Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Itching: What Users Say

• Elb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 5 years now and love it. I never had many problems with it. I didn't gain weight, but I typically will get a pimple or two the week before my period is supposed to start. I do get a slight skin irritation where I put it on. Only a little itchy and no big deal. I wear mine on my stomach and switch sides to help irritation. I don't think it hurts that bad to take off, it's like pulling off a bandaid. I have only had one fall off, and I was swimming every day for a week when it happened. I do notice I am more emotional (and slightly bitchy) while I'm on my period, but I put the new one on and I'm fine. Definitely would recommend!"

• Elb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 5 years now and love it. I never had many problems with it. I didn't gain weight, but I typically will get a pimple or two the week before my period is supposed to start. I do get a slight skin irritation where I put it on. Only a little itchy and no big deal. I wear mine on my stomach and switch sides to help irritation. I don't think it hurts that bad to take off, it's like pulling off a bandaid. I have only had one fall off, and I was swimming every day for a week when it happened. I do notice I am more emotional (and slightly bitchy) while I'm on my period, but I put the new one on and I'm fine. Definitely would recommend!"

• Hon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I started the Xulane patch two months ago. I have to say that it has been a great experience so far. I myself read through these reviews before starting the patch, and I was terrified of the experience I would have. I have not gained any weight. I have not had migraines or even mild headaches. The patch does not itch, nor does it leave a rash or any type of bump. It does leave a residue on the outer ring from where it catches your clothing and collects fuzz. I have not experienced any nausea. It has been smooth sailing. My period is drastically lighter, and I don't get ill or experience extreme cramps. I have to say I'm a huge fan of the patch. It has even increased my sex drive because I feel so comfortable now that I have it."

• Sha...
• October 18, 2013

For Birth Control "Loved the patch! Been using it for about 5 months. The first 2 months my breasts were super sore, but I went up 2 cup sizes! Soreness started to taper off after 2 months. Weight, acne, and sex drive did not seem to be impacted. If anything, they got better. Only complaint is that the patch would sometimes cause my skin to itch a lot."

• Fra...
• June 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control since I was 14 or 15 to control my period. I have been on the pill, the ring, and the shot. The shot was the devil, and while on the shot, I went to my gyn and told her I wouldn't stop bleeding, and I wanted to stop the shot, and I told her I wanted to try the patch. I was going to wait for the shot to wear off because I have 5 more weeks, but I couldn't take the bleeding, so I put on the patch on a Sunday. A couple of hours later, the bleeding stopped!! I love, love the patch, it is easy to remember. The only problem I have had the last 2 patches is it left my skin irritated, but it's my fault because I shaved the area before I put on the patch."

• hle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I really, really enjoy using this. I'm 17, and I am now on my period from the 2nd cycle. The only downside is sometimes it would feel like it itches, but it turns out it's the area around it. Also, my cramps are horrid right now, but I think this is a very effective contraceptive."

• HWD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2013

For Birth Control "This is the best birth control I've ever been on! I was put on the pill when I was 14 because I bled for around 15 days a month. Not fun. The pill didn't really help, I always had a lot of breakthrough bleeding, acne, and migraines. After 9 years of trying different 'types' of birth control pills (monophasic, biphasic, triphasic, high dose, low dose, Yaz, you name it, I was on it!), Implanon, and Paragard, and no success, my doctor said that I could try the patch, but otherwise, she didn't know what to tell me. It worked! I have normal periods, no acne or headaches, and I'm so happy! My only complaint is sometimes the patch is kind of itchy, but it depends on where you put it. A great bet for people who've had problems with other kinds of birth control!"

• Ama...
• March 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I originally took the pill, but the mood swings were too intense for me. I have not experienced any mood swings on the patch. I really like the patch because it cleared up my moderate teenage hormonal acne. I also like that I just have to change it once a week around the same time, and then I can forget about it. In addition, it has been my only form of birth control as long as I've been on it (other than pulling out), and having sex regularly, I have not gotten pregnant. However, it does leave my skin irritated and dry, and it can be very itchy. I prefer to put it on my back, which makes it hard to wear tank tops or other shirts that expose my back without having people ask about it. Overall, I think more people should look into the patch."

