This article describes possible side effects of Xulane skin patch. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Xulane. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Xulane, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Xulane is a generic medication that contains ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin. It comes as a skin patch, sometimes called a transdermal patch. With a skin patch, the medication is absorbed through your skin. The brand-name version of Xulane is Ortho Evra, but Ortho Evra is no longer available.

This article describes possible side effects of Xulane. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Xulane.

Boxed warnings

Xulane has boxed warnings about the risk of heart and blood vessel problems, such as heart attack, blood clot, or stroke. Specifically, these risks are for females* older than age 35 years who smoke and females with a certain body mass index (BMI). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of Xulane in detail” section below.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

More common side effects of Xulane

Xulane skin patch may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of Xulane skin patch include:

breast pain, swelling, or tenderness
headache
skin reaction at the application site
nausea
abdominal pain

Mild side effects of Xulane

Xulane may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of Xulane skin patch that occurred in studies include:

breast pain, swelling, or tenderness
headache
skin reaction at the application site
nausea
abdominal pain
vomiting
migraine
painful periods
mild vaginal bleeding
period problems
anxiety disorder
mood changes*
diarrhea
dizziness
fatigue (low energy)
acne
itchy skin
vaginal yeast infection
weight gain*
mild allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Xulane in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with Xulane skin patch. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

Xulane may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of Xulane

Xulane may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Xulane skin patch, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Xulane.

Serious side effects of Xulane skin patch that occurred in studies include:

gallbladder disease
severe headache
abnormal vaginal bleeding
depression
heart and blood vessel problems, such as heart attack, blood clot, and stroke*‡
severe allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Xulane in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with Xulane skin patch. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
‡ Xulane skin patch has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Common questions about side effects of Xulane

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Xulane skin patch. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long do side effects of Xulane usually last?

Some side effects may be temporary when starting Xulane skin patch. Nausea, breast tenderness, and abdominal pain are usually temporary side effects of Xulane. They will likely resolve over time.

But other side effects of Xulane may last longer. For example, vaginal bleeding and mood changes may be long-term side effects of Xulane.

To find out how long side effects of Xulane last, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest ways to reduce side effects with Xulane. If necessary, your doctor may recommend switching your birth control medication.

Does Xulane cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases, Xulane skin patch may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you use the drug for a long time.

Examples of long-term side effects reported with Xulane skin patch include:

vaginal bleeding
depression
mood disorders
headaches
high blood pressure
changes in cholesterol
changes in blood sugar

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of Xulane may last.

Coupon for Xulane

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.

Side effects of Xulane in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Xulane skin patch.

Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems

Xulane has boxed warnings about the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. Specifically, these risks are for females* older than age 35 years who smoke and females with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In studies, the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems was rare in people using Xulane skin patch. This risk may include heart attack, blood clot, or stroke. These side effects may be serious and life threatening.

Certain factors can increase the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with Xulane. These include:

being over 35 years old
tobacco use
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
diabetes
BMI of 30 or more

Symptoms of heart and blood vessel problems may include:

difficulty breathing
chest pain
severe headache
trouble speaking
vision loss or trouble seeing
numbness or weakness on one side of your body or face

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Ways to manage

If you experience any symptoms of heart or blood vessel problems, call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room. Your doctor will likely tell you to stop using Xulane if you develop heart or blood vessel problems.

Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about heart and blood vessel problems with Xulane. Before prescribing Xulane, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical and family history. If necessary, your doctor may recommend a different birth control medication that’s safer for you.

Weight gain

In studies, weight gain was rare in people using Xulane skin patch. This side effect is usually mild. With weight gain, you may experience breast swelling or breast growth. Xulane may also cause fluid buildup in your body, which may increase your weight.

Weight gain with Xulane may occur in some people who develop depression. With depression, you may notice an increase in appetite, which can also increase your weight.

Ways to manage

If you have concerns about weight gain with Xulane, tell your doctor. They may recommend ways to help prevent weight gain, such as following a nutrition and exercise plan. If necessary, your doctor may suggest changing your birth control medication.

Mood changes

In studies, mood changes were common in people using Xulane skin patch. This side effect is usually mild but sometimes may become serious.

With mood changes, you may develop depression or anxiety. Symptoms may include:

low mood
lack of energy
low sex drive
loss of enjoyment
excessive worrying
difficulty sleeping
nervousness

Certain factors can increase the risk of mood changes with Xulane. For example, a history of mood disorders may increase your risk of having mood changes with Xulane.

Ways to manage

Before starting Xulane, tell your doctor if you have a history of mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. And if you experience mood changes, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor immediately if you have any thoughts of harming yourself. Depending on the severity of your mood change, your doctor may recommend stopping Xulane.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Xulane skin patch can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies. This side effect may have occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

itchiness
skin rash
swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Xulane skin patch, your doctor may suggest changing your birth control medication.

Warnings for Xulane

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before using Xulane skin patch.

Boxed warnings

Xulane has boxed warnings about the risk of heart and blood vessel problems, such as heart attack, blood clot, or stroke. Specifically, these risks are for females* older than age 35 years who smoke and females with a certain body mass index (BMI). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of Xulane in detail” section above.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to use Xulane skin patch if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Xulane is a safe treatment option for you.

Before using Xulane skin patch, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

recent major surgery
recent childbirth
being over 35 years old
liver problems
gallbladder disease
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
diabetes or prediabetes
history of headaches
past allergic reaction to Xulane

Xulane and pregnancy

Xulane skin patch is a birth control medication and should not be used during pregnancy. People can become pregnant if they’re not using Xulane skin patch correctly. If you become pregnant while using Xulane, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend that you stop using Xulane.

Xulane and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Xulane skin patch should be used while breastfeeding. Doctors suggest using other birth control drugs until you’re no longer breastfeeding. The estrogen component in Xulane may lower milk production. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Xulane and alcohol

Xulane skin patch is not known to interact with alcohol. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while you use Xulane skin patch.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of Xulane skin patch. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about using Xulane.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

How much vaginal bleeding is usual with Xulane skin patch?
Can I reduce my side effects by only using the patch during the daytime and taking it off at night?
What can I do to help prevent application site reactions with Xulane skin patch?

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.