pretty bad headaches the first few months, but I rarely get headaches now. It doesn't make my period shorter or anything, but it has helped a little bit with cramps. Before BC, I used to get so sick I would throw up, but I haven't had that issue since starting. I haven't had any bleeding or spotting in between. I was thinking about switching to Cryselle, which is a pill, but the reviews were so horrible, so I think I am gonna stay with the patch for a while. I have enjoyed being on this, and I haven't gained any weight. Also, have not gotten pregnant."

• oli...
• May 24, 2021

"So I've decided to give Xulane a chance after my friend suggested it. My insurance covered it, and I was able to get 3 packs, which equals 3 months. I actually was able to do everything on the app Nurx. Anyway, back to Xulane. Two weeks today. But my first week was interesting, trying to get used to the patch and all. I was a little paranoid it would come off because I wasn't used to it. But after an intense workout and long shower, it didn't move or lift, I got excited. So far... no symptoms, no mood swings, no bloating, no spotting, no weight gain, no changes in sex drive, acne has cleared up. I've tried the patch and implant, and this is by far the best! If you're reading this and you're unsure, I totally recommend the Xulane patch! I keep mine on my lower abdomen, and I put a clear Nexcare Tegaderm on top of my patch (lasts up to 7 days, no issue) to secure it and give me peace of mind. It doesn't move, lift, wrinkle, and I took a bath, and it still didn't budge. So far, so good!"

• Har...
• September 16, 2018

"This is the best birth control EVER! I have a really hard time remembering to take normal (pill form) birth control, so this saved my freaking life. My periods are SO much better, my skin has cleared up. I'm less moody. SIS! I LOOK SO GOOD, DUDE! I'M LITERALLY GLOWING. MY BOOBS ARE SO PERKY. For me, this is the only birth control option. Plus, I'm not pregnant, so seriously, try it out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2023

"I have been taking Xulane for over 6 years and have had no problems with it. My medical cover thought it would be better to use a mail delivery service, which was fine until they switched my prescription to Zafemy. This patch is horrible, I started using it 6 weeks ago, and I started getting irregular spotting, horrible cramps, and bloating. I do not recommend this product. It does not stick and falls off randomly. I am in the process of going back to picking up my prescription at the pharmacy and using Xulane."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2020

"Was on the patch for 6 days when extreme nausea set in. I had to call into work sick and vomited all day. By day 9, I was still having nausea and couldn’t take it anymore, so I removed the patch. Would not recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2021

"Used this for two days during the first day of my period, I had pulsing headaches, nausea, and throwing up for about two hours. I have to get off of the patch because my headaches became unbearable after the second day. All my symptoms have disappeared. Thank you to all the women who left reviews, this patch has really nasty side effects, wouldn't recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 26, 2013

"This is by far the best birth control I have ever had. Weight loss, no period IF I keep week 3's patch on through week 4 also. No mood swings and a very increased drive. About a cup size increase in breasts. Faster growing hair. Beautiful skin. The only down is constant yeast infections, seems like they started since I've been on the patch because they never used to be a problem. Otherwise perfect, went from Depo-Provera to the patch and will never regret it."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2019

"I've just come out of the hospital after 6 days, being diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs, and is a known side effect of Ortho Evra. I would steer well clear of this if you think your blood clots easily. I now have to wear special stockings for blood flow and circulation, as well as blood thinner tablets for the next year. Thank you, Evra, ever so much."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2022

"It is awful. I was on Xulane for over 4 years, and I loved it, no issues. 2 months ago, I got switched to Zafemy. It SUCKS. Patches fall off within a day, I get horrible cramps and headaches now. I got my period 2 weeks early because the patches don’t stick and keep falling off."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2023

"I've been using Xulane for years and was switched to Zafemy unexpectedly. Tried it last week on Sunday, May 7, 2023, and placed it on my lower abdomen. For the first two days, the patch fell off. I placed another patch on and tried to be more careful so the patch would not fall off. The next day, I took a shower and it fell off by itself. At this point, I was done with this brand (Zafemy) because I never had this issue with Xulane. I went to talk to the pharmacist and was told that my doctor has to write on the prescription, 'DAW (Dispense as written) Patient needs Xulane brand only - side effects to Zafemy.' So, to save everyone else time who hates Zafemy, please tell your doctor to write this on your BC prescriptions. If you're wondering why your BC got switched unexpectedly, it's because pharmacies are going cheaper and carrying Zafemy in their inventory instead."

• Anonymous
• May 20, 2008

"I was on the Ortho Evra patch for a couple of years, and after the first 3 months of your body adjusting to it (which you are forewarned about), just regular side effects, mood swings, regular cramps (when your time is almost near), and I believe it gave me a high sex drive. I've been off of it for about 5 months, and my sex drive plummeted dramatically. It's extremely convenient due to my forgetting to take the pill every day. I usually put it on my pelvis and rotate sides each week."

• Kka...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2020

"I’ve been on many different forms of birth control (6) for the past seven years, and I have to say the patch is my favorite. It has cleared up my skin tremendously, and it has made my boobs more full. I read other reviews about it falling off, but that's never really happened to me unless I’m in the river with a current. I think it depends on where you put the patch. I put mine on my lower back, closer to my butt. The only issue I’ve had with the patch is TERRIBLE hot flashes. I get them really bad, and I start sweating. This got so bad that I quit the patch and didn’t take birth control again for 8 months. Quitting birth control made my skin super bad with hormonal acne. I recently just got back on it, and the hot flashes are back. I love this birth control so much, it has done wonders for me. But the hot flashes are so bad I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to deal with it."

