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Xulane and Itching: What Users Say (Page 2)

Reviews for Xulane

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Nat...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 13, 2015

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."

9 / 10
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  • Mam...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 16, 2018

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!"

8 / 10
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  • Ang...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 31, 2018

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."

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

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

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."

9 / 10
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  • Som...
  • November 13, 2016

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."

7 / 10
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  • Mom...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 19, 2019

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."

4 / 10
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  • She...
  • November 3, 2015

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."

2 / 10
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More FAQ

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

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."

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

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."

8 / 10
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  • 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."

8 / 10
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  • zel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 28, 2017

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!"

1 / 10
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  • kan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 26, 2016

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."

9 / 10
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  • I...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 30, 2016

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."

5 / 10
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  • Sat...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 9, 2015

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."

9 / 10
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  • Ros...
  • September 28, 2016

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."

8 / 10
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  • JWa...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 28, 2018

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."

8 / 10
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  • Min...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 3, 2021

For Birth Control "My experience with this birth control is limited, but what I did experience over the initial two months was enough for me to never want to try this again. My mood swings and anger outbursts were horrible. Everything made me irritable and short of fuse. The skin under the patch was constantly itchy, my vaginal fluid dried up (not at all the norm for me). This was just my experience, and yours may be different. Talk to your doctor before choosing to go on this medication."

2 / 10
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  • Row...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 7, 2016

"I went on birth control due to irregular heavy bleeding and excruciating cramps. I have no prior allergies, not even poison ivy. The good: My cramps are now minimal if they happen at all. The heavy bleeding is no longer an issue and my periods are regular. I have no issues with the patch falling off. I shower daily as well as exercise, and this seems to have no effect on the adhesion. The bad: After 12 hours of wear or less, the patch becomes very itchy. I try to resist the urge to scratch, but it gets to the point where it feels like my skin is on fire. The ugly: The patch leaves a red rash where it was applied to the skin. Sometimes it will create a weeping wound with blisters. Go with something else!"

2 / 10
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  • Onn...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 9, 2018

For Birth Control "It's itchy. Hard to hide, especially when you're a diver. A lot of ignorant people thought it was a nicotine patch. Boobs grew like crazy. Periods came whenever they wanted, regardless of whether the patch was on or off me. Very strong and quick emotions. Moody. I didn't notice the change in my temperament, but others around me did. Wasn't sexually active on this birth control, but I don't believe my libido changed during it. Wary on the protection against pregnancy."

5 / 10
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  • kyl...
  • February 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I really like it. I'm finishing up my second month next week, but I will be switching back to a pill because the adhesive from the patch makes me itch all week. Then, when I take it off, there's a big red rash where it was. I was fatigued for the first two weeks, but haven't had side effects since. I'm sad that the adhesive doesn't work for me, otherwise, I'd keep it."

10 / 10
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  • lov...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 4, 2022

For Birth Control "I've been on it for probably about 7 months, and it was so much better than the pill. I definitely am still a bit more emotional, especially on my periods, but it regulates my irregular periods, though it makes my cramps worse (I normally don’t get cramps at all). At first, I did notice my sex drive was gone, but now I’d say it’s leveled out a bit to a normal level. The only problem is it’s randomly started to irritate my skin very badly, and get unbearably itchy, and leave dark red squares on my skin that stay for weeks. I might have to switch because of it, but gonna try putting it on my arm instead."

7 / 10
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  • Joy...
  • August 5, 2018

For Birth Control "I started on Xulane 2 weeks ago. I placed the initial patch on a Wednesday. The first thing I noticed was itchiness around the site of placement. Just a mild irritation that eventually went away. Also, the second thing I’ve noticed is breast tenderness and swelling. I am on my second week, and my breasts are VERY sore to touch. They feel heavy and swollen. I’ve also had some itching on or around my breasts. I’ve had some mild nausea as well. I like the convenience of only replacing it once a week. I went to the beach with mine on my lower abdomen. It stayed in place. I noticed it was coming up a bit when I got home, but it’s still on and flat as of right now. I was in the water a little over two hours. So, I think it held up pretty well. I have about 2 days until I change it again. I place it in a different spot every time, like the instructions say to do. We’ll see how I feel when it’s cycle time. I haven’t noticed any mood swings as of present."

7 / 10
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  • ang...
  • September 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been using Xulane for some time now. Over a year, I think. Before that, I used the Ortho patch. I loved the smaller size of the generic brand, and up until the last 2 months, I had not had any issues. Suddenly, it's not been sticking like it used to, and it's causing a rash like a chemical burn, and the itching is present. I thought last month's could have been a bad batch, but after I moved locations (I used to move from hip to hip) to ensure I hadn't irritated my skin, I am wondering if they changed a filler or adhesive."

10 / 10
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  • Ren...
  • April 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the Xulane patch for about a year and a half now. Pros: NO NEW BABIES! Cons: (based on my own experience) migraines, moodiness, itchy skin, tiredness. Oh, how I miss Ortho Evra!"

10 / 10
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  • 101...
  • June 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I like it so far other than having a rash from the patch. I've also been itching. I'm on my 3rd patch, and I vomited today."

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.