This article describes Xulane’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to use it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Xulane. If you want to know more about Xulane, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Xulane is a brand-name generic medication that comes as a patch you apply to your skin. It’s made by a different drugmaker than the original brand-name drug. The original brand-name drug, Ortho Evra, is no longer available. And it isn’t available in another generic version. This article describes the dosage for Xulane.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Females older than age 35 years who smoke. Xulane has a risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems in females* over 35 years who smoke. Due to this risk, doctors will typically not prescribe Xulane to people in this group.
Females with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Xulane has a risk of serious blood clots in females with a BMI† of 30 or more. Due to this risk, doctors will typically not prescribe Xulane to people in this group.
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
* Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
† BMI is used to determine a target weight range that’s based on a person’s height. For adults, obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. Xulane should not be prescribed for females who have obesity.
Xulane comes as follows:
- Form: patch that you apply to your skin
- Strength: 150 micrograms (mcg) norelgestromin/35 mcg ethinyl estradiol per day
Dosage of Xulane
This article describes the recommended dosage for Xulane. This is provided by the drugmaker.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Xulane without your doctor’s recommendation.
Typical recommended dosage of Xulane in adults
Xulane is prescribed for birth control in adults. It only comes in one dose.
Your menstrual cycle will last 4 weeks (28 days) when you use Xulane. When you apply a Xulane patch, you’ll leave it on for only 1 week. You should only wear one patch at a time.
You’ll use a new Xulane patch on Weeks 1, 2, and 3 of your cycle. On Week 4, you’ll take off the old patch, but you will not replace it with a new one. Your period will start on Week 4.
You have the option to either start your Xulane cycle on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period starts.
When to use a backup method of birth control
Sometimes you’ll need to use a backup birth control method with Xulane. Backup methods are barrier methods of birth control. They include condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides.
You’ll usually use a backup method for 7 days in the following cases:
- if you just started Xulane for the first time on the Sunday after your period starts
- if you’re switching from a different hormonal birth control to Xulane and there’s a gap in your treatment*
- if you need to take a drug that interacts with Xulane
- if you forget to change your patch on the correct day†
If you have any doubt about whether you need a backup method, it’s best to use one just in case. Talk with your doctor about any questions you have about barrier methods of birth control.
* For more information about switching from a different hormonal birth control method to Xulane, see the drug’s prescribing information.
† See more information in the “Missed dose of Xulane” section below.
Dosages of Xulane in children
Xulane is prescribed for birth control in females* younger than 18 years who have started menstruating. The dosage for children is the same as the adult dosage just above.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Dosage adjustments for Xulane
Your doctor will typically not adjust your dosage of Xulane. If the medication doesn’t meet your needs, they’ll usually prescribe a different birth control medication.
Talk with your doctor if you think your dosage of Xulane needs to be adjusted.
Missed dose of Xulane
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to put on a new Xulane patch or if your patch fell off.
The drugmaker gives the following recommendations if your patch is off or partly off during Weeks 1, 2, or 3.
If your Xulane patch is off or partly off for less than 1 day:
- Try to put the patch back on your skin. Press down firmly for 10 seconds and smooth out any wrinkles. If the patch doesn’t stick to your skin, put on a new patch.
- You can continue the same dosage cycle.
If your Xulane patch is off or partly off for more than 1 day:*
- Put on a new patch.
- Start a new cycle. Use the day you apply the new patch as Day 1 of the new cycle.
- Use a backup birth control method for 7 days.
* This also applies if you’re not sure how long your patch has been off.
The drugmaker gives the following recommendations if you forget to replace your patch with a new one. The recommendations depend on the week of your cycle.
If you forget to replace your patch on Week 1, Day 1 of your cycle:
- Apply a new patch as soon as you remember.
- Use the day you apply the patch as Day 1 of a new cycle.
- Use a backup birth control method for 7 days.
If you forget to replace your patch on Week 2, Day 8 of your cycle or you forget to replace your patch on Week 3, Day 15 of your cycle:
- If you’re less than 48 hours late changing your patch, apply a new patch as soon as you remember. (You do not need a backup birth control method.)
