Ortho Evra and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 16a...
• January 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 16, and this was my first method of birth control. I wasn't good at taking pills, so I chose this. In the first couple of weeks, my breasts felt tender. I only felt nauseous one time. I've had some headaches, but nothing too bad. I also got more acne, but now that I'm at the end of 3 months, it seems like it's gone away. I also fear that it will make me gain weight because I have gained 2-4 pounds since then. But I think my breasts got bigger."

• She...
• November 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on and off the patch for 2 years now. The first time using the patch, I used it for 8-9 months and liked the fact that I had regular 3-day periods, no acne, and no weight gain. I did experience cramping and terrible moods. I was off for about 6-7 months due to being sexually inactive and then started up again 4 months ago. This time around, I experienced horrible breakouts that just started to subside, bad cramping, depressive moods (complete loss of control over my emotions), irritability, and heavy periods. The only plus side is that my breasts have grown a full cup size and no spotting during the month. Unfortunately, the cons outweigh the pros, and so I've decided to try pills again (Tri-Clyen), hoping to be myself again!"

• Ell...
• September 6, 2015

For Birth Control "This is the first type of contraception I have ever used, I was debating for ages what I should go for. I didn't really want something that stopped my period as I just don't feel it's right for my body, and I am happy with that. I haven't noticed any major changes to my body, which is good, although I had a major breakout during my first month on the patch (my GP said that should calm down after a few months). My emotions and appetite are always on a high, so I can't say the patch has really brought that on at all or anymore."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch now for four months. I've had minimal side effects. In fact, I love what the patch has done for me. My acne cleared up, it has helped me calm down emotionally, I sleep better, and while it puts my sex drive on overload for the first month, it all mellowed out by the second or third month. The first month was the most drastic. The only thing I really could complain about is the fact that for a day in month one, I was extremely depressed. Like, so depressed that I felt hopeless and didn't want to get out of bed. Now, I don't know if that was due to the fact that I had pulled a couple all-nighters (due to exams) or the patch, but it was awful. Other than that, things have been wonderful. I love the patch."

• bth...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2016

For Birth Control "So I've been taking this form of birth control for about 2 months, but I think I am going to quit after I finish this round of patches. The patch is so easy as I don't have to remember to take it every day, but it has a lot of downsides. They include the glue trapping fuzziness, the visibility of it, gaining weight (I gained 10 lbs), decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, increased hunger, really sore and swollen breasts, increased acne and oily skin, and periods lasting longer. My insurance covered them, but I prefer to maintain a slim weight, so that is the main reason I am quitting."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2012

For Birth Control "In the fourth month of using the patch, and my first time on hormonal birth control. I'm in my mid-40s, never smoked, slightly high blood pressure, but my doctor didn't think it would cause further elevation. I really like it. It's not as cheap as a generic pill, but wonderful not to worry about missing a dose. The patch sticks on fine and adhered again well if caught on a slipped bra strap when I wore it on my outer arm. I'm now wearing it on my butt and it's fine. It will leave a mark that doesn't easily come off for days and is prone to picking up lint on the sides, but I am okay with that. No weight gain, moodiness, or other issues. May have had a pimple or two in the first months, short nausea with the very first application, and heavier periods with additional but slight cramping. My sex drive dropped for a time but has returned to normal and I have no problems there. I think I feel a bit low emotionally the week it's off. Overall, no concerns I can't live with, and I love the easy protection and confidence of seeing it on."

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 17, 2022

For Birth Control "I've used the Ortho Evra patch for the past 2 years, and I absolutely love it. I tried out different birth controls, such as the pill and the NuvaRing, and it was always horrible. They caused me heavy mood swings and a very low sex drive. With the NuvaRing, I had the feeling my vagina would burst. This has completely changed since I've started using the patch. No mood swings, normal sex drive, no additional weight gain, no more acne, almost no period pain, and a very short period (only 3 days instead of 7+ days before). The only thing is that the patch gets itchy from time to time, but I change the position every week (on the butt cheek). It always depends on how your body reacts to it, but I would definitely recommend giving it a go. Makes your life much easier."

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2010

For Birth Control "I started Ortho Evra in Nov. 2005, and am still on it. I put it on my pelvis an inch away from my hip, and have had no trouble with it sticking there. It did not stay in place on my upper arm or butt - probably due to friction. I have side effects: reduced sex drive, breast tenderness in week 3 and patch off week, mood swings, and an increase in acne in week 3, and mild skin irritation at the application site. I have a history of migraines with aura. When I was on migraine medication that worked well, Ortho Evra did not cause a problem. Since my migraine medication has stopped working effectively, it seems that Ortho Evra increases my likelihood of a migraine during week 3. I will sadly be switching to a non-estrogen form of birth control."

