Xulane and Cramps: What Users Say

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for almost 2 months. The first month was great, and I had no problems. As soon as I put my 4th patch on to skip my period, I started spotting. My Dr. said that is normal. But after putting on my 5th patch, it was almost like I had morning sickness. I had nausea, headache, feeling as if I was going to puke all the time, and certain smells would get me also. And during all of this, I was still bleeding, not super heavy but more than spotting. I also have had PMS since I've been bleeding. On my 7th patch, I started bleeding quite heavily and started having such bad cramps that I couldn’t move. I am still bleeding currently. I think this would be a great option for some people. I really wish it worked for me."

• 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."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2014

For Birth Control "I absolutely love the patch. I could never go back to taking a pill. The patch is the simplest way to have birth control for me (it varies by person). If you are someone who goes to school, is forgetful, or just barely has time in the day to remember to eat, this helps you avoid the spotting, the cramps, the possible pregnancy of being on the pill and forgetting to take it. The one and only complaint I have is when playing sports, being in a sauna, or being in warm water for a while, the patch glue becomes weak and you have to be careful."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2019

For Birth Control "Before I started the Xulane patch, I was on the pill (Tri-Sprintec Birth Control) was horrible! I kept having vaginal problems that became very uncomfortable. And also vaginal dryness as well before I got on the pill, I didn’t have those problems. I was always feeling depressed and sad and also feeling like I was going to lose my mind!!! I hated this birth control, so I switched to the patch. When I first started on the patch, I was very happy. I love that I can change the patch weekly and I also can skip periods! My periods don’t be as heavy as they used to be, though. But the cons are I do cramp at the bottom of my stomach from time to time. I also have bad headaches. My breasts just started becoming very sore, and I sometimes feel very tired. Sometimes I feel as though I’m pregnant when I’m not."

• Hap...
• July 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for 3 months now, and I love it. Before I started, my periods were bad, with headaches, cramping, and heavy flow. After the first month, my periods dwindled, and now I only need light pads, I rarely cramp and have maybe one headache. However, I do get some redness and irritation on my skin, trouble with the patch adhering to my skin, and also my eating habits have changed dramatically. Sometimes I'll be starving, and when I see what I'm about to eat, I lose any urge to eat. I would recommend it, but be sure you remain aware of your body."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I started the patch a month after having my daughter. I've been on it for about a year with no problems, really. Occasionally, it starts to peel off or irritates the skin, but nothing crazy. I recommend it because it can be hard to remind yourself every day to take a pill. The patch is just a once-a-week reminder. The past month, I've had issues with spotting and cramping, like on my period, which I've never experienced before while using Xulane. There can be some really scary reviews on here, but everyone is different! I would definitely recommend trying this type of BC to see what works for you."

• Cai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on the patch for a little over a month now. After failed attempts with almost every option of birth control, I was given the final choices of NuvaRing or the patch, so I chose the patch. I will keep the rating high because it is really easy to remember and is much better than some side effects I’ve had on other forms of birth control. The biggest drawback for me is the nausea and vomiting, which I didn’t realize how common these were until reading the reviews here. Some days the nausea is so debilitating, I can barely get off the couch, and I have a 1-year-old to take care of, so it definitely isn’t ideal. I also am experiencing pretty bad, frequent cramping as if I am on my period, even with a patch on. I will hold out for my trial period, however, and hope it gets better, like lots of women here report, especially since I am virtually out of BC options. Women really need more options of birth control available to them."

• 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."

• mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Xulane a couple of months ago. I immediately started to get the worst headaches, nausea, gained lots of weight, and my boobs grew significantly in size and are sore constantly. I’ve been on my period for 40 days with heavy flow and unbearable back pain and cramps. Some days I can’t even get out of bed without taking large amounts of pain medication."

• imm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 21, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for 3 years. Xulane has high estrogen levels, so when I first started, I lightly bled for about a month, and after that, my period has always been regular. It helped so much with my acne. I have realized one period will be a light flow with bad cramps, and the next will be heavy with no cramps. I am more emotional and moody. I get depressed once in a while, but I have good support people around me, so it’s nothing but a lay-in-bed day. Just recently, after a few days of wearing a new week's patch, where the patch is will get itchy and red randomly, like an allergic reaction, and I’m not sure why. I saw someone else saying the same thing. But other than that, 10/10 on preventing pregnancy."

