Question 1

What is Xulane?

Accepted Answer

Xulane is a transdermal system that contains a combination of two hormones, ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin. It belongs to a class of medications known as hormonal contraceptives.

These hormones work together to prevent ovulation and change the environment of the reproductive system to inhibit fertilization.

Question 2

What is Xulane used for?

Accepted Answer

Xulane is used to treat prevention of pregnancy .

Question 3

How does Xulane work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Xulane contains two types of hormones: an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norelgestromin). These hormones are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy in several ways:

Stopping Ovulation: The primary way Xulane works is by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Without an egg, fertilization cannot occur.

Thickening Cervical Mucus: The hormones cause the mucus in the cervix to become thicker and stickier. This creates a physical barrier that makes it difficult for sperm to swim into the uterus.

Thinning the Uterine Lining: Xulane changes the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). This change makes it less likely for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall.

The patch provides a continuous flow of these hormones over a seven-day period, maintaining steady levels in the body to ensure consistent protection against pregnancy.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Xulane?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredients in Xulane are norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Xulane?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Xulane may include:

Nausea

Headache

Breast tenderness

and others.

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Xulane?

Accepted Answer

Xulane belongs to the combined hormonal contraceptive drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Xulane and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Apply

Apply the patch to clean, dry skin on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso. Do not apply the patch to the breasts or to skin that is red, irritated, or cut. To ensure the patch sticks properly, do not use makeup, creams, lotions, or powders on the area where the patch is placed or where it will be applied.

Press the patch firmly onto the skin with the palm of your hand to ensure it is secure. Check the edges to make sure they are stuck well. You should check your patch every day to make sure it is still in place.

Dosing Schedule

The patch is used on a four-week cycle:

Week One: Apply a new patch.

Week Two: Remove the old patch and apply a new one on the same day of the week.

Week Three: Remove the old patch and apply a new one on the same day of the week.

Week Four: Remove the patch. Do not wear a patch during this week.

Always change your patch on the same day of the week, known as your Patch Change Day. Never wear more than one patch at a time and do not cut or tape the patch.

If a Patch Falls Off or is Missed

If the patch becomes loose or falls off, try to reapply it or replace it with a new patch immediately. If you forget to change your patch or if it remains off for an extended period, you may need to use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms or spermicide. If you are unsure how to proceed after a missed dose or a detached patch, contact your healthcare provider.

Question 8

Is Xulane safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Xulane is a birth control patch and is not intended for use during pregnancy. If you suspect you are pregnant or have a confirmed pregnancy, you should remove the patch and contact your healthcare provider. Studies have not found an increased risk of birth defects in children born to individuals who accidentally used hormonal contraceptives during early pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

The use of Xulane while breastfeeding is generally discouraged, particularly before the infant is fully weaned. The estrogen in the patch can decrease the production and nutritional quality of breast milk. Small amounts of the active hormones may also pass into the breast milk. It is recommended to discuss alternative non-hormonal or progestin-only contraceptive options with a healthcare provider while nursing.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Xulane come in?

Accepted Answer

Dosage Form

Xulane is available as a transdermal system, commonly referred to as a skin patch. The patch is a thin, beige, multi-layered adhesive system that is applied directly to the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, upper outer arm, or upper torso.

Strengths

The patch contains two active medications that are released continuously into the bloodstream:

Norelgestromin

Ethinyl estradiol

Xulane is available in a single strength. It is designed to release a steady daily dose of hormones over the course of seven days. Each patch delivers 150 micrograms of norelgestromin and 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol every 24 hours.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Xulane?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Xulane was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2014 as a generic version of the Ortho Evra patch. It is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who choose to use a transdermal patch as a method of contraception.

Boxed Warnings

The FDA has required a Boxed Warning for Xulane due to several serious safety concerns:

Cigarette Smoking and Cardiovascular Risks: Women over 35 who smoke should not use Xulane, as smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from hormonal contraceptives.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): Users of the patch may have a higher risk of developing blood clots in the legs or lungs compared to users of certain birth control pills. This is attributed to higher steady-state concentrations of estrogen compared to some oral contraceptives.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Limitations: Xulane is contraindicated in women with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater. Clinical trials indicated that the patch is less effective in this population and carries a higher risk of VTE.

Regulatory History and Safety Communications

The FDA has monitored the safety profile of transdermal contraceptive patches closely, leading to labeling updates that clarify the differences in estrogen exposure between the patch and oral tablets. While the patch delivers a continuous dose of hormones through the skin, the total estrogen exposure is higher than that of many 35-microgram estrogen pills.

Question 11

What should I know about Xulane and patch?

Accepted Answer

Patch Application and Placement

The Xulane patch should be applied to clean, dry skin on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso . It should never be placed on the breasts or on skin that is red, irritated, or cut. To ensure the patch stays in place, avoid applying makeup, creams, lotions, powders, or other topical products to the area where the patch is located or where it will be applied.

Weekly Schedule

The patch is used on a 28-day cycle:

Week 1: Apply a new patch and wear for 7 days.

Week 2: Replace the old patch with a new one on the same day of the week.

Week 3: Replace the old patch with a new one on the same day of the week.

Week 4: Remove the patch and do not wear one for 7 days. This is when a menstrual period usually occurs.

Maintenance and Disposal

It is important to check the patch every day to make sure the edges are sticking well. The patch is designed to stay in place during exercise, bathing, and swimming. If a patch becomes loose or falls off, follow the specific instructions provided in the patient labeling regarding replacement and the possible need for backup contraception.

When removing a used patch, fold it in half so the adhesive sides stick together. This helps prevent the release of remaining hormones into the environment. Dispose of the folded patch in a sturdy container away from children and pets.

Xulane

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Patch Information

FAQ

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