Ortho Evra and Nausea: What Users Say

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2014

For Birth Control "When I first went to the doctor, I was not interested in the patch. She talked me into it and said if I didn't like it after a few months, to come back and we would change it. With the birth control pills I used to take, I had to pay $50 a month. Although, with the patch, I am paying nothing. FREE! Now to the symptoms. The first 3 months sucked between headaches, nausea, being moody, and tired. The worst symptom was cramps when I was not on my period at random times. It hurt so bad and was very annoying. After 3 months of using the patch, the symptoms are gone and I absolutely LOVE THE PATCH. I have been on it for about 6 months and the only downfall is that clothes lint collects around it, but it's not a huge deal if you put it where no one can see."

• MS9...
• September 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I am rating this a 10 because I believe it's extremely effective. I have been on the patch for almost 4 years, and I never once had a pregnancy scare. For me, I get regular periods, but I also get most of the side effects. After the first few months, periods are regular, mine last between 3-5 days. I get more emotional, I get mood swings, cramps, headaches, I bloat, I basically get all the side effects, but they are not severe. Every once in a while, they are pretty bad, but that will only happen once every 6 months to a year. On the patch, I never gained weight from it. The only thing I truly dislike about it is I will get really nauseous and throw up if I don't eat anything the night before I put a new one on, and recently I'll have bloody discharge."

• mic...
• December 26, 2013

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Lil...
• March 2, 2011

For Birth Control "It may be too early for me to review this since I've only been on it for a month, but I thought I'd share my beginning side effects for the people who are curious. So far, I haven't gained weight, or had hair loss, spotting, or any of that. I have had some headaches here and there, as well as nausea, which when I chew some gum, goes away in no time, and also some moodiness-not a big deal, though. By what I've gone through from the start of it, I would say I definitely love this medicine. Absolutely recommend it to others."

• ml1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I started the patch on Friday. I felt fine Friday night. I woke up Saturday morning and felt okay. As the day progressed, my nausea got worse. Woke up Sunday feeling okay, but around 11 pm, the nausea came back. I had a headache and my saliva was really thick. I went to bed that night feeling horrible, not getting much sleep. Monday, I woke up feeling extremely lethargic. I ended up having to leave work early because I thought I was going to pass out. I went home and slept most of the day. Tuesday morning, I spent by the toilet and called my doctor, who told me to take it off if it continued. I just took it off 30 minutes ago and I already feel better."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Cha...
• April 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I am on day 6 of wearing the patch for the first time. On the 3rd day, nausea began, and it has come in waves every day since. I also feel extremely tired. I have had moments where I want to rip it off, but I have read that the symptoms will lessen if I stick it out. I am 31 years old and have not been on any birth control in at least 13 years and have no children. So, at this point, I am going to stick it out a bit longer."

• Pia...
• January 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for 4 years. This is the best birth control method. Of course, like anything, your body has to get used to a foreign object that's attached to your body and lets estrogen through your skin. Your body will go through changes (nausea, sweats, headaches), but good luck finding a method that will leave you symptom-free. Once you get through that yucky part, you'll notice weight gain and also your breasts will get larger and tender. For most, I don't think this goes away. For myself, I do have a little bit of a tummy (I'm 105 lbs), and my boobs have gone up a whole cup size. I find the patch to be insanely convenient. After years of using it, I have zero problems with it. I can only say great things about this BC method!"

• Anonymous
• August 6, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been using it for 4 years. Never had a problem. I never had side effects until I got off it for a couple of months and then went back on. I got some nausea and vomiting, but I've always had a sensitive stomach, so it had to do with a combination of things. All in all, it's the best. I switch from butt cheek to butt cheek each week. It's less likely to fall off if you're sitting on it."

• Mic...
• December 13, 2013

For Birth Control "My experience with the patch was terrible. I started it Wednesday night, and by the evening of Thursday, I had a headache and felt completely drained at work, to the point where I had to ask my manager if I could be sent home. Went to bed around 9:30 but kept frequently waking up throughout the night. I had the most intense nausea, threw up, and then threw up again in the morning. Felt as if I was pregnant even though I'm not (on my period while I put the patch on). Immediately took the patch off me. The side effects were too brutal for me to endure."

