Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary:
- Xulane® is a contraceptive patch that delivers estrogen and progestin hormones through the skin. It works by preventing ovulation, while thickening cervical mucus and altering the uterine lining to keep out male sperm.
- Xulane® offers an alternative to daily pills, which can help you avoid missing a dose of medication. Other benefits may include reduced menstrual cramps and steadier hormone levels.
- Xulane® may cause side effects like skin irritation, headaches, and mood changes. While most side effects are mild and temporary, severe reactions require medical attention.
- You should always consult a healthcare provider regarding your medical history to determine if Xulane® is the best contraceptive option.
Learn more about Xulane® patches and how they work
Xulane® is a type of birth control patch containing progestin and estrogen. Unlike oral medications with these hormones, Xulane® consistently releases the medication into your bloodstream through the skin over time.
Learn more below about how this approach to birth control works, and whether it’s right for you. We’ve covered the science behind Xulane®, as well as the benefits of using a hormonal contraceptive patch and the possible risks so that you can make an informed choice with your healthcare provider about what birth control method you use.
How Xulane® works
Xulane® contains a combination of estrogen and progestin, making it a type of combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC). Other CHCs include pills (oral contraceptives), and vaginal rings.
The combination of both hormones in all of these methods works the same way. They prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs while changing the thickness of the mucus in your cervix and the lining of your uterus so that male sperm cells cannot get through as easily. This effectively prevents unwanted pregnancies.
The key difference with patches like Xulane® is that they release hormones into your bloodstream through the skin. This is known as transdermal delivery. However, it’s important to understand that your body processes hormones differently when they are delivered in this way, which can impact Xulane®’s effectiveness and side effects. Keep reading for more details.
The perks of picking Xulane®
Combined estrogen and progestin birth control patches like Xulane® can offer numerous advantages over traditional birth control pills if they’re right for you. Here are some of the benefits they can provide:
- Easy to use: You only need to apply the patch once a week, instead of taking a pill every day. This makes it easier to remember and helps you avoid missing doses.
- Steady hormone levels: The patch releases hormones continuously, which can help you avoid the ups and downs that sometimes happen with daily pills.
- Not impacted by stomach issues: Because the patch isn’t swallowed, it works even if you have vomiting or diarrhea.
- Hormone balance: The patch helps manage hormonal changes, which can relieve period pain, premenstrual syndrome, and hormonal issues during menopause.
- Better skin: It can help improve acne and other skin problems, especially in teenagers.
- More flexibility: Even if you forget to change the patch on time, it can still work for up to two extra days during certain weeks of your cycle.
- Extra benefits: Besides preventing pregnancy, the patch can make your periods lighter, reduce menstrual cramps, and might even help protect against some cancers.
Is Xulane® right for you?
Xulane® can offer effective contraception for many women, but it may not be right for everyone. Learn more about the side effects and risk factors for this patch below so that you can make an informed decision with your healthcare provider about whether or not to use it.
The common and more serious side effects below are listed in the patient information for Xulane®. We have summarized these below so you can learn about them more easily, but you may wish to read it in full for additional information.
Common side effects of Xulane®
When using Xulane®, you might experience some common side effects. These are generally not serious and may go away after your body adjusts to the patch. Here are the most frequently reported side effects:
- Breast symptoms: Discomfort, swelling, or pain in the breasts.
- Nausea/vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or actually throwing up.
- Headache: Mild to moderate headaches.
- Skin irritation: Redness, pain, swelling, itching, or rash where the patch is applied.
- Stomach pain: Mild abdominal discomfort.
- Menstrual pain: Pain during your period.
- Vaginal bleeding and menstrual disorders: Spotting or bleeding between periods.
- Mood changes: Changes in mood, feelings of anxiety, or other emotional symptoms.
If any of these side effects become severe or don’t go away, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
Serious potential side effects of Xulane®
While using Xulane, there are some serious side effects that you should be aware of. These can be dangerous and may require immediate medical attention:
Blood clots
These are especially risky if you smoke, are obese, or are over 35. Blood clots can occur in various parts of your body, such as the legs, lungs, eyes, heart, and brain.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these:
- Persistent leg pain.
- Sudden shortness of breath.
- Sudden partial or complete blindness.
- Severe chest pain or pressure.
- A sudden, severe headache unlike any you’ve had before.
- Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or trouble speaking.
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Other serious risks
- Liver problems, including liver tumors.
- Gallbladder disease.
- High blood pressure.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting Xulane®, if you have concerns, and if any of these serious side effects occur.
Who should not use Xulane®?
You should not use Xulane® if any of the following risk factors apply to you:
- You smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old.
- You have an increased risk of developing blood clots.
- Your BMI is over 30.
You should also tell your healthcare provider before using Xulane® if you are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant, are scheduled for surgery or laboratory tests, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed in the near future.
How to take Xulane®
If your healthcare provider recommends Xulane® based on your health information and medical history, it’s important to take it only as directed. The following information can help you use this medication responsibly and ensure its effectiveness.
When to apply Xulane®
Always apply the patch immediately after removing it from its original packaging.
Where to put the patch
Xulane® can be placed in the following areas:
- The outside of your upper arm
- On your stomach
- On your buttocks or back
How to store Xulane®
Store the patch in the protective pouch it comes in, and at room temperature (68-77° F or 20-25° C).
Find expert support to help you make a decision about Xulane®
Xulane® can provide effective birth control for many women, but you’ll need to talk with a qualified healthcare practitioner before you can know whether it’s right for you. Your healthcare provider can ask you the right questions about your health history and current medical status to determine whether the benefits of this patch outweigh any potential drawbacks it may have.
Lemonaid Health can provide virtual consultations with medical professionals to help you learn more about different birth control options. Learn more about the support we can offer, and use the information above to guide your search for a safe and effective birth control method.
FAQ
How often do I need to change the Xulane® patch?
You should apply a new Xulane® patch once a week for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week. This cycle helps mimic your natural menstrual cycle and ensures continuous birth control coverage.
Will Xulane® increase my risk of blood clots?
Birth control patches like Xulane® do carry a higher risk for blood clots than taking birth control pills. However, this risk is still very low in women who are young and healthy, so the overall risk from Xulane® is low unless any of the risk factors mentioned in this article apply to you.
Does the Xulane® patch protect against STIs?
No, the Xulane® patch does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms in addition to the patch can protect you against STIs.
Xulane® is a registered trademark of Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