• sup...
• May 12, 2010

For Birth Control "As with almost every form of birth control, there are side effects with the patch. However, in my case, I really feel that the side effects I've had are totally tolerable. I've been using Ortho Evra for about 3 years and have had some occasional breast tenderness and really occasional spotting. I do notice that I break out in week 3 and am pretty moody in week 4. It's really convenient for those of us who aren't 'religious' with pills. Thus far, I am a happy camper."

• Hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2021

For Birth Control "It was easy to use. I didn’t have any side effects in the first week, but on the second week it made my comedones and acne worse. It’s a total nightmare. I removed it on the 10th day. Otherwise, it was fine, but it’s a major side effect, so be careful, ladies."

• Man...
• October 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I sort of on the fence here. I'm 19, 114 lbs. I've only had the patch on for a week, and I have already gotten 2 cystic acne flare-ups. One on my cheek near my left nostril and an extremely painful one on my jawline near my ear. I had an IUD in for about 8 months, but it caused me problems and had to be removed. The patch I notice I am very tired and bitchy, with headaches and nausea. My biggest concern is the fact that I have never had bad acne. I'd usually only get 1-2 whiteheads during my menstrual week. Now my face is really bad, red, blotchy, gross cyst pimples. It really crushes one's self-esteem. I've been thinking maybe I just shouldn't use it anymore."

• Kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2015

For Birth Control "This was the first BC I ever used. It was mostly fine, didn't help my acne any and didn't give me boobs (I was all hips in those days) but also didn't give me any nausea or weight gain. However, the patches never stayed on. They would get sticky and lint from my clothes would make the edges look really grungy. They fell off a lot. I also developed an allergy to the adhesive, leaving red squares on my skin for months after. Now I'm allergic to any adhesive (tape, Band-Aids, etc.). I switched to the NuvaRing and like it much better."

• Anonymous
• April 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I've only been on the patch for a few months, and I think it's much better than a daily pill. Two things are getting to me, though-nausea and a little acne. I've never had any problems with acne before, and I'm noticing some (not a ridiculous amount, but still more than I'm used to) since I started the patch. Also, it seems like on my change day, I get extremely nauseous. I work in a kitchen, so that makes it tricky. I'm going to try something else for a while, but I may be back on the patch afterward."

• Anonymous
• March 18, 2012

For Birth Control "Before being on the patch, I took two different birth control pills and was on the NuvaRing. I had a lot of problems with those which I'm not facing with the patch (acne, extreme tiredness, moodiness, yeast infections, bacterial vaginitis, weight gain, etc.). I'll admit that I've had pretty bad cramps and extreme changes in my mood when my period comes. I feel a little out of whack, but it's worth it compared to the alternative side effects I've experienced! The first day of a new patch, I'm always extremely tired and a bit nauseous as well. It also does leave a sticky ring and cause irritation, but it doesn't bother me. You can see a few faded square marks on my back from previous weeks... a little weird. Overall, the best birth control I've experienced so far! Easy, reliable, etc."

• Liz...
• February 12, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for about four months now. My biggest complaint would be the weight gain and the acne. Previously, I was on the pill and have tried the NuvaRing. The pill made me too nauseous, and I forgot to take it all too often. The NuvaRing just didn't suit me. I love that I don't have to worry about this birth control but once a week. I will say that each time I change the patch, I do have a day of nausea. I also have minor irritation of the skin wherever I place the patch. I itch pretty badly some days more than others. I find that putting it near my shoulder blades avoids any tugging on the clothing and the lint issue."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for a week now, and it's super easy to use. I'm sure I'd forget all the time to take the daily pills, so this once-a-week thing is great! I'm using the patch to help control my low platelets, which causes a heavy flow, red spots on my skin, and unexplained bruising, however, the fact that it also prevents pregnancy is perfect. Anyway, I haven't had my period yet since I've been on it for only a week, but I haven't experienced any headaches, mood swings, and cramping, which is great. I, however, think I've gotten acne from it. Exactly a week ago I got this new foundation, so maybe I got the acne from that. I honestly don't know. Going to ask my doctor for acne meds because of it. I usually don't break out this much, not since middle school."

• Sha...
• May 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on it about a year. The patch is extremely sticky, and I've never had it fall off. That being said, sometimes I get back acne but not a lot. I had one start growing under the spot I applied the patch on, when I ripped it off, I had a giant bloody gashed hole where the pimple was. Took it clean off. I scarred there after a couple of weeks. One thing to remember about this patch is you will scar. I have scars on each shoulder blade in 10 different spots, some lower and higher from taking the patch off because it's so dang sticky. The patch has never come off for me. It's made me gain, it has made my boobs grow, it's made me tired."