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

• amc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I've actually had no health problems at all with the patch so far, and I've been on it just over a month now. I read up on it beforehand, and the reviews were playing on my mind, but I've had no sickness, no headaches, and no spotting, which has been great! I've been wearing it on my bum (alternating sides each week) for a few weeks, and this seems alright, but I'm trying my inner arm now. The only downside of this I've had is the pain when taking it off - I thought it would be like taking a plaster off, but it's much worse! Like getting an unwanted wax each time. Granted, this means that it stays on for a week! This is enough to put me off the patch, and I'll be trying something different next time."

• car...
• June 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using Evra patches for just over 6 months, and my periods are perfectly regular and much lighter than they are naturally. I haven't experienced cramps, nausea, or headaches and didn't before I used birth control. However, I've gained roughly 1.5 stone during use, but I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or caused by the patch. As a result, my breasts are also about a cup size larger. I always shave a square to help it adhere, I've never had one fall off, but they do tend to slide a little, and the glue left behind will collect fluff. This means it's not as discreet as it should be, but this doesn't bother myself or my partner, and I can easily hide it on my butt cheeks under a bikini. Worth mentioning, this is my first birth control."

• ACY...
• January 24, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Evra for 10 years... that's right... 10 years! I started when I was 17, and I've never had a problem with it. Periods are normal. Sometimes really bad cramps the first couple of days and maybe a headache or two. But those are just normal PMS side effects as far as I'm concerned. I've heard people have gained weight using Ortho Evra, but I never had such issues. And most of all, I've never gotten pregnant. My only complaint is Ortho Evra is very expensive. I'm on an HSA now, and I pay $79 per month. I wear the patch on my buttocks, and I switch sides every week to avoid excess irritation. Sometimes it gets stuck to my underwear or jeans, and it's hard to find a replacement if it peels off."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2012

For Birth Control "So far, I have loved the patch! I've only been on it for about two and a half months, but in that time, my breasts have gone up a full cup size! I've had very small breasts my entire life (now 21 years old), so you can imagine how happy I am. I've had a few bad headaches recently, but every once in a while, my whole life, I've gotten bad headaches. Other than that, I can't think of any other symptoms I've had from using the patch."

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on it for a month, and I am thinking of changing. I have had headaches so bad they make me want to cry 24/7. I also have been nauseous almost every single day after being on it for a week. I have been extremely emotional and had times when I feel very shaky. The fact that this puts off a lot more hormones than other birth control is the reason it is causing me to have these reactions, I think."

• cup...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on the birth control patch for over a year now. I love it! Never had really bad side effects. My periods would come on time. Never had problems with the patch coming off. There are, however, some side effects I didn't know about: spotting in between periods, feeling nausea, headaches, etc. But all in all, I love the patch! Not planning on getting pregnant anytime soon!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on and off the patch for the last 4 years. I've tried what seems like every birth control pill under the sun with no good results. I could easily remember to take the patch, but it always seemed to have some type of side effect. At first, I had bad headaches, or the first day I started the patch, I was so sick to my stomach. I was not on any type of birth control for a couple of months and developed an ovarian cyst. So I got back on the patch, and now it seems like I get a yeast infection each month."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I am having a great time with the patch. I was on the ring for around 6 months (at age 15) and had continuous breakthrough bleeding. Since my switch to the patch, that's cleared up. I've been on it for almost a year, and I haven't experienced any nausea or headaches. I have gained around 10 pounds, and I cry and get emotional more now. The patch can look a little nasty, but that's fine. And SUPER SHORT PERIODS!! One 3-4 days now!!"

• One...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I tried the Ortho Evra patch for one day, and instantly the patch was extremely itchy. I had a continuous headache within hours of the medication. I felt nauseous and a little achy. Honestly, it's probably not for everyone. I'm only 145 lbs, and I've never been on birth control before, so hopefully the hormones wear off and have no long-term side effects."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the patch on for two days and just could not do it, have just ripped it off. Got nauseous for anything and everything, for example, smells or ideas of eating, absolutely no appetite, and headaches. Worst experience I have ever had."

• Jam...
• January 29, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor put me on the patch because I have terrible cramps during my period and usually develop ovarian cysts that are very painful a few days before my period starts. I put this on at 7 pm, and by midnight, I had terrible headaches to the point I couldn't lift my neck or even talk because my teeth hurt. I felt immediate pain in my pelvic area where I placed it. I also had immediate muscle spasms in my legs and right arm (side where the patch was), and I don't want to keep up this terrible pain that I felt in just a few hours. It's probably just all the extra estrogen, and I probably should have waited it out, but I don't want to take any chances."

