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

• Nat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "After using pills and the shot, this is the best one by far. I've never had a regular period, and after having twins, I would get my period twice a month and spot in between. I went on the patch, and it regulated me instantly. The only negative is when I first put on the patch, it irritates my skin a little and can pull on my skin a little, and taking it off, unless you're in the shower, is hell."

• Dia...
• August 30, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin 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."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for three months now, and there aren’t a lot of negative things I have to say about the patch. The only bad side effects I have had so far are that my boobs ache, badly. They are bigger (before the patch, I was a 34DD, who knows now), but they are so sore to the point where I have to hold them but still get no relief. Also, I have the CRAZIEST dreams on this birth control - even if I’ve only been sleeping a few minutes. They are so vivid it’s unreal. I also do get a little itchy when I put my patch on for the first day, but nothing crazy, and it usually subsides that day. My period has lightened up and shortened, which I don’t mind, but I’ve always had a lighter period to begin with, so no change there. I would recommend this birth control for other women to try. Each woman will react differently, but it’s worth it to try!"

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I do not recommend this patch to anyone with sensitive skin. I thought this may be the next thing I tried after giving birth and not wanting to take the pills every day. I placed this on my butt cheek, and after one day, I noticed itchiness. I did not think much of it until 5 days later when I felt the area throbbing in pain and swollen. My skin had a bad allergic reaction to the patch, and I took it off right away. Now I am still recovering from the area, so please be aware of serious skin allergic reactions if you have sensitive skin."

• bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I have not experienced any major negative side effects except for weight gain, some skin irritation, and premature period symptoms. I recommend rotating the patch placement every few weeks. My period symptoms usually occur a couple of weeks before my actual period. On the third month of usage, I gained about 5-10 pounds. It's very effective for what it's supposed to do. My partner and I have not used any form of protection. I like the patch due to the ease of it and not having to take an oral contraceptive daily. The pros outweigh the cons."

• Som...
• November 13, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "The patch causes itchiness, but after a while, it goes away. I noticed my breasts are more full and perkier, which is nice, but I did notice I am more emotional on the patch and have a headache here and there. This patch works great other than that. I recommend this to someone who doesn't like using pills and to someone who prefers a much easier and simpler method."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I have 3 months on the Xulane patch. The first week on the patch was horrible, with heart racing, nausea, headaches, itching on the patch site, and painful breasts. I didn't want to give up on it that fast, so I decided to suck it up and give it a chance."

• She...
• November 3, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I was on this birth control for less than 2 months. My experience hasn't been good at all using this product. The application sites (shoulders and upper arms) where I placed the patch had very dark and red spots as if I had 2nd degree burns after I took the patch off. I also experienced extreme itchiness at those sites while the patch was on and even after it was taken off. I also experienced spot periods while on the patch. Cramping for me was intense while on the patch. I also seemed to have a dry cough while on the product. I couldn't sleep while on the patch due to really bad headaches. This product was a nightmare. I'm going to have to consider other birth control methods."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Was on Xulane for 2 weeks total and became an absolute mess. It caused extreme fatigue, bloating, and at one point, really dark, depressing thoughts. I realize I could be a very specific case here, but I'm a pretty happy person. This reaction was nuts. I do not recommend. The itchiness from the patch I could have easily handled if none of the other issues were existent."

• Miy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2023

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I’ve been on this patch for about 4 months now. The first month it was fine. I didn’t have any problems. The second box I used, I noticed that it wasn’t staying on as well, but again it was ok. No big deal. After three months of using it, I noticed it was leaving a mark on my skin. I wasn't very happy with that, but again not too bad. Today I took off the last patch for month four due to skin irritation. I thought my skin was just itchy, but it is a burn."

• Geo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 10, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I love Xulane. I have PMDD and/or bipolar, and this patch has helped me tremendously. I literally used to cry 10-15 times a week, and now I only cry when it’s appropriate. I have very sensitive skin, so it does turn my skin red, but I just make sure to put it somewhere else next time, and the redness goes away quickly. It is a little itchy, but I’m used to it now. The best part of this is how hard it is to mess up! The worst part is I’ve been spotting for months - but all BC so far has done that for me."

• Din...
• February 19, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin 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."

• zel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I was once on the Ortho Evra patch, which was a dream option for me. This med they call Xulane gives me a HORRIBLE, I mean H O R R I B L E rash, presumably from the adhesive. When you scratch from the uncontrollable itch, you risk micro lacerations that this glue enters your skin, and then suddenly the rash turns into a full-blown allergic reaction that is unbearably burning, itching, and even aching. Yes, ACHING. Return the Ortho Evra patch ASAP!"

• kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I was very apprehensive with the patch because of the mixed reviews, but I am overall happy with it. The first 3 weeks, the patch itched so badly I almost said 'screw it' and switched methods, but I'm glad I didn't. I no longer itch. The patch adhesive is okay. One fell off a few days early, but I just let my cycle start then. I believe my periods have become much lighter."