- If you’re more than 48 hours late changing your patch, apply a new patch. Use the day you apply the new patch as Day 1 of a new cycle. (Use a backup birth control method for 7 days.)
If you forget to replace your patch on Week 4, Day 22 of your cycle:
- Start a new patch on your scheduled day.
- You do not need to use a backup birth control method.
For tips on how to plan to apply your Xulane patches and avoid missing a patch change day, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Xulane and its dosage.
How does the dosage of Xulane patch compare with the dosage of Twirla?
These two drugs are both skin patches used to prevent pregnancy. They have the same form of the estrogen hormone but different forms of the progestin hormone. Twirla contains levonorgestrel and Xulane contains norelgestromin.
Because they use different forms of the progestin hormone, they have different dosages. The daily dosage is the amount of drug the patch releases each day.
- Twirla’s dosage is 120 micrograms (mcg) levonorgestrel/30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per day.
- Xulane’s dosage is 150 mcg norelgestromin/35 mcg ethinyl estradiol per day.
Twirla and Xulane have a similar dosage cycle. Each is worn as one patch per week for 3 weeks of your menstrual cycle.
Learn more about birth control patches in this article. Talk with your doctor about which birth control patch best meets your needs.
Is Xulane used long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Xulane as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should use Xulane, talk with your doctor.
How Xulane is applied
Xulane is a patch that’s applied to your skin. You’ll apply the Xulane patch once weekly for 3 weeks. You will not use a patch on Week 4 of your cycle. The Xulane patch is a small, square patch that looks like a bandage. Each patch comes in a foil pouch.
You should not apply the patch to the same place on your body 2 weeks in a row. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying the new one. You can apply the patch to your skin in the following places:
- upper, outer arm
- abdomen
- back
- buttock
Basic instructions for how to apply the patch are below. See the drug’s prescribing information for detailed instructions with pictures.
Step 1: Clean and dry the area of skin where you’ll apply the patch. The skin should not be irritated. The skin should not have any makeup, lotion, or powder.
Step 2: Carefully peel open the foil pouch that contains the patch. Throw away the extra pieces of clear film above and below the patch.
Step 3: Peel away half the clear plastic from the patch. Do not touch the sticky surface with your fingers. Apply the sticky half of the patch to your skin. Then peel off the other half of the clear plastic and apply the whole patch to your skin.
Step 4: Press the patch firmly with your palm for 10 seconds. Smooth out any wrinkles around the patch edges.
Do not cut or fold the patch. Check the patch on your body each day to make sure the edges are not falling off. If they are, smooth the edges back down by pressing firmly with your palm for 10 seconds.
See the “Missed dose of Xulane” section above for what to do if the patch falls off.
Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty applying the patch.
Xulane coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Xulane when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of Xulane
It’s important that you do not use more Xulane than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Xulane overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- nausea and vomiting
- a type of menstrual bleeding called withdrawal bleeding
What to do if you use too much Xulane
If you think you’ve used too much Xulane, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosage for Xulane. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Xulane without your doctor’s recommendation. You should use Xulane exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Should I start my Xulane dosage on a Sunday?
- I’m confused about how to restart my Xulane dosage if I forget to change the patch on time. Is there an easy schedule to follow?
- Does it matter what time of day I change my Xulane patch?
- How many weeks should I wait before I apply my Xulane patch to the same area of my body?
- How can I prevent the Xulane patch from falling off?
Boxed warnings for Xulane
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Females older than age 35 years who smoke. Females* ages 35 years or older who use Xulane or other hormonal birth control are at risk of heart and blood vessel problems or stroke. The risk is higher with cigarette smoking. Due to this risk, your doctor will typically not prescribe Xulane if you’re in this group.
Females with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Females with a BMI† greater than 30 should not use Xulane. This group is at higher risk of certain dangerous blood clots that move through the body and can cause serious damage. Due to this risk, your doctor will not prescribe Xulane if you’re in this group.
* Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
† BMI is used to determine a target weight range that’s based on a person’s height. For adults, obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. Xulane should not be prescribed for females who have obesity.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