• Pat...
• November 19, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Evra since August of 2011, and so far, I really like it. I'm not using it just for birth control, but also for period control. Before going on the Patch, my periods would last 10 to 11 days (3 days of heavy to moderate bleeding, then spotting for 7 to 8 days). Thanks to Ortho Evra, my periods are now only 6 days (3 days of heavy to moderate bleeding, then 3 days of spotting). That is seriously a miracle for me! Also, I have less period cramps than before (although my pre-Patch period cramps were never really anything to complain about). Besides this, my breasts have also grown bigger (which my boyfriend loves). Although, I have experienced some negative side effects too. My breasts were REALLY tender for the first 2 months, but this has mostly gone away. Sometimes, on my Patch change days in September and October, I would feel a little bit nauseous or lightheaded, but I think this may have been partially or completely psychological. Also, sometimes, even when I'm not near my period, I will experience very mild cramping. But these are all side effects that I can live with. The only thing I really don't like about this medication is that it lowered my alcohol tolerance and made me more susceptible to hangovers. But in the end, I'd rather throw up from a hangover than from morning sickness. Overall, I'd recommend this medication."

• Len...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2013

For Birth Control "First form of birth control was Zovia. Didn't like it because it made me nauseous all the time. So after a year of being off birth control, I decided to try the patch. I like it a lot. No major side effects at all. The only thing is that I did lose my sex drive, which made me pretty sad, but I'd rather deal with that than the side effects of other birth controls. I've only been on it for about three months, so maybe I still need to wait to adjust. I do feel like I'm gaining weight, though. Although I would not completely blame it on the patch because birth control gives you cravings that you can choose to act upon or not. Birth control doesn't make you gain weight. It's what you decide to put in your mouth that does."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm a 19-year-old, and I've had my fair share with different birth controls. I tried the NuvaRing, and that was not the most comfortable thing in the world, so I decided to try the patch. I've been on it for a solid year and a half, and for the most part, it works, I have not had a child. But every month, I would get so nauseous after putting a new patch on, after my period, that I'd need to sit back and close my eyes for a while. It drained my energy levels completely. And every so often, I would have my period for a lengthy month, without it lightening up or signs of stopping. I was finally fed up with my monthly periods, so I went to the doctor, and she suggested the Mirena."

• Kel...
• May 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 3 weeks now. I am now on my patch-free week, and I think it's great. There's no itching or reddening at the placement site, and I alternate between placements each week, which helps. I feel nauseous every once in a while, but that may be contributed to other things, and it subsides relatively quickly. I had a slight headache the first day of application, but none since. I've had a few mood swings, but once again, it could be contributed to other things. Oh, and my breasts have grown, which is a plus for some. Slight tenderness but only to touch. Sex drive has increased. And it's so easy to remember! I'm 98 lbs and 5'1'."

• 291...
• March 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I love this patch and would recommend it to anyone! I'm British, so the cost is all covered too, which is even better! On the first full day of using the patch, I was violently sick and felt nauseous for the morning, but that was it. Since then, I have actually calmed down with mood swings and a lot less snappy! Also, I'm quite small and have naturally small breasts, but have gone up about half a cup size in the 3 weeks I've been on it!"

• Lub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2021

For Birth Control "This has been the worst 5 days of my life. After the 1st day, I took a pregnancy test because I thought I was pregnant from all the nausea. 2nd day I almost quit my job because I was extremely exhausted, felt helpless, and wouldn't stop crying. Every morning I wake up with an upset tummy and cannot brush my teeth without vomiting. I've stopped taking it now and will not recommend it to anyone. You completely lose yourself. It is a nightmare."

• Zir...
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I switched from the pill because I was having trouble taking it at the same time every day. I loved the patch and how convenient it was. I wore it for two years and I will admit my boobs grew a cup size and I gained about 10 lbs over time, but my bf likes a little chub, so it was fine, lol. I NEVER had nausea problems (kinda shocked by some reviews here). I'll admit I would have PMS-like mood swings each time I changed the patch, but I never had shakes or sweating. I actually really love this birth control and rarely notice side effects. My periods became lighter (I had heavy bleeding pain before the patch), it lasted 3 days and was on a regular schedule. I highly recommend."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I have used Ortho Evra for 4+ years while being in a relationship. I have had regular periods each month, all beginning on the same day each month while on the patch. My periods only lasted 3-4 days. I love the patch and have never had a pregnancy scare while on it. The only downside, if any, was when putting the patch back on after having it off for a week. That sometimes caused a sense of nausea, but I would highly recommend it."

• Run...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I've only been on the patch for a few weeks, but let me tell you... it's GREAT for anyone who is super sensitive to estrogen or any other hormone replacement! I couldn't even take the lowest dose of birth control because the hormones made my stomach so sick. I was unable to even move for weeks when I took the pill. Started the patch because I have incredibly low estrogen, and I haven't had any nausea, but a little fatigue. Probably more due to the fact that it's something 'new' your body is dealing with. I haven't really had the increased sex drive like a lot of women mention, but I definitely feel as though my mood has evened out, and I'm less 'high and low' like I used to be. Highly recommend this as a form of birth control."