Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Nausea: What Users Say

• Ghe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for a month and a half. I don’t even know how to explain my experience. I was on the pill for 4 years so I’ve dealt with hormone changes, etc., but my body started rejecting itself as soon as I started the patch. When I would change the patch every 7 days, that night, I would sleep in the bathroom and throw up for hours. I had migraines every day that would make me nauseous. And my body overall just did not feel right. I was so fatigued. The day I took the patch off, it was 3 am and I was sleeping on the floor next to a trash can because it was a “new patch” day. As soon as I took it off, I felt so much better. My body never reacted this way with anything before. Now I’m afraid to use any contraceptive ever again. It messed me up bad. It’s been about 2 weeks since I’ve taken it off. I thought I knew my body but there’s something VERY WRONG about this patch."

• Rin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I've currently been on the patch for 1 year now, after switching from the Nexplanon implant, and I really like it. No spotting or bleeding in between periods, no weight gain, no mood swings, no problems with the patch falling off, no pregnancy scares, my periods are lighter & more predictable, etc. But I do notice I will get headaches & slight nausea when I change patches, but it is bearable. I definitely don't plan on changing birth control methods anytime soon, Xulane works pretty well for me."

• May...
• January 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m 5’2” and weigh 100 lbs. When I first got on the patch, I had all the starting symptoms: nausea, I was tired a lot, headaches - generally feeling like rubbish. However, these symptoms gradually went away in about two cycles. I haven’t really had problems using the patch. Yes, when you take the patch off and put it back on the following your patch-free week, you’re gonna feel a little off til the hormones regulate again. Similar instances can occur when you go straight to the next patch without a break up on the patch (which is totally safe, I used to do it all the time), but go away shortly after. I have only had ONE instance of breakthrough bleeding on this patch. Honestly, I feel it was due to a lot of stress in my personal life, as I have NEVER experienced it before in the whole year I’d been on it. The patch is great if you use it correctly. The side effects are generally short-term, and it’s very effective (my partner and I never use condoms, and I haven’t gotten pregnant on this BC)."

• Dra...
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for 3 weeks, and every day I was EXTREMELY nauseous. My breasts were extremely tender and swollen. I already struggle with migraines, and I had a consistent migraine while on this patch. I also was extremely tired and fatigued daily and also had mood swings terribly. Depression and anxiety were also at an all-time high while on this medication. I had no sex drive, and sex was no longer pleasurable. I usually don't write reviews, but honestly, reviews have been helping me navigate the best birth control method. I have literally been off the patch for less than 48 hours and already am feeling better from the side effects. Some might say it was all in my head, but whenever I applied the patch, that area of my body would tingle and itch, so I know the effects can quickly change. Would definitely say it helps with not getting pregnant, but if you are at all sensitive to headaches or medication, I recommend a close watch."

• Chy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I love this patch! I’ve been on the pill for about 8 years. After the first 7 years, I got off it and had my daughter. The doctor put me on the pill after birth and had the worst side effects! (Extreme acne, mood swings, weight gain). With the patch, I have the best skin, no weight gain or mood swings. The only bad thing is nausea. But I would rather have nausea from birth control rather than pregnancy!"

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I had an awful experience with this patch. I started to use it last month. In 3 days, I felt something very wrong. At first, I thought it was a stomach virus. My head was spinning. Then I got really nauseated and puked for like 5 hours. Had to sleep it off. So I thought it was a stomach virus, but I took the patch off just in case. I decided to wait until yesterday when I started my period again to give it one more try. I was fine all day yesterday, then today I began to get a slight headache, then I got woozy again. Tried to just pull through the nausea. As soon as I got to work, I puked all over the parking lot when I got out of my car. I just can't do it. I took the patch off and threw it down because that will be the last time I give it a try. My body is just rejecting it for some reason. I was getting like a bile build-up. I have been burping all day both times I tried it. My head is still spinning. It is just not for me."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I hated this thing. I had used different pills before I had my son, and after, I tried the shot. The shot made me start gaining weight, so I wanted to try something different. I wore the patch two weeks, and then I had to stop using it. The first few days were fine, and then I started getting nauseous. By the second week, I kept throwing up. I was very moody and cried for no reason. I legit thought I was pregnant between the mood swings and nausea. Two days after taking it off, I ended up in the ER because I started having blurry vision and my heart was racing. When I got to the ER, my heart rate was 148, but my vision started coming back. The only thing the doctors could figure was I had an ocular migraine caused by the hormones in the patch. The next day, I started my period, and I keep getting headaches. I’ve never had migraines or headaches before, so I’m hoping this will get out of my system fast and I’ll be back to normal."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2014

