Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• All...
• September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "Do not, I repeat, do not take this birth control. I read the bad reviews and figured it would not happen to me because I never have bad medical side effects. HOWEVER, I got sick to my stomach every time I put on a patch to the point of throwing up. I lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks due to this. I got severe mood swings and a lot of acne. Not worth it. I lasted 3 months and nothing changed."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2022

For Birth Control "I just tried the Xulane patch for the first time, and I couldn't even make it through the first week, my symptoms were so bad. I felt overwhelming nausea, headaches, hot flashes, and gained 10 lbs in a week despite eating normally. I respect people who do fine with the patch, but it was not for me! I'd been on the pill and had Nexplanon before that, and while they both made me a bit moodier and full of acne, they were nothing like the patch. Next step for me will be trying the copper IUD, since hormonal birth control does not seem to be working well for me."

• 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."

• Goi...
• July 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I started Xulane after Implanon and the NuvaRing. I had severe weight gain and depression on Implanon and some moodiness and breakthrough bleeding on NuvaRing. I've been on Xulane for one month so far, and I absolutely love it! I alternate from my abdomen to my butt every month, and it doesn't even budge or begin to peel off - it sticks! The only bothersome thing about it is I began to break out a little more - I've always had acne problems, but these have been more cystic acne than usual. It seems to be calming down though. Also, I get a lot of fuzz stuck to the adhesive on the patch itself, so I just pick it off if it gets to be noticeable. Best of all - my period pain has been non-existent and my periods very light."

• Goi...
• July 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I started Xulane after Implanon and the NuvaRing. I had severe weight gain and depression on Implanon and some moodiness and breakthrough bleeding on NuvaRing. I've been on Xulane for one month so far, and I absolutely love it! I alternate from my abdomen to my butt every month, and it doesn't even budge or begin to peel off - it sticks! The only bothersome thing about it is I began to break out a little more - I've always had acne problems, but these have been more cystic acne than usual. It seems to be calming down though. Also, I get a lot of fuzz stuck to the adhesive on the patch itself, so I just pick it off if it gets to be noticeable. Best of all - my period pain has been non-existent and my periods very light."

• Gyp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I used the patch for 5 months. I really enjoyed not having to take a pill every day, and it was extremely effective. Yet the mood swings were HORRIBLE. I am a fairly unemotional woman, but the patch made me unbelievably weepy for no reason at all. My boyfriend of 4 years was kind enough to point out that that wasn't normal me behavior. As for the rest of the details, I had no issues with headaches, nausea, or breast tenderness. The patch left a bit of a residue after you took it off and constantly pulled up on the corners, but I only really had one time when I was seriously worried that it might fall off. Very often there was fabric residue along the edge of the patch, and I would usually have ingrown hairs or small pimples growing under it."

• Ash...
• November 12, 2015

For Birth Control "Didn't want to be on any birth control. In the past, I've been on the shot, the pill, NuvaRing, hated it all. Gyno said I should be on BC, so now I'm on the patch. Been on it less than a month, and it's a terrible experience. I'm throwing up all the time, stomach hurts, boobs hurt so bad, so moody I don't want to be around myself (can go from crying because it's the most ridiculous thing to wanting to rip somebody's face off for breathing in seconds). When I think I'm done bleeding, it starts right back up. I eat everything because I'm always starving, and I'm breaking out. :("

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I was so upset to hear that my insurance no longer covered Ortho Era. I absolutely loved that patch! I never had any side effects, and it even decreased my appetite to where I lost a decent amount of weight over the year I was on it. Unfortunately, I'm about to start my third patch of this one and have had a terrible experience with it so far. I love the ease of only having to change it once a week, but the symptoms so far aren't worth it. I have bloating, constipation, headaches, tiredness, tender breasts, terrible mood swings/depression, acne, and I'm constantly craving sweets! I've been eating like a total hog. I plan on sticking with it, hoping that the symptoms will subside. I will update after a few months of taking it if my symptoms get any better."

• Lul...
• November 23, 2019

For Birth Control "The first day I put the patch on (Friday), after a few hours, I started randomly crying for no reason. I had hot flashes and would shake and get cold. I started feeling spaced out and weird. My body is sensitive, so I wasn't surprised. Saturday morning, I woke up out of a sleep and was so nauseous. I went to urgent care, and they gave me Zofran, after that, I was fine. Every now and then, I’d get nauseous and have a weird feeling in my stomach, but my body was just adjusting. I didn’t want to take the patch off right away in case this might be good for me. After a few days, I started feeling better-I was worried I would have these symptoms every time a new patch goes on. Yesterday marked one week, I took the patch off and had a small rash. I put a new one on another part of my body and woke up with no symptoms. My face seems like it has more acne, but I’m not sure if it’s from the patch. I'm usually acne-prone. The great thing about the patch is that if you ever want to stop, you can just take it off."

• Car...
• September 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Evra for about 4 months, but I had to switch to Xulane. I haven't had sex since I began Xulane, so I don't know how effective it is at preventing a pregnancy. I absolutely hate it, I've broken out so much. While I was on Ortho Evra, my skin was clear, and I loved it, but now I have more acne, and I get whiteheads, which are difficult to get rid of. Am I the only one with this side effect? Bye-bye clear skin. By the way, I've been on Xulane for 3 1/2 months, and my skin has only gotten worse."

• Car...
• September 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Evra for about 4 months, but I had to switch to Xulane. I haven't had sex since I began Xulane, so I don't know how effective it is at preventing a pregnancy. I absolutely hate it, I've broken out so much. While I was on Ortho Evra, my skin was clear, and I loved it, but now I have more acne, and I get whiteheads, which are difficult to get rid of. Am I the only one with this side effect? Bye-bye clear skin. By the way, I've been on Xulane for 3 1/2 months, and my skin has only gotten worse."

• 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."

• Din...
• February 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on the Xulane patch for three months now, and I haven't had any major problems. I had nausea on the first day I used it, but it settled quickly. The only thing I will say is that it does get a bit itchy, and it peels a bit around the edges all the time, which gives me a bit of anxiety, but I haven't had any scares. My periods have gotten lighter, and the duration of it is less too. No weight gain, less acne, no mood swings - it's great so far! I'd recommend it if you're not prone to getting headaches or nausea."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I am on my first month of this patch, I am about to take it off in a couple of days for my patch-free week, and wow. I was expecting headaches, nausea, a lot of issues, to be honest, as I suffer almost daily with chronic headaches. Before, I was taking an ultra-low dose pill called Lutera, which they have now discontinued. This patch has a much higher dosage of hormones than what I was used to, so I expected side effects. I've had none, to the point I wondered if it was working! I actually feel happier on this patch, my headaches have actually improved, and I seem to have more energy too. The only thing I've noticed is that I get tiny pimples under the patch when I've taken it off, which is very minor. Love this patch so far. Hope it continues!"

• 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm on my third week and cannot wait to get my period and go back to pills. The first week I was nauseous, but that went away. For all weeks, I've been anxious, paranoid, emotional, unable to sleep through the night, and broken out. My breasts have increased a full size and were incredibly sore the first two weeks. The breakout started on my forehead but now, during week three, has taken over my arms! My chest and back are also broken out. So disappointed that the patch did not clear my skin like Loryna pills, it has only made my skin worse. The estrogen must be too high of a dosage for me."

• 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."

• AM1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on it for about 6 months. Experiencing weight gain, low libido, still making me breakout often, chest pain since I've been on it, crazy hair loss. With Ortho Evra, never had any of these problems and was on it for about 3 years total. I am trying to find a different method, Xulane is not for me."

• 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."