Xulane birth control patch available online
About Xulane birth control patch
Xulane is a type of hormonal birth control prescribed for pregnancy prevention. Xulane is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under its chemical name, norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol.
Xulane is prescribed as a birth control patch. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Xulane, ensure you adhere to using the hormonal birth control as directed unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t use your prescription as directed, the prescription birth control patch may not be as effective at preventing pregnancy.
Xulane patch uses
It’s also possible that your healthcare professional may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Pregnancy prevention
Xulane patch side effects
Xulane has some common side effects. They may include:
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Headache
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Nausea and stomach pain
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Breast symptoms, such as soreness and tenderness
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Unusual vaginal bleeding or menstrual changes, such as spotting between periods
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Mood changes
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Weight gain
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Sudden shortness of breath
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Severe headache unlike your usual headaches
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Call your healthcare professional if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. The Xulane patch can cause serious cardiovascular side effects, such as blood clots, especially in women with other risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity (BMI > 30).
The use of Xulane patches is not advised in children under age 18.
How to use the Xulane patch
It's essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or the package insert carefully to ensure the Xulane patch is used correctly and effectively. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. Here are the steps to use the Xulane patch:
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Choose a spot on your skin where you want to apply the patch. It should be a clean, dry area on your abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, or upper torso, but not on your breasts.
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Open the foil package and remove the patch. Do not use the patch if the package is already open or the patch is damaged.
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Peel off the protective liner and apply the patch to your skin. Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds. Before applying the patch, do not apply lotion, oil, or powder to the area.
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Wear the patch for one week. On the same day of the week each week, remove the patch and apply a new one to a different area of your skin. Do not use the same spot for at least a week.
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Keep the patch on even when you shower, swim, or exercise. If the patch falls off, apply a new one right away. If it has been off for less than 24 hours, you do not need to use a backup method of birth control. If it has been off for more than 24 hours, you should use a backup method of birth control for seven days.
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After three weeks of wearing patches, take a week off. During this week, you will have your period. Begin a new cycle by applying a new patch on the same day of the week you started the previous cycle, even if you are still bleeding.
What to avoid while using Xulane
You can always ask your healthcare provider questions or concerns about using Xulane or other medications. Here are some things to avoid while using Xulane:
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Smoking: Smoking while using Xulane can increase your risk of severe side effects such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. If you smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about quitting.
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Certain medications: Some medications can interact with Xulane, reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Xulane has 432 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs. Possible drug interactions with the Xulane patch include:
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Certain seizure medications
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Certain combinations of HIV medications
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Rifampin and rifabutin
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St. John’s wort
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Delaying patch application: Xulane should be applied on the same day each week. If you apply the patch late or miss a dose, your risk of pregnancy may increase. Follow the instructions carefully and set a reminder to help you remember to change the patch on time.
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Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to the adhesive used in Xulane, causing skin irritation or an allergic reaction. If you develop a rash, itching, or swelling, contact your healthcare provider.
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Pregnancy: Xulane should not be used if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. If you become pregnant using Xulane, remove the patch and contact your healthcare provider.
Medication alternatives to Xulane
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another birth control patch or hormonal birth control in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Xulane birth control patch FAQs
How much does Xulane cost?
How can I refill my Xulane prescription?
Do you gain weight on Xulane?
Is Xulane high estrogen?
What are the side effects of the Xulane patch?
Possible side effects of the Xulane patch include:
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Headache
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Nausea and stomach pain
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Mood changes and anxiety disorders
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Breast symptoms, such as soreness and tenderness
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Irregular vaginal bleeding, such as breakthrough bleeding
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Skin irritation around the application site
Is Xulane estrogen based?
Who should not take Xulane?
Avoid taking Xulane if you:
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Smoke and are over 35 years old
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Have a history of blood clots
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Have a history of stroke, heart attack, or high blood pressure
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Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
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Have gallbladder disease, liver disease (including liver tumors), or kidney disease
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Have breast cancer, cervical cancer, or any other cancer sensitive to female hormonal birth control methods
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Have a body mass index (BMI) over 30
What happens if I miss a dose of Xulane?
If you forget to change your Xulane patch for more than two days, you may become pregnant. Start a new four-week cycle as soon as possible by applying a new Xulane patch, and use a backup birth control method for the first week of your new patch cycle.
What happens if I take too much Xulane?
If you apply a new patch without removing the old patch, you may experience:
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Skin irritation at the application site
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Nausea, vomiting, and bloating
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Breast symptoms, such as tenderness
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Weight gain
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Swelling around your feet and ankles (fluid retention)
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any adverse side effects.
3 simple steps to request your Xulane patch today
Book a Xulane patch request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Xulane patch.
Pick up your Xulane patch.
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Popular PlushCare Birth Control
Xulane prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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Center for Young Women's Health. Hormone Patch (Xulane/Twirla). Accessed on October 18, 2022. https://youngwomenshealth.org/guides/hormone-patch/.
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DailyMed. Xulane- norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol patch. Accessed on October 18, 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f7848550-086a-43d8-8ae5-047f4b9e4382.
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Planned Parenthood. Birth Control Patch. Accessed on October 18, 2022. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-patch.
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