For Birth Control "When I first went to the doctor, I was not interested in the patch. She talked me into it and said if I didn't like it after a few months, to come back and we would change it. With the birth control pills I used to take, I had to pay $50 a month. Although, with the patch, I am paying nothing. FREE! Now to the symptoms. The first 3 months sucked between headaches, nausea, being moody, and tired. The worst symptom was cramps when I was not on my period at random times. It hurt so bad and was very annoying. After 3 months of using the patch, the symptoms are gone and I absolutely LOVE THE PATCH. I have been on it for about 6 months and the only downfall is that clothes lint collects around it, but it's not a huge deal if you put it where no one can see."

• MS9...
• September 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I am rating this a 10 because I believe it's extremely effective. I have been on the patch for almost 4 years, and I never once had a pregnancy scare. For me, I get regular periods, but I also get most of the side effects. After the first few months, periods are regular, mine last between 3-5 days. I get more emotional, I get mood swings, cramps, headaches, I bloat, I basically get all the side effects, but they are not severe. Every once in a while, they are pretty bad, but that will only happen once every 6 months to a year. On the patch, I never gained weight from it. The only thing I truly dislike about it is I will get really nauseous and throw up if I don't eat anything the night before I put a new one on, and recently I'll have bloody discharge."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for almost 2 months. The first month was great, and I had no problems. As soon as I put my 4th patch on to skip my period, I started spotting. My Dr. said that is normal. But after putting on my 5th patch, it was almost like I had morning sickness. I had nausea, headache, feeling as if I was going to puke all the time, and certain smells would get me also. And during all of this, I was still bleeding, not super heavy but more than spotting. I also have had PMS since I've been bleeding. On my 7th patch, I started bleeding quite heavily and started having such bad cramps that I couldn’t move. I am still bleeding currently. I think this would be a great option for some people. I really wish it worked for me."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2020

For Birth Control "Was on the patch for 6 days when extreme nausea set in. I had to call into work sick and vomited all day. By day 9, I was still having nausea and couldn’t take it anymore, so I removed the patch. Would not recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2021

For Birth Control "Used this for two days during the first day of my period, I had pulsing headaches, nausea, and throwing up for about two hours. I have to get off of the patch because my headaches became unbearable after the second day. All my symptoms have disappeared. Thank you to all the women who left reviews, this patch has really nasty side effects, wouldn't recommend."

• Kai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm on my third patch, and so far, so good! I love that I only have to remember to change it once a week. The first week, I had a few battles with nausea; every little smell made me want to throw up! Even woke up in the middle of the night thinking I was going to. But never actually puked, so that's good, I guess. The other main side effect I've experienced is very tender breasts. I'm curious to see how my period is next week... But overall, it's been very bearable. My one piece of advice-don't let one really bad review sway you! Everyone's body is different. You never know what will work for you until you try!"

• mic...
• December 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 9 years, going on 10 years. Absolutely love it! It is super convenient, no pregnancies, and if you're forgetful like I am, it works GREAT! I tried the pill, and that made me very nauseous, so I decided to give Ortho Evra a try, and it was the best decision I've ever made! My breasts grew, but that's about the only side effect I experienced. Unfortunately, I've been getting a lot of yeast infections recently, so I'm going to try the NuvaRing to see if the Ortho patch is what's causing it (highly doubtful). Worth a try, though. I highly recommend Ortho Evra."

• Shy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 2, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 19, I've been on the patch for almost a year and a half, I've recommended it to quite a few of my friends. It's the best. The first three months are a bit crazy. Constant nausea, tender breasts, emotional, but all these things are bearable and seem to fade away after your body gets used to the patch. Easier to remember to change it. It's so convenient."

• Lil...
• March 2, 2011

For Birth Control "It may be too early for me to review this since I've only been on it for a month, but I thought I'd share my beginning side effects for the people who are curious. So far, I haven't gained weight, or had hair loss, spotting, or any of that. I have had some headaches here and there, as well as nausea, which when I chew some gum, goes away in no time, and also some moodiness-not a big deal, though. By what I've gone through from the start of it, I would say I definitely love this medicine. Absolutely recommend it to others."

