Xulane and Sore Breasts: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Pnw...
• October 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m on my fourth patch. I’ve found the best place to put it is on your low abdomen, right above where your pubic hair grows. It doesn’t fall off here for me, I always put it on an hour or two after a shower and don’t shower for at least 24 hours after I put it on, and I try to avoid exercise in the first 24 hours after application. I tried putting it on my arm, and that did not work at all. I didn’t have any negative symptoms until my third patch, now I’ve been having really bad cramps and really intense breast pain and tenderness. My boobs are always really sore, and I’ve noticed as well that they’re really swollen, and I’ve gone up at least one cup size. I don’t mind the fact that my boobs are bigger, but man, they really hurt. I’m 22, and I’ve tried so many different birth controls since I was 14, but this is the first time I’ve ever had breast tenderness and had them get bigger. This is a really easy birth control method though, and I’m okay with the symptoms."

• So...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2021

For Birth Control "This terrible thing made me gain a ton of weight in a matter of weeks, a day in water pills, and I’m literally sizes down. It made me so irritable and moody, and my breasts hurt so bad. Passssss. The adhesive left a rash on my leg, and the patch attached to clothing and got messed up too."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2018

For Birth Control "Ok, so I have used the Xulane patch for 5 years. I have had some issues over the years, such as having the patch rolling up or getting stuck to my clothing. I usually fixed it or replaced it when this happens. I have also had a small rash from one batch that I believe was just a bad batch. I have had some acne, tender breasts, and mood swings. Overall, it worked great though, doing its job of keeping me from having more kids. That is until recently. I am so upset this month when I removed my patch and no period came. I waited, and nothing. It's come time to start the new patch, but before I refilled, I took a test. I am pregnant and used the damn thing exactly as recommended. I am so upset right now, I don't know what to do."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on the Xulane patch for 3 months now. During the first month, I did experience some pregnancy side effects (AM nausea, food/smell sensitivity, painful breasts), especially on my patch change day. I believe it is normal as your body is getting used to the amount of hormones you are receiving. When it came time for my 4th week (off week), I did have a severe migraine that lasted up until I began my period, 2-3 days after removing the patch. It was so debilitating that I did consider discontinuing the patch. However, things returned to normal with my period, and I did notice a lighter period that lasted only 3 days."

• skg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I've used Xulane for the last 3 years, and it's been effective for me as birth control, but I get my normal period on my week off and also usually another week of the month I'm spotting, which is irritating. I've experienced breast tenderness, and I've had 3 patches fall off completely since I've had it and a few others that I got to re-stick, which was stressful! I'm getting the implant this week to see how it goes, especially since it's longer-lasting, but if it doesn't work out I plan to use Xulane again since I really hate pills!"

• Meg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I want this to work, but it's not. I feel emotionally messed up. Back pain, tender breasts, bloating! I'm also gaining weight and am very active. I've tried different diets and am doing even more exercise. But I know it's from the patch. I'm also constantly breaking out and feeling more stressed."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on pills for years (I was terrible at remembering every day at the same time, I was busy). After about 3 years, my doctor randomly switched my pill and never told me, and the one they switched it to made me miserable, so I stopped taking it and found a new doctor. I love my new doctor, as she found the PCOS within 2 appointments and got me on the birth control I wanted ASAP. All my blood levels are doing so much better. My estrogen is where it should be, and my testosterone was lowered. I have had no issues on the Xulane patch whatsoever. It’s easy to remember just once a week. I will agree it does have some issues, the only thing that bothers me is the breast tenderness-it’s pretty rough. But from the positive comments, it will eventually go away. I’m thankful I talked to a family member about this patch. I would never switch to anything else."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2016

For Birth Control "After being on the depo shot for a year, I absolutely hated it! Gained 30 pounds in a year, bled for 6 months straight, mood swings, pain during sex, and no sex drive. So far I love the Xulane patch. I've only been on it for about 3 weeks, but the only side effect I've gotten was breast sensitivity. The only thing I dislike is sometimes I feel as if the patch will fall off."

• Bou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2016

For Birth Control "My first time taking birth control, and I chose the patch. I was prescribed Xulane. I hate it. I already had a slight acne problem, it didn't improve it. It made my breasts tender all the time. I was spotting for a whole week, which was expected. The main issue from being on this patch was my mood swings. I felt depressed, sad, I was crying for no reason, and then I would be happy again. My boyfriend hates it because of my mood swings. I've been on it for 3 months, but not anymore."