• Myr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

For Birth Control "This patch drove me crazy during the almost 2 months I was on it. Initially, I had to change it every couple of days due to minor discomfort like itching or sliding. However, right from the start, I began experiencing pregnancy-like symptoms such as tender nipples, nausea, and bloating. I'm not exactly sure when it began, but I used it for a whole month, had my period, which allowed me to take it off for a week, and then continued using it for another week or two before realizing the impact it was having on me. It caused me to vomit unexpectedly. It was strange because I would randomly feel nauseous and throw up whatever I had eaten or drunk, or sometimes just foam or bile due to an empty stomach. The migraines were absolutely unbearable! I could hardly tolerate light in my eyes or loud sounds without my ears ringing and my head throbbing. I also experienced severe mood swings, loss of appetite, sadness, and a feeling of being disconnected from myself. Finally, one day I removed it before taking a shower and forgot to put it back on. Surprisingly, I immediately felt different the next day. I would never use this patch again. I feel like a completely new person now."

• Sag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2020

For Birth Control "The patch was effective, however, it was itchy and hard to know if it was working because a lot of times it would fall off partially. When it fell off, I would be one week short, and it was hard to get a new pack. My insurance wouldn’t cover it, and there was a miscommunication between my doctor and pharmacy. The timing of when to put a new one on if there is an issue is very confusing. I had a few rashes. Wouldn’t recommend."

• Jes...
• October 20, 2016

For Birth Control "This medication works great. My cycle has never been regular, but on this, I can pinpoint the day I start and end my cycle. I do get headaches the first day I put on my new patch, so I just take Advil as a preventive, and that seems to do the job most of the time. This does help control acne as well, and I have not experienced any weight gain, and I have used it for over a year and a half. The patch site can itch, but my skin seemed to get used to it after a month or so. I use it on my lower back above my pant line and switch sides weekly. This seems to be the best spot, except when I get asked what it is. Lol! I was on the Depo shot for a year and absolutely hated it, and can't remember to take a pill daily, so this is a great alternative."

• Wow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I first put on the Xulane patch on my right arm and immediately felt nauseous. Every time I put the patch on after a patch-free week, I feel nauseous. It feels terrible. I've been craving everything and starving! I had just gotten off of Larin Fe pill and moved onto the patch, and I deeply regret it. Also, it's left a rash, and everywhere I've put it has been burning, oozing, and it is itchy. I have only been wearing this since October."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using Xulane for the past three years. Within the last 3 months, I have been itching under the patch like crazy. I get these painful bumps underneath them, and it keeps a fever while the patch is on it. I figured maybe it was a bad batch and would go away. Then the patches started falling off way too easily. I got a hold of my pharmacist, who treated me like I didn't know what I was doing, and said that only the manufacturer can help me. Xulane, I absolutely loved your patch until now. But I have to change to another product because whatever you did to the adhesive is tearing up my skin and is so itchy it makes me feel crazy."

• his...
• March 2, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Cyclen 28-day cycle for almost two years. I lost my sex drive, I gained almost thirty pounds in five months, my moods were horrid, and constant migraines. I switched to the patch, which I had been on previously. I'm on my second patch, and already my sex drive is returning, I'm dropping some of that weight I gained, and my breasts are growing (they aren't even tender). My only serious complaint is the itching. My skin itches where I place it and leaves a few little bumps that itch and burn. I'll take that and deal with it. Also, placement took a while to figure out, but the best area to put it on is your shoulder blades. They don't wrinkle and scrunch up, or collect the linty stuff there."

• Ann...
• December 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 4 months now. The first month, I had spotting for about 2 weeks after my period, but it vanished completely, and I didn't have any spotting since. My periods seem to be less heavy, and my cramps are completely gone too - I never had bad ones before, though. I found the best place for me to wear it is on my butt. It does irritate the area, and it becomes itchy the last week. It always gets lint around the edges, but I just don't care anymore. Despite everything, I'm thinking of stopping using it. It has killed my sex drive, thus making my sex life miserable and endangering my relationship. I'm so dry and so uninterested in sex now when 5-6 months ago, I was a waterfall after the slightest caress. It's a shame."

• Anonymous
• December 14, 2012

For Birth Control "I had been on the patch for about 3 months. I had noticed a bit of mood swings, and my breasts grew as well (bonus). Unfortunately, for any of you women who have sensitive skin or are allergic to certain chemicals, I was allergic to the sticky glue on the back of the patch. Whenever it was on, I would be extremely itchy and have a terrible rash. It became so bad that I still have scars in the shape of the patch all over my body. So if you have sensitive skin, then be wary that the patch may cause a reaction!"

• jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for almost 5 years now, and it's amazing. I tried the pill before, but always forgot to take it. The patch is perfect since you change it weekly. I haven't noticed any side effects whatsoever, the only downside I ever remember is the first couple of months it was really annoying and itchy, but now I never even notice it. And sometimes it starts to peel off in the shower, but in the time I've been on it, I've only had patches fall completely off twice, so overall this thing is an effective lifesaver. It has never failed me."