• Hon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I started the Xulane patch two months ago. I have to say that it has been a great experience so far. I myself read through these reviews before starting the patch, and I was terrified of the experience I would have. I have not gained any weight. I have not had migraines or even mild headaches. The patch does not itch, nor does it leave a rash or any type of bump. It does leave a residue on the outer ring from where it catches your clothing and collects fuzz. I have not experienced any nausea. It has been smooth sailing. My period is drastically lighter, and I don't get ill or experience extreme cramps. I have to say I'm a huge fan of the patch. It has even increased my sex drive because I feel so comfortable now that I have it."

• ml1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I started the patch on Friday. I felt fine Friday night. I woke up Saturday morning and felt okay. As the day progressed, my nausea got worse. Woke up Sunday feeling okay, but around 11 pm, the nausea came back. I had a headache and my saliva was really thick. I went to bed that night feeling horrible, not getting much sleep. Monday, I woke up feeling extremely lethargic. I ended up having to leave work early because I thought I was going to pass out. I went home and slept most of the day. Tuesday morning, I spent by the toilet and called my doctor, who told me to take it off if it continued. I just took it off 30 minutes ago and I already feel better."

• Pat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 1, 2021

For Birth Control "The issue with a lot of these reviews is they don't give the patch time to settle. You're giving your body hormones that it isn't used to having excess of, so it can take up to 6 months for it to fully settle. I've been on the patch for 8 years and love it. The first 3 months, I had headaches, cramps, and slight nausea, but after that, I have had 0 side effects. No other birth control works for me, and I would recommend the patch. Please just give it time, it won't be for everyone, but 3 weeks, like most of the reviewers have had it for, just isn't long enough."

• aeb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I love the patch. I'm 17, and I use it to regulate my periods. They used to be very irregular and long, and now they come like clockwork. They're kind of heavy, but they only last 4-5 days, which is so nice. The first week of the patch, I felt pretty nauseated, and I had loss of appetite, but after that, I was fine. No nausea, no headaches, and my breasts got bigger. The only problem is that I'm extremely emotional. I overreact and cry a lot, especially before/during my period. Overall, though, the patch is great, and way easier than the pill. I recommend it."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this birth control to my worst enemy. I have had terrible headaches, arm and stomach pain, and nausea. I stopped the patch as soon as I started throwing up while driving in my car. I am thinking about going to the ER, it has been almost 2 hours, and I still cannot stop vomiting. This is the worst pain ever. I regret ever using this patch. It is worse than the pills."

• pat...
• January 16, 2015

For Birth Control "Before the patch, I was on the pill. I don't know which, but it gave me severe nausea every morning, almost as if I were pregnant. I would have my dad pull the car off to the side of the road for me to vomit in the morning sometimes. When I went off to college, I immediately visited my gyno and said I wanted something different. She said the patch is good but very expensive, but I went for it. I have no side effects except for tender breasts. It is hassle-free, and it is very effective. I keep it on my butt cheek so no one sees, even if I go swimming! I do not think I will ever change from the patch."

• Jgr...
• July 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on the depo recently. Switched to the pill and after month 3, just wanted to throw up every morning. Remember having these side effects when younger. So, had a break and jumped to Evra! Can say this is the last and final switch! Three weeks in, so far so good. Just boobs have shot up a size. Nipples sensitive to touch. Hurts to lay on front. But can't complain, looks like I've had a boob job, and I know it's temporary. No morning sickness. Not hot flushes (the pill gave me). No anxiety of some kind that always managed to rear its head. More motivated. No spots. It's a slow release, so I believe as it's not going through the bloodstream, it is necessarily better for you. Definitely recommend if you're out of contraceptive ideas due to above side/e"

• oli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2013

For Birth Control "My boyfriend and I were getting pretty serious, so I thought to ask my OB about birth control. I had read about the patch and thought, why not, so she prescribed it to me and I didn't even need to have an exam. This is my first time using birth control (I'm 16). So far, the patch is awesome. My acne cleared up, and my breasts have grown a bit. When I first started using it, I had some cramps, but that may just have been because of my period, although the cramps were worse where I had placed the patch. I felt nauseous for about a week, but it was intermittent and went away. After that, I felt completely fine. And I have discovered that the best place to put the patch is on your hip near your butt, that way, it doesn't wrinkle."

• Mic...
• January 8, 2014

For Birth Control "First birth control I've used, and I LOVE it. Been using it for 6 months now. I remember the first 2 patches I ever put on made me a bit nauseous, but now I put it on with no complaints whatsoever. When the patch needs to be taken off for my period, I typically get my period after 24 hours. Although not recommended, it does work if you have unprotected sex, so it's nice to have that safety in the back of your mind. The only complaint I could possibly have about it is the price of the patch per month. Other than that, I've had no side effects and am very happy about it!"