• Pol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2020

"I switched to Xulane after having Mirena. The switch was seamless, and I’ve had no bad side effects. My libido is back after the IUD got rid of it, and it’s really easy to remember to replace the patch once a week."

• hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2014

"I gained weight from the Depo shot. I was extremely sick on the pills. The Ortho Evra patch was a gateway to happiness. I had multicystic ovaries that made life uncomfortable for me, from random pains and swelling to uncomfortable sex. I tried many different contraceptives, and the patch is the only one that helped. My only complaints are the residue from the patch, breast tenderness (although I did go up a size and my sex drive went way up). My husband hides from me now, haha. Make sure you use as directed. Skipping a few days on the switcharoo will throw your period off."

• Kai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2015

"I'm on my third patch, and so far, so good! I love that I only have to remember to change it once a week. The first week, I had a few battles with nausea; every little smell made me want to throw up! Even woke up in the middle of the night thinking I was going to. But never actually puked, so that's good, I guess. The other main side effect I've experienced is very tender breasts. I'm curious to see how my period is next week... But overall, it's been very bearable. My one piece of advice-don't let one really bad review sway you! Everyone's body is different. You never know what will work for you until you try!"

• Nea...
• March 23, 2017

"Been on the patch going on 2 months. I love it. Notice boobs are getting bigger and a little sensitive. I place the patch on my buttock and put waterproof band-aids to prevent it from unsticking due to bathing. I also learned to attach a new patch before removing the old one, it decreases the sick feeling. I take one-a-day vitamins to prevent feeling sleepy. So far, so good."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2020

"I am on my third month. I’ve gained about 7 pounds, roughly. I lose my appetite one day and the next, I'm hungry no matter how much I eat. I have no idea if this has to do with my birth control, but my breasts have gotten painful knots on both of them. The doctor told me it was an infection, but on my off week, the first one went away. Now I’m on week 2 of month 3 and I have two more on the opposite breast. Has this happened to anyone else?"

• Dij...
• January 5, 2016

"Absolutely swear by and love the patch. I place mine on my lower left-hand side of my stomach and rotate between two spots to give my skin a week's breathing afterwards. Yes, it collects dust around the outside, but it's really not a big deal, and if it is, use talc, it stops this. I've been on it for nearly two years and only ever had three fall off. I have such a high sex drive, it doesn't give me mood swings or make me gain weight. I become slightly emotional on my last day of my gap week, but nothing over the top or noticeable! Would 100% recommend it. I've tried various pills, and they weren't for me. But hey, everyone's different."

• mic...
• December 26, 2013

"I've been on the patch for about 9 years, going on 10 years. Absolutely love it! It is super convenient, no pregnancies, and if you're forgetful like I am, it works GREAT! I tried the pill, and that made me very nauseous, so I decided to give Ortho Evra a try, and it was the best decision I've ever made! My breasts grew, but that's about the only side effect I experienced. Unfortunately, I've been getting a lot of yeast infections recently, so I'm going to try the NuvaRing to see if the Ortho patch is what's causing it (highly doubtful). Worth a try, though. I highly recommend Ortho Evra."

• Moo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 1, 2020

"I have only tried the pill and this patch as contraceptive. The pill was difficult to remember, and being off by just a minute would cause spotting. Frustrating. I am very petite, 5 ft tall, I rarely can get to 108 pounds, so most things are strong to me. This Xulane patch isn't bad. I don't know if I have mood swings. I am moody in general with an anxiety disorder. Nothing has changed in that area. No pregnancy, which is great. Easy to remember to change the patch. I've been on this patch over a year, and for some reason lately I am spotting when I have my patch on. I get long (7 days or more), heavy periods. It's very annoying, and every time I try to get answers, they say it shouldn't happen that way. I can't even skip my period if I want to. Why can't this birth control stop my period? I enjoyed Xulane until this whole struggle with my period on it."

• ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2014

"I'm 17, and I've been on the patch for 4 months now. Before this, I had been on the pill for a few years, but it started to become inconvenient. The patch is VERY convenient for me. I've tried quite a few birth controls for my heavy and painful periods, but nothing has ever worked. The patch hasn't made too much of a difference in that area, but my skin is clear, and I'm definitely protected from pregnancy. The first two months, my period was really bad, but it got better. I'm happy with the patch, and I recommend it. One downside is the color of it, though. I'm African American, so my skin is brown, and the patch is kind of pink like a Band-Aid. No big deal, though."

• Shy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 2, 2014

"I'm 19, I've been on the patch for almost a year and a half, I've recommended it to quite a few of my friends. It's the best. The first three months are a bit crazy. Constant nausea, tender breasts, emotional, but all these things are bearable and seem to fade away after your body gets used to the patch. Easier to remember to change it. It's so convenient."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2014

"I hadn't been on birth control before the patch, but my experience on it has been pretty pleasant. My period is a lot shorter, and it comes exactly 3 days after I take my patch off for my week off. The only negative I have found is that I am way more emotional than I have ever been in my life. I cry way more often (when I'm wearing the patch and on my period), which I find very strange since I had gone from not crying ever to crying about once a week."