• Jul...
• April 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I was using Ortho Evra for 11 years, and I absolutely loved it. I had no complications at all. When it was discontinued, my doctor prescribed Xulane. The first month was fine, then the following month I bled for 2 months straight with ache, pain, fatigue, and severe cramping. I never had cramping or any problem prior to taking this contraceptive. Every week when I apply the patch, I started spotting and became fatigued with cramping. After about 8 months, I applied it, and there was no spotting, so I thought finally it started working. Well, I couldn't be more wrong. I was pregnant, yes, pregnant. Still in disbelief. I absolutely hate Xulane."

• Kay...
• March 22, 2019

For Birth Control "5 years ago, I started on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and it worked out well until I got to college. Went through all the stress, emotions, and long story short, it made me crazy. Then, I tried the birth control shot for 9 months. Went great the first round, then started losing a bunch of weight, having my periods for a full 2 months at a time, and it made me anemic, and you guessed it-CRAZY. So I quit birth control altogether about 7 months ago. In those 7 months, I’ve had my period every day, along with heavy bleeding. Talked to my gyno, and since I’m busy with school and 2 jobs, I needed something I wouldn’t forget to take. She recommended this, so I gave it a shot. Had this on for a week. PROS: - immediately stopped my period, - don’t have to worry about missing it. CONS: - emotional - mental breakdowns (at least 1 a day, for no reason), my boobs hurt SO BAD - my legs cramped up really bad almost immediately after I put the patch on - nauseous. & I'm not talking about normal nausea."

• Mar...
• June 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I didn't notice any physical changes, and I wasn't any moodier. I'd never gotten a yeast infection and never got cramps, and that all continued to not happen. My periods were actually more regular and slightly lighter. Being on the patch was, for the most part, uneventful. My only con is that it invariably caused vaginal dryness. Prior to using this, I didn't have problems with arousal or lubrication (I'm in my mid-20s). With this, I immediately noticed that I felt pain and stinging in my vagina after sex. This sometimes caused me to lose interest in sex in anticipation of the pain. Lube definitely helped, but even just a couple of months off the patch (IUD now), I'm back to my normal self. Aside from that, I would recommend this."

• Poo...
• May 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the Xulane patch (birth control). For the most part, I had no complaints, but I noticed my periods were irregular. When I started, I had regular periods, and now I’m bloated and having cramps off and on. I feel like I’m pregnant, I feel like some fatigue."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for about 4-5 years, and it was good at first because I didn’t know any better. Helped combat my endometriosis and ovarian cysts, which were horrible. However, this BC is the pits. I literally have every side effect this BC offers minus the stroke and heart attack stuff. The mood swings and anxiety are the absolute worst. High blood pressure, hot flashes, migraines and headaches, breast tenderness and swelling, and major cramping in between and on my period are all bad too. I would advise against this form of BC. I’m in talks now with my doctor about changing this because the side effects are more harmful than helpful for me."

• the...
• August 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for 8 months. The first few months included cramping, nausea, and terrible migraines after removing the patch for my patch-free week. I gained a few pounds, and my body has become more womanly and curvy. My boobs have gotten larger and more perky, and my butt has gained weight. Acne is very minimal, if any shows up. Now, my period comes exactly 3 days after patch removal and around the same time of day, which is great! However, I get nauseous sometimes and a little crampy before my period. My period has not gotten any lighter or shorter. Occasionally, I get super bad migraines the day after patch removal. I've had a little spotting after my period. I absolutely love that I can just apply it to my skin! So convenient."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Have been on the patch for 5 months now, and it's just awful. I feel nauseous all the time, get headaches, and the dizziness that comes along with it. My periods are heavy and have painful cramping, some in between bleeding."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2019

For Birth Control "By far the worst birth control I've ever been on. I switched from the pill to the patch due to excessive spotting. Not only did the Xulane patch make it worse, it gave me so many more side effects. My periods were the heaviest they've ever been (going through a large tampon every hour or two) and lasted like eight days, and I got the worst cramps, which I never used to get. I was constantly moody and crying and felt awful. I gained about ten pounds, and my skin from where the patch was got extremely red and irritated. It didn't get me pregnant, and it did clear up my acne, so I guess there's that. Once I went to my doctor back home to change my BC, she was like 'Wow, I'm shocked you got prescribed this. I don't give it to anyone because it sucks.'"

