Xulane and Nausea: What Users Say

• Ghe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for a month and a half. I don’t even know how to explain my experience. I was on the pill for 4 years so I’ve dealt with hormone changes, etc., but my body started rejecting itself as soon as I started the patch. When I would change the patch every 7 days, that night, I would sleep in the bathroom and throw up for hours. I had migraines every day that would make me nauseous. And my body overall just did not feel right. I was so fatigued. The day I took the patch off, it was 3 am and I was sleeping on the floor next to a trash can because it was a “new patch” day. As soon as I took it off, I felt so much better. My body never reacted this way with anything before. Now I’m afraid to use any contraceptive ever again. It messed me up bad. It’s been about 2 weeks since I’ve taken it off. I thought I knew my body but there’s something VERY WRONG about this patch."

• Rin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I've currently been on the patch for 1 year now, after switching from the Nexplanon implant, and I really like it. No spotting or bleeding in between periods, no weight gain, no mood swings, no problems with the patch falling off, no pregnancy scares, my periods are lighter & more predictable, etc. But I do notice I will get headaches & slight nausea when I change patches, but it is bearable. I definitely don't plan on changing birth control methods anytime soon, Xulane works pretty well for me."

• May...
• January 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m 5’2” and weigh 100 lbs. When I first got on the patch, I had all the starting symptoms: nausea, I was tired a lot, headaches - generally feeling like rubbish. However, these symptoms gradually went away in about two cycles. I haven’t really had problems using the patch. Yes, when you take the patch off and put it back on the following your patch-free week, you’re gonna feel a little off til the hormones regulate again. Similar instances can occur when you go straight to the next patch without a break up on the patch (which is totally safe, I used to do it all the time), but go away shortly after. I have only had ONE instance of breakthrough bleeding on this patch. Honestly, I feel it was due to a lot of stress in my personal life, as I have NEVER experienced it before in the whole year I’d been on it. The patch is great if you use it correctly. The side effects are generally short-term, and it’s very effective (my partner and I never use condoms, and I haven’t gotten pregnant on this BC)."

• Dra...
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for 3 weeks, and every day I was EXTREMELY nauseous. My breasts were extremely tender and swollen. I already struggle with migraines, and I had a consistent migraine while on this patch. I also was extremely tired and fatigued daily and also had mood swings terribly. Depression and anxiety were also at an all-time high while on this medication. I had no sex drive, and sex was no longer pleasurable. I usually don't write reviews, but honestly, reviews have been helping me navigate the best birth control method. I have literally been off the patch for less than 48 hours and already am feeling better from the side effects. Some might say it was all in my head, but whenever I applied the patch, that area of my body would tingle and itch, so I know the effects can quickly change. Would definitely say it helps with not getting pregnant, but if you are at all sensitive to headaches or medication, I recommend a close watch."

• Chy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I love this patch! I’ve been on the pill for about 8 years. After the first 7 years, I got off it and had my daughter. The doctor put me on the pill after birth and had the worst side effects! (Extreme acne, mood swings, weight gain). With the patch, I have the best skin, no weight gain or mood swings. The only bad thing is nausea. But I would rather have nausea from birth control rather than pregnancy!"

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I had an awful experience with this patch. I started to use it last month. In 3 days, I felt something very wrong. At first, I thought it was a stomach virus. My head was spinning. Then I got really nauseated and puked for like 5 hours. Had to sleep it off. So I thought it was a stomach virus, but I took the patch off just in case. I decided to wait until yesterday when I started my period again to give it one more try. I was fine all day yesterday, then today I began to get a slight headache, then I got woozy again. Tried to just pull through the nausea. As soon as I got to work, I puked all over the parking lot when I got out of my car. I just can't do it. I took the patch off and threw it down because that will be the last time I give it a try. My body is just rejecting it for some reason. I was getting like a bile build-up. I have been burping all day both times I tried it. My head is still spinning. It is just not for me."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I hated this thing. I had used different pills before I had my son, and after, I tried the shot. The shot made me start gaining weight, so I wanted to try something different. I wore the patch two weeks, and then I had to stop using it. The first few days were fine, and then I started getting nauseous. By the second week, I kept throwing up. I was very moody and cried for no reason. I legit thought I was pregnant between the mood swings and nausea. Two days after taking it off, I ended up in the ER because I started having blurry vision and my heart was racing. When I got to the ER, my heart rate was 148, but my vision started coming back. The only thing the doctors could figure was I had an ocular migraine caused by the hormones in the patch. The next day, I started my period, and I keep getting headaches. I’ve never had migraines or headaches before, so I’m hoping this will get out of my system fast and I’ll be back to normal."

• 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."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2020

For Birth Control "Was on the patch for 6 days when extreme nausea set in. I had to call into work sick and vomited all day. By day 9, I was still having nausea and couldn’t take it anymore, so I removed the patch. Would not recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2021

For Birth Control "Used this for two days during the first day of my period, I had pulsing headaches, nausea, and throwing up for about two hours. I have to get off of the patch because my headaches became unbearable after the second day. All my symptoms have disappeared. Thank you to all the women who left reviews, this patch has really nasty side effects, wouldn't recommend."

