Possible Side Effects The Patch

The birth control patch is a safe and effective method of birth control. Most young women who use the patch have no side effects. Smoking cigarettes while using the patch can increase a girl's risk of certain side effects, which is why health professionals advise women who use the patch not to smoke.

• irregular menstrual bleeding

• nausea, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness

• mood changes

• blood clots (these are rare in women under 35 who do not smoke, but there may be a higher risk with the patch than with the Pill)

• skin reactions at the site of application of the patch

• problems with contact lens use — a change in vision or inability to wear the lenses

• menstrual cramps

The side effects that some women have while using the patch are similar to those experienced with the birth control pill. These may include:
Other possible side effects seen in patch users include:
Many of these side effects are mild and tend to disappear after 2 or 3 months.