Xulane Dosage, forms & strengths
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Get started todayXulane (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol) is a once-weekly hormonal contraceptive patch manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. It is used to prevent pregnancy in women with a body mass index (BMI) under 30kg/m^2. It may not be as effective in women who weigh 90kg (198lbs) or more. Xulane was the first generic approved for the brand name Ortho Evra, which is now discontinued.
How does Xulane work?
Xulane is a combination hormonal birth control patch that contains norelgestromin (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen). It prevents ovulation by blocking your ovaries from releasing eggs. Xulane also causes changes to your cervical mucous and endometrial tissue to make it both harder for sperm to move around and for an egg to attach to your uterus.
Xulane dosage forms and strengths
- 150 mcg/day of norelgestromin and 35 mcg/day of ethinyl estradiol transdermal system
Xulane dosage
You will apply a Xulane 150mcg/35mcg contraceptive patch to your upper outer arm, stomach, buttock, or back once a week for 3 weeks (21 total days). Week 4 you will not wear a Xulane patch. You should change your patch on the same day each week.
Xulane dosage restrictions
There have been no studies on the use of Xulane in patients with kidney or liver impairment.
How to take Xulane
- Read the Full Prescribing Information including the Boxed Warning, Patient Information, and Medication Guide that comes with Xulane.
- You should wear 1 Xulane transdermal patch at a time. Always remove your old patch before applying a new patch. You can wear a Xulane on your upper outer arm, stomach, buttock, or back. You should not place your patch where it will be rubbed by tight clothing such as bra straps.
- Xulane is used in a 4-week cycle. You apply a Xulane patch once weekly for 3 weeks. The 4th week will be a patch-free week. Apply your new patch on the same day of the week each week. This will be called your “Patch Change Day”. You should begin a new cycle on the day after Week 4 ends.
- You should never be off of Xulane for more than 7 days in a row. If your patch is off for more than 7 straight days, you could become pregnant if you have sex. You should use a non-hormonal form of contraception to minimize the risk.
- Call your doctor if you miss 1 period and have not used Xulane every day for a full menstrual cycle or if you miss 2 periods in a row.
- Store your Xulane patches at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) inside their pouches.
Xulane dosage FAQs
What are the most common possible side effects of Xulane?
Some common side effects of Xulane include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Contact lens intolerance
- Application site reactions such as skin irritation
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Mood changes
- Painful menstruation
- Weight gain
Xulane can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:
- Hypersensitivity reactions (hives, angioedema, and shortness of breath)
- Increased risk of heart attacks, thrombosis (blood clots), and stroke
- Severe headache
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Increased risk of liver disease and tumors
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible side effects you may experience while taking Xulane. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What drug interactions occur with Xulane?
When Xulane is taken with other medications, it may change the way they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. You should discuss with your doctor whether any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with this medication, including:
- Strong hepatic enzyme inducers such as phenytoin, griseofulvin, barbiturates, topiramate, carbamazepine, rifabutin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, and St. John’s Wort
- Protease inhibitors such as ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir
- Acetaminophen
- Fluconazole
- Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
- Ketoconazole
- Thyroid medications
Are there any contraindications or precautions with Xulane?
Xulane should not be taken if you have a known hypersensitivity to norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol or any inactive ingredients in Xulane. You should also not take Xulane if you have any of the following conditions:
- Smoker and are over 35 years of age
- History of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, venous thromboembolism (VTE), or stroke
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Severe migraines
- Obesity (BMI > 30)
- Liver disease, jaundice, or liver tumors
- Hepatitis C
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Amenorrhea (no period)
- History of breast cancer
You should use Xulane with caution if you have gallbladder disease, high cholesterol levels, or if you have scheduled surgery. The use of Xulane increases your risk of blood clots following major surgery.
Can you take Xulane while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
While there is little or no increased risk of harm to the fetus if you accidentally use hormonal birth control while pregnant, you shouldn’t continue Xulane during pregnancy. Small amounts of estrogen and progestin are excreted in breast milk. Estrogen can also reduce the amount of milk produced. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Can I change my “Patch Change Day”?
If you want to start your “Patch Change Day” on a different day of the week, you should first finish your cycle and take off your 3rd patch on the scheduled day. During your patch-free week, you can pick any day to start a new “Patch Change Day”. The day you apply a new patch will be your new Day 1 and new “Patch Change Day”.
What if my Xulane patch becomes loose or falls off?
If your patch is partially or completely off for less than a day, press down firmly on it for 10 seconds to see if the whole patch will stick to your skin. If it does not completely stick, apply a new patch right away. You will not need a backup birth control method and your “Patch Change Day” will stay the same. If your Xulane patch has been off for more than 1 day or you are not sure how long it has been off, you may become pregnant. You should apply a new patch and start a new 4-week cycle. Use a non-hormonal contraception method such as a condom with spermicide for the first week of your new cycle to minimize the risk of getting pregnant.
Should you remove your patch before you shower?
No, you do not need to remove your patch when you shower. Be sure to check your patch daily to make sure it is sticking properly.
Related resources for Xulane dosage:
- https://reference.medscape.com/drug/xulane-norelgestromin-ethinyl-estradiol-342765
- https://www.xulanehcp.com/
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=f7848550-086a-43d8-8ae5-047f4b9e4382&type=display
- https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Xulane-ethinyl-estradiol-norelgestromin-3834#15
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-xulane
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ethinyl-estradiol-and-norelgestromin-transdermal-route/description/drg-20062923
- https://www.rxlist.com/xulane-drug.htm
- https://www.drugs.com/xulane.html