• Kai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm on my third patch, and so far, so good! I love that I only have to remember to change it once a week. The first week, I had a few battles with nausea; every little smell made me want to throw up! Even woke up in the middle of the night thinking I was going to. But never actually puked, so that's good, I guess. The other main side effect I've experienced is very tender breasts. I'm curious to see how my period is next week... But overall, it's been very bearable. My one piece of advice-don't let one really bad review sway you! Everyone's body is different. You never know what will work for you until you try!"

• 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."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this birth control to my worst enemy. I have had terrible headaches, arm and stomach pain, and nausea. I stopped the patch as soon as I started throwing up while driving in my car. I am thinking about going to the ER, it has been almost 2 hours, and I still cannot stop vomiting. This is the worst pain ever. I regret ever using this patch. It is worse than the pills."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I took this Xulane patch because I struggle with remembering the pill. This was the worst option for me. I started this on a Sunday morning, and by Monday night, I was having horrible symptoms. I have a very sensitive body, and it caused me to throw up nonstop for 5 hours the first night I was on it. I was instructed to remove it immediately from my doctor. This is not a good option for people whose bodies are sensitive."

• 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."

• CKL...
• October 26, 2016

For Birth Control "Been on Xulane patch a week and my vaginal dryness from the depot is completely gone! My libido has greatly increased too. Before, it would take everything in me to even want to have sex, but not anymore! The only off thing is that the past two nights after dinner I get very nauseated and have lots of indigestion and burping. My cravings for KitKats has also increased, which tells me that it really does mimic some pregnancy signs. I bled almost every day on the depot and now that I'm on the patch I feel great!"

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I'm 18, and I started Xulane as my first form of birth control. I thought the patch would be easy, but it is the worst. :( I would put it on at night feeling totally fine, and the next morning I would feel absolutely sick to my stomach. This happened my first time using it, and after my period, I tried it again, and it's the same thing. I didn't consider my chest pains a side effect until I saw that other women experience it too. I simply cannot function daily and do things like go to work or drive for long periods of time because the nausea is TOO MUCH. I don't like Xulane."

• 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."

• Not...
• November 4, 2020

For Birth Control "What can I say, but since being on the Xulane patch, which has been about 3 months, has been the worst. I finally decided, after trying this patch before for about a week, that I didn’t give it a chance. I’ve been nauseous constantly, nothing helps. And of course, the doctor says it may get better, but they're not the ones going through it. So I’ve decided I’m over it and will not be wearing it anymore."

• JPH...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 8, 2018

For Birth Control "Some reviews said that it comes off in the water, but I have not had this happen. You have to make sure there is no lotion or soap residue on the area before you put it on. Also, I always wipe the area clean with rubbing alcohol before I apply to ensure a tight hold. And if I place it in my pelvic area, I shave first, wipe with alcohol, and press firmly. I go swimming all the time for hours at a time, and it has never fallen off. I've had no side effects, especially with my sex drive or vaginal lubrication. No headaches or nausea for me. I feel absolutely normal, even with having hypothyroidism, which impacts different hormones, I don't feel any side effects. I always recommend this to my friends. It's much easier than remembering to take a pill and safer for me than an IUD. I say everyone should try it for themselves rather than be scared off by other people's bad experiences."

• Kas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I love this birth control. For me, Xulane cleared up my skin, and I have no weight gain or other side effects. In the past, I've been on the pill and have had an IUD, and I like the patch much more. The only downfall I've observed is that if I do a lot of physical activity right after I put it on, I get nauseous. Otherwise, I think it's great."

• bab...
• October 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the patch about 3 months ago, and I've been on it since then. I don't take the week off, so I do wear it for 4 weeks instead of 3. At first, I did get super nauseous, but it went away. Mood swings a little, but not crazy like how I was when I was on the pill. I've been spotting and bleeding on and off for the second month of using it. I do not know why, but I would like to know from any girl why I have been."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for about two years. During that time, I’ve had almost constant nausea, extreme fatigue, weight gain, and strange chest and abdominal pain. I actually went to the doctor thinking there was something wrong with my heart, as it runs in my family. Though I am only 23. My sex drive disappeared completely, and I found my anxiety to be worse than normal. I spent every ‘new patch’ day vomiting and would sleep by the toilet. This is even AFTER two years. The symptoms have never gone away. My breasts are always swollen and tender. I’ve gone up to an uncomfortable 32G from a 32DD. I would definitely not recommend this to anyone. My body is very sensitive to medicine, but this was just too much. I’m finally saying enough and trying something new."

• Sho...
• June 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I would give the birth control patch a 10, only because I was previously on Depo for 6 months, and I was bleeding the whole entire time. My doctors decided to switch me over to the birth control pills that didn't help, so I decided to get on the patch. Within 3 days, my bleeding and spotting ended. Yeah, I experience some side effects such as back pain and nausea, but it doesn't last a long time, and it's bearable."

• 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."