• KOM...
• June 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I first was using the pill, and that made me have my period for 2-3 weeks straight. I don't know why I didn't just get the patch in the first place! I love the patch. It's one less responsibility I have to deal with. I've been using it for 3 months now, and so far, I never had a pregnancy scare. The downfall of this (because of the type of person) I get every symptom. I got rashes, I threw up before, my boobs get so tender when my period comes (but that always happened even before taking the patch), and my mood swings are crazy! But this only happens when I put the patch on after taking the week-long break. After a couple of days, I'm perfectly fine. I do recommend the patch, though. Just because I get all the symptoms doesn't mean you will :)"

• Yas...
• August 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched from the Nexplanon implant simply because I heard of a recall on it, and I couldn't take the constant dizziness and headaches. I used Ortho Evra before, and it was lovely, but this isn't at all. The first night, I felt like I couldn't sleep. With that being said, I was up for 3 days with absolutely no sleep, walking around like an insane person. Severe pain (hunger pangs) that I think contribute to the weight gain, nausea, and breast pain. I took it off. I tried it again, and the physical side effects have faded somewhat, but depression, anxiety, and mood swings are back in my life 10 times worse..."

• 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."

• Kok...
• September 5, 2017

For Birth Control "The symptoms made me feel pregnant, constantly vomiting, always wanting to eat, always nauseous. Couldn't really do much for a week and a few days. My breasts became tender, didn't want to be touched, it made me feel horrible. After a week and 2 days, I took it off, couldn't bear with it anymore."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Evra for 6 years and with Xulane for about 3 years or so. I’m 23 and I really don’t have any complaints. I haven't got pregnant since I started using it. I lost some weight when I started using it back when I was 16. Lost about 15 pounds in 3 months. Personally, I was happy I lost weight. But then, I noticed I looked way too skinny and started to get worried. Took a break from the patch a whole summer, and when I went back, I gained 5 pounds in one month. Took a break again, went back to it, and gained 10 pounds in 2 months. Took a last break and gained almost 20 pounds, so I don’t take breaks anymore, lol. I used to weigh 115 lb, now I weigh 140 lb. I also grew some inches, but I’m done gaining weight, so I’m not taking a break again! Overall, just breast tenderness is a huge issue since it makes my boobs get soooo hot and swollen. Other than that, I like it."

• Fro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the Ortho Evra patch from age 16-26. They did discontinue it, so I switched to Xulane. Prior to Xulane, I had stopped taking birth control for 1 month. My face broke out completely. Only my cheeks. As soon as I got on Xulane, the acne stopped within 3 weeks. The only side effect I have had is tender boobs at random times. Not sure if they are growing. Haven't gained any weight, but I have been small my whole life. I'll review in about 3 months, as it's only been my second month on Xulane. My insurance covers Xulane, so no out-of-pocket cost."

• 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!"

• Ken...
• May 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm on month one of Xulane, my last patch of the month. I love this method 'cause it's so easy. BUT let me tell you, I get the craziest mood swings, and my emotions are all over the place. There are days when I'm randomly sad over the silliest things or just don't want to deal with people, PMS but times ten! I get nausea here and there too, not too often, but when I do, it really sucks. My breasts are extremely tender, sometimes I'll wake up in the morning to my boobs feeling so heavy and sensitive. Also, my appetite... I eat a lot! Now for my periods, I haven't gotten it, but most of the time I feel like I'm on it. I'll get minor cramps or get bloated and fatigued. I will probably get off the patch, which is unfortunate 'cause of how easy it is, but it's just not for me. I have every negative symptom."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for about four months now after getting my Mirena IUD removed. My husband and I are not ready for children, so I figured this was the next best option. I am 27 and have been on multiple forms of birth control before the IUD and have a history of anxiety and IBS. The first 2 months, I experienced breast tenderness and basically 2 periods/month while my body was adjusting. Slight stomachache and fatigue, nothing I couldn’t handle. But in the last 2 months, I have felt major mood swings and lethargy, and my anxiety has been a lot worse. I started tracking my symptoms and found that I actually felt better on my period in terms of anxiety and nausea than when I had the patch on. I am going to go off of it next week because I think the hormones are making me crazy. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. Effective for stopping pregnancy, but not the birth control for me."