Where do you place the Xulane patch?

Key Points

• You can place the Xulane patch on your upper outer arm, abdomen (stomach) area, buttock or on your back. Do not apply the patch to your breasts.
• Place the patch in an area where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing, such as a belt or elastic.
• Avoid the waistline because clothing and belts may cause your patch to be rubbed off.

The Xulane (ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin) skin patch is a patch (transdermal) form of contraception (birth control) to prevent pregnancy.

Do not apply the Xulane patch to any area with cut or irritated skin, or in the same location as the previous Xulane patch. Apply to an area that is clean, dry, and free of powder, make-up, cream, oil, or lotion. Do not wear more than one skin patch at a time. Never cut or tear a skin patch.

Check your patch everyday to be sure it has not fallen off. If your patch is loose or falls off, throw it away and apply a new one. This will start a new 4 week cycle. You will now have a new “Patch Change Day. You may need to use back-up birth control (such as condoms with spermicide or diaphragm with spermicide), if a patch has been off for more than 24 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions.

This is not all the information you need to know about Xulane (ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin) contraceptive skin patch for safe and effective use. Review the full Xulane information here, and discuss this and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.