• Rob...
• March 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I love the patch! I have used it for 6 years and no problems. I use it 3 weeks on with 1 week off. I never had any side effects like being itchy or red marks. The only issue I've had is when I go to the beach, the salt water wears off the stickiness, but I always bring an extra one due to knowing that happens. I've never had a problem getting pregnant from using it. I think it's great, I've never gotten pregnant while on the patch, but once I took it off, it took me about two months to get pregnant. I love it and will continue using it."

• she...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2021

For Birth Control "My prescription is for Xulane, and I've had only 2 or 3 issues in the 1.5 years I've been using it. Walgreens gave me Zafemy instead of Xulane on my last refill, and so far I have only used 2 patches, and neither of them have stuck. The first one came off after 2 days and rolled onto itself; the second one has only lasted for 4 days. The only good thing about this patch is it doesn't leave glue on your skin that makes you itch. If the patch actually stayed in place, then it might be okay. I would use Xulane if given the option; it has only come off when I didn't put it in the center of the desired location."

• Mol...
• November 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I am almost on my third week of the patch. The first day was awful, my cramps were so bad I couldn't sit through a meeting with my professor, and he told me not to go to class. The next day was absolutely fine and has been fine ever since. My breasts have already gotten much fuller. So far, no weight gain, I don't think, a little itchiness at the site of application, but it seems to be working really well."

• Hig...
• August 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on OrthoEvra birth control patch for eleven years before a generic was available. Now that Mylan Xulane is the only birth control patch available for the past two years, I have been forced to use this. I have never been so disappointed in my life. I never had any problems in eleven years with the OrthoEvra brand. The patch never itched, came off, or caused cramping. Absolutely no side effects. When I was forced to switch to Mylan Xulane birth control patch, I immediately started itching around the patch site (no matter where I put it), and it always resulted in a rash. A quick shower could make this patch fall off. It is absolutely devastating. I am now also bleeding between periods. I'm currently searching for alternative birth control."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2022

For Birth Control "I was on Depo (the shot) years ago and finally tried this as I was looking for something to control my heavy flow and cramping. The first side effect I noticed immediately was that I was sensitive to the adhesive and became so itchy when the patch was on. It would partially peel a lot. The first 3 days with it on, I had terrible migraines, which continued until I decided to get off of it 3 months later. It is the highest form of synthetic estrogen birth control, so always keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to use it. My doctor told me I could feel free to skip a period or two, so I did. And then my body basically decided to have a period anyway with my usual heavy flow and painful cramping. Even when it wasn’t my 'period week,' I would still have mild to painful cramping just about every day. Didn’t gain any weight, but I was only on it for 3 months. Loss of sex drive for the last 2 months I was on it. In my personal opinion, this was just as bad as the shot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I recently switched from birth control pills to the patch. I wanted to be on something that I didn't have to remember to take every day, and because I have PCOS, the patch was my next best option. I was a little wary of it because I looked up reviews and saw that many women got ill within the first couple of days of being on it. Luckily, I haven't had that experience. I think that the main reason is because I went from a pill very similar to the patch. I didn't give the patch a 10 rating because it can get a little itchy (it feels like you're wearing a Band-Aid), and sometimes it makes me nervous that it's going to fall off. Overall, no side effects so far, and I'm so glad that I'm not having to remember to take the pill every day."

• mad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2019

For Birth Control "This Xulane patch caused issues because whoever makes it sucks at quality control. I’ve gotten multiple patches that aren’t as sticky as they should be, and they’re not expired and have never been opened. I can’t just go to the pharmacy to replace them whenever this happens. This Sunday was the last straw, I’m getting an IUD. I went to change my patch and the new patch wasn’t sticky at all, it came off immediately. I had nothing on my skin. I opened the only other patch I have, and the same thing, so I’m done. It also made my cramps more painful and last much longer, and it gave me major headaches, sometimes migraines. I didn’t gain weight, but sometimes the patch would itch to the point where I’d accidentally scratch myself to bleeding."

• pug...
• February 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on this almost 4 years, but I do not remember any side effects when I switched over from a pill. I have had acne since I was 12, but now I get maybe one pimple when I'm on my off week. I have not experienced weight gain that I attribute to the patch. My main complaint is my libido does not exist anymore, and sometimes I get moody, but I feel like that is normal for women. I personally have had a great experience with it and am thankful that it has been free for me! The application area is itchy sometimes, but it's not a huge inconvenience."