• Bel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this patch for about 2 years now, and I really love it. When I first started BC, I was on pill form. I had pretty bad side effects from the pill: headaches, bad cramps on my period, my period was never consistent, and I was always spotting between periods. I was also horrible at remembering to take it. I switched to the patch after enduring about 5 months of the pill. The change for me was incredible. With the patch, I have had no side effects. My periods have been 100% consistent and I've never had spotting between. It's so easy to remember changing once a week. The only negative thing for me was the first 4-5 months of use; I had some irritated skin around the patch area. That has since resolved. I personally love this patch!"

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for about 6 months now, and I absolutely love it! It is much simpler than the pill because you don't have to worry about forgetting about it! I've found that since starting it, my skin has been better, I don't get headaches, my sex drive is normal, no weight gain, and not as moody! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is annoyed with the dailiness of the pill."

• Anonymous
• October 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I went on this because my friend recommended it and because I like the convenience. While on it, however, I experienced horrible anxiety and depression. I also had a weird headache and taste in my mouth all month. My appetite varied wildly; I would be so hungry and then not at all. My period, which usually lasts three days and is very light, lasted eight days, and I had horrible cramps. During my period, I also felt light-headed and out of it."

• Dia...
• August 30, 2015

For Birth Control "This is my first birth control ever - after I had an abortion in July. Decided to take on the patch because it is easy and convenient, and you don't have to remember to take it every day, just once a week, and my change patch day is every Monday. On my patch-free week today, menses came. Tomorrow will be my second month wearing it, and so far, so good. Side effects are mainly headache and a big appetite, however, no weight gain, no breakouts, and some spotting in between. Cons: lint will adhere to the patch, and it could be itchy for me once in a while."

• Anonymous
• December 30, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for almost 2 years, and now it's really starting to affect me. The last few months, I've had appetite issues ranging from near-binge eating to complete loss of appetite. The last month, I've had extreme anxiety, chest pain, headaches, nervousness, shaking...the works. I've not experienced any vomiting, but nausea accompanies the loss of appetite. I have a doctor's appointment in a couple of days, and I'm definitely getting off of this. It was effective for a long time for treating ovarian cysts, but now it is really negatively affecting my day-to-day life."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I think I had every possible side effect there was to have with this birth control. I gave this method several attempts and still fail. I had rashes wherever I put it, skin discoloration, constant yeast infections (no matter the placement), headaches, nausea, it kept coming off, bloating. The one good thing I can say about it is (no babies). Good luck, everyone is different."

• ano...
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for 10 months and finally stopped. Every month my side effects would increase just a little to the point that they were unbearable. At the end, I had unexplained muscle and joint pain, chronic headaches, nonstop for 1 month straight at one point, and migraines 3-4 times a week. Also, I had bad cramps and breakthrough bleeding. Muscle and nerve spasms that required physio and nerve blocks and developed hypertension. I am a healthy weight and live a healthy lifestyle, 30 years old and have never had a regular BP over 100/60. When I stopped the patch, I had a regular running BP of approx 150/110 and was being put on beta blockers. I am still waiting for these side effects to fully correct, but within a week, I've improved."

• Bet...
• April 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I started using this in November, and it was completely fine. I put it on my arms, but as the weather got warmer, I needed to cover it more, so I put it on my stomach. I’m taking it off on Saturday for my patch-free week, but I have decided not to put another one back on. I got really bad headaches, and I didn’t really notice why, but the more I got them, I realized it started when I used the patch. They are super bad that I struggle to get to sleep. I like this patch, but my headaches are not going after 6 months."

• Mag...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for two and a half years, and I gained at least 20 lbs... and my weight just keeps increasing. I’ve had really bad headaches before and after my period when I’m on the patch. The only good thing is that my acne is gone and I don’t have any cramps. But still, I’d rather have those things than to gain that much weight. I’m now switching back to the pill. I think it really depends on your body. Everyone is different when it comes to side effects for birth control."

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Ortho Evra for three months, and my experiences so far have been okay. The very first week of starting the patch, I was very nauseous, had some diarrhea, and very bad headaches (however, I think this would be the case with most methods). Usually, the first week is the worst. Since then, I've had random headaches and nausea (mostly on the patch 'change' days). Unfortunately, I had terrible abnormal vaginal bleeding that seemed to be like a heavy period for a little bit over two weeks. My only other complaint is that the patch gets stuck to my clothing a lot, and it concerns me. Sometimes it gets bubbles in it, or it looks like it's falling off. However, I like the ease of use and the fact that it is not a pill."

• sou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2013

For Birth Control "So, I have been on the Ortho Evra for a few days, but what I have already noticed is that it itches pretty bad, and I already have inflammation in my knees and in my hips. I put the patch on my right arm, and I noticed that the pain in my right knee and right hip has gotten worse. And tiredness and slight headaches, but other than that, I'm loving it so far."

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2012

For Birth Control "I was only on the patch for two weeks, and while I love the easy use of switching from one patch to another only once a week, I had a terrible headache for the first patch, and the second one I had a horrible migraine that ended with me in the emergency room. I had to stop. The easy use was great, but the side effects were just awful."

• 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."