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking Xulane when my insurance stopped covering Ortho Evra. The first month was fine, no side effects, irritation, or pregnancy scares or anything, but then the second month I started experiencing nausea, cramps, my period was late, and then I had the absolute worst depression and even started losing touch with reality. I thought I was going crazy, but since I stopped it, I've felt completely fine. Did prevent me from getting pregnant, but the mood swings were not worth it anymore, will have to move on to the pill."

• Saa...
• November 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 20, been on the patch for almost a year. I switched to the Xulane patch after taking birth control pills got annoying. This works great for me, periods are regular, light, little to no cramping, and no pregnancy. I am getting a little annoyed with switching it every week, but other than that, it works well. I have had no problems with it sticking and staying stuck all week. I have not been swimming with it on and only take baths when I am not wearing it."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2019

For Birth Control "The first 3 months were horrible! Heavy bleeding, headaches, cramps. After the rough 3 months, the symptoms went away, and my periods are much lighter. It does cause mild irritation to the skin but clears up within 24 hours after the patch is removed. No serious issues."

• Leg...
• June 5, 2017

For Birth Control "Put this on yesterday at 12:00 pm on the right side of my hips, and my right leg subsequently felt funny ever since - like it was heavy and cramping, but I had chalked it up to my anxiety disorder playing tricks on me. Then last night, while changing my clothes, I found a new bruise on that same leg that was giving me trouble. I called my prescriber and yanked the damn thing right off my skin. Leg still feels funny, but I have no other symptoms other than that since; but I was very tired, getting cramps, and would get hot flashes on and off. Needless to say, it's still a mystery with what's happening to me, but I've been scared off this BC for good."

• Mar...
• September 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I have mixed feelings about Xulane. It did wonders for me regarding my functionality while being on my period. I used to bleed very heavily, feel very dizzy and lightheaded, like I was going to pass out, vomit, and have awful cramps. That all went away when I started taking this. I also like how convenient it is. The patch stays on pretty well. But that is all I have to say that's good. It took about three months for my body to adjust, but I had excruciating headaches and spotting for two weeks straight at a time. The worst part of this is the awful mood swings I get. I don't feel like myself sometimes. I'll just be irrationally angry over the smallest things or have minor anxiety attacks. It killed my sex drive, which is the complete opposite of how I used to be, and it's starting to take a toll on my marriage. It all makes sense considering that the information packet that my pharmacy gave said that it contains more estrogen than certain pills."

• Lei...
• June 11, 2016

For Birth Control "When I started Xulane, I had many reactions. I experienced severe mood swings, and Xulane increased my depression and anxiety. I also experienced redness and itching at the application site, which stopped happening about a month later. I experience nausea, headaches, and severe cramping during times of suspected ovulation. My breasts increased in size, and veins are more prominent. They are also more tender. Sex drive has also decreased. My period comes at the expected time and sometimes lasts 4 days to 6. All in all, I like the idea of not having to remember an oral contraceptive every day! I change it three times a month and the fourth week I leave it off. All forms of birth control have their weak points, but I think Xulane works for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I had a really bad experience with Xulane and have since switched to the pill. For the first month or so, I didn’t have any dermal reactions to the patch that I noticed. I found them impossible to keep in one place on my body, however, they always slipped around or started coming away from the skin at the edges. I also noticed cramping and never felt secure that my birth control was effective. For some reason, the worst side effects started occurring after about a month of using it. As soon as I scratched anywhere the patch was located, the skin would become red, puff up, and secrete a clear fluid. It was gross and left dark marks on my body, which are still here a year after. The patches would then come off because of the reaction."