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I started using the patch around 2 months ago. I loved it at first. I needed the hormones because I have hypothyroidism, and I needed more estrogen. I mainly took it because my health condition caused me to have acne all the time, 2 periods a month, and I started growing facial hair rapidly. I tried this, and at first it was pretty cool, my hair stopped growing so fast, my periods were predictable, my acne was gone, and my small boobs grew. But all of a sudden, after 2 weeks, I started getting crazy mood swings and feeling sad. I was snappy and had so much attitude. Then I started noticing that sleep was getting difficult. And I ended up gaining weight like crazy the last 3 weeks on it. Itchy everywhere. Took it off today, and I feel very nauseous. Not worth it."

• Sat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "After 20 years of taking the pill, I've decided to try something different. (Why? Was forgetting to take them daily & cycles became irregular). It's been 2 months now on the Xulane patch and I'm finally loving it. I can honestly say while on the patch during the 1st month, I'd experienced excruciating headaches and an itching sensation when I'd placed the patch on the abdomen area, so I began to change areas each week. This month (starts 3rd patch tomorrow), very little headaches and irritation. I have not had sex since I've started the patch, so I'm not sure how effective it is. Another plus, the patch stays on for 7 days straight through swimming, bathing, showers & my insurance covers the whole expense."

• Ros...
• September 28, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Y'all missed the whole point of this question! It was about that rash. I use the Xulane patch too, my first time on BC, and yes, it does leave rashes and itch. The only thing I can think of now is to not put it in the same spot as last time. I just wonder if the rash is ever going to go away."

• kar...
• July 16, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I started using this the first day of my period. It seemed to work well. But then it started getting sticky, and by the 4th day, it completely fell off in the shower, and I had to put a new one. The part where the patch used to be was extremely itchy, and there was a rash/bumps (no, I did not shave my butt) or spot where I placed the patch. This time, I placed the patch in the front, and it's extremely itchy. No mood swings, no headaches, no cramps, shorter periods. I love it, but it doesn't stick well, and it itches. He came inside me, hopefully, it worked, and I didn't get pregnant-I have to wait and see. I have previously tried the pill, and I broke out like crazy, and my sex drive went down, and I was really moody."

• Kol...
• November 13, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Evra for at least a year or two now, I don't exactly remember when I started. So far, it's been the best option for me. I have some negative physical side effects at first (cramps increased and my skin tends to get somewhat irritated under the patch, although less and less as time goes on), but there are no emotional side effects for me, which was a big plus. I actually felt better on the patch at some points than I did off the patch. I've had very few times where it's fallen off, and I can usually get an extra patch for $20 at the nearest pharmacy. All in all, it's been a good experience, and it's definitely worth a shot if you have trouble remembering the pill like me."

• Tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Week 1: nausea. At the end of week 1, there was a red papule/blister on the skin at the edge of the patch. Week 2: breast tenderness. At the end of week 2, there were multiple papules, erythema, and itchiness on the skin under the patch. Both weeks: bleeding. The edge of the patch picks up clothes fluff. I took a low dose of pyridoxine daily with Evra, and after skipping 3 days of pyridoxine, felt tearful, which resolved after taking the missed pyridoxine tablets."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I loved my patch, however, it gave me TERRIBLE premenstrual syndrome. It would only be the week before my period, but still. It made my hips and breasts swell, which I don't really consider a bad thing. The one thing I did notice after switching to the pill was a big plummet in my sex drive. However, my periods are lighter now. I miss the high sex drive on the patch. My boyfriend loved it, but my skin would get really irritated, and I didn't like having to explain what the patch was when people saw it and asked. I'd still recommend it to anyone who was unsure about birth control."

• JWa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 28, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I've been on the patch for two years now. And it is honestly so much better than the pill. It's so easy to put on, and I only have to put it on once a week. I usually stick it to my butt, alternating cheeks each week. The only downside that I have experienced is that it can be a little itchy sometimes."

• Nur...
• May 13, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on it for 4 months. I think I'm allergic to the adhesive. It made the area I had it on really itchy. Not just right at the patch, it would travel about 5-8 inches around it. I hated the gummy, lint-catcher look around the patch. Mine would get very loose around the 5th day. Probably due to scratching. My boobs itched like crazy! Very tender. Lots of muscle cramping wherever the site was at. Example: if I had it on my left butt cheek, I would have charley horses really bad on my left leg. And my headaches were super bad on the no-patch week."

• Anonymous
• January 29, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I've been using the patch for about 2 months, so much easier than remembering to take the pill! Just stick it on and go. The only problem I've had with it is skin irritation (hives) on my back where I put it, but easily solved by putting it on a different area next time! I haven't put on any weight, bonus."