Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Acne: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Lee...
• August 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I want to start off by saying I haven't gotten pregnant, so that's a major plus with this form of birth control. You tend to see a lot of negative reviews with Xulane, as well as other birth control. You'll have to give it a try because that's the only way you'll be able to tell. When I turned 18, I was put on the Xulane patch, and I loved it. After three months, I switched to an IUD (Mirena), which was the worst thing ever (seriously, I don't recommend it, especially if you haven't been pregnant before). Since I had bad experiences with Mirena that led to hospital trips, I decided to go back to Xulane. I had a few headaches here and there that I barely noticed while I started it. My acne has gotten a little worse but not bad. Would recommend."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2021

For Birth Control "When I first began this birth control, I had symptoms for 3 months (which they say is normal): tender breasts, headaches, mood changes, moodiness, anxiety, tiredness, and really bad breakouts with cystic acne. But to be honest, I already was dealing with hormonal acne, so I can’t be sure it was my birth control that caused it or not, bloating. After the initial 3 months, though, most of those symptoms went away. I’m now a year and 8 months into it, and my boobs are still fuller than before and have gone up a cup size. My acne is almost nonexistent except for a pimple or two before my period. My anxiety, though, is crappy, but I had anxiety. I used to get a headache every time I changed my patch, but that went away, and now it’s nausea. When I change my patch, and when I take it off, I’m nauseous for the entire next day to two days, which really sucks. I usually take Dramamine to help combat it, but it’s been going on for 4-5 months now."

• Emm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I had taken this medication before, so I thought I knew what to expect. I'm 24 and have tried various types of BC. Although the patch was less inconvenient than taking a pill daily, the side effects weren't worth it. I immediately gained 3 pounds (within the first week), I broke out all over my face. I've had three large cysts on my face, it made me irritable and caused severe insomnia. My dermatologist and I were both surprised with how much acne it gave me. Absolutely wouldn't recommend this product to anyone, ever!"

• Ode...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2016

For Birth Control "At first I loved the patch, but quickly I became unhappy. The patch falls off at least once a month. I follow the instructions and put it in a place with no hair and wash well with mild soap to remove any oil on my skin. This patch has caused my face to break out terribly along with my back. It has made my anxiety and depression worse! It will fall off because my skin is oily, and my insurance won't pay for extra patches. I started the patch to control when I get my period. I have my wedding coming up, and I don't want any surprises with my period or pregnancy. However, on my second or third patch change, I ALWAYS get my period. I literally take the old one off after I have put my new one on. I'm very unhappy."

• 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."

• Sav...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for close to 4 years now, and all of a sudden, I have been breaking out on my face incredibly bad. I am 22 years old, and I am tired of having acne like I am 15 years old again. I was told it was going to help with my acne and help with my emotions, but it has made my emotions even more heightened, and my acne is outrageously ridiculous."