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Compare Xulane vs. Twirla

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Xulane (norelgestromin / ethinyl estradiol)
    Twirla (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)
  • Xulane (norelgestromin / ethinyl estradiol)
    Twirla (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)

  • Summary of Xulane vs. Twirla

    Summary for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Prescription only

    Xulane (norelgestromin / ethinyl estradiol) is a birth control patch that contains both estrogen and progesterone hormones. It works well to prevent pregnancy if you follow the instructions by applying a new patch once a week. Xulane (norelgestromin / ethinyl estradiol) is available for most people who can get pregnant, but it might not work as well for those who weigh more than 198 pounds or have a body mass index or BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher. The best places to apply the patch are the upper outer arm, stomach, buttock, or back. Common side effects include breast discomfort, headache, or application site reactions (such as rash or skin irritation).

    Summary for Progestin / Estrogen combined contraceptive
    Prescription only

    Twirla (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) is a once-weekly birth control patch. It's a combination hormonal contraceptive that contains an estrogen and progestin. Twirla (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) is used to help prevent pregnancy in people with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30 kg/m2. A new patch is placed on the skin every week for 3 weeks, followed by a patch-free week, and then the cycle is repeated. Side effects can include skin irritation where the patch is placed and nausea.

  • Indications of Xulane vs. Twirla

    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy
    Indications for
    •Prevention of pregnancy

  • Pros and Cons of Xulane vs. Twirla

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Pros
    •Patch is applied once a week
    •99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used perfectly
    •Patch stayed on the skin for 95% of people in studies
    Cons
    •Raises your risk for serious blood clots
    •More estrogen is absorbed compared to other combination birth control pills, which might cause more side effects
    •Might not work as well for people who weigh more than 198 pounds or have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher
    Pros and Const for Progestin / Estrogen combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •When used correctly, 95% effective at preventing pregnancy
    •A patch that's placed on the skin; an alternative to the birth control pill
    •Applied once a week
    Cons
    •Can't use if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more because of risk for blood clots
    •Might fall off if you get the patch wet for too long (more than 30 minutes) or if you use too much body lotion or oil
    •No lower-cost generic available; brand-name medication only

  • Common Side Effects of Xulane vs. Twirla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast symptoms (discomfort, swelling, or pain; 22%)
    •Headache (21%)
    •Skin irritation and redness (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Menstrual cramps (8%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Vaginal bleeding (6%)
    •Changes in mood (6%)
    •Vomiting (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Application site reactions (e.g., rash, skin color changes, irritation, itching; 6%)
    •Nausea (4%)
    •Headache (4%)
    •Pain with your menstrual period (2%)
    •Weight gain (2%)

  • Warnings of Xulane vs. Twirla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and risk for blood clots
    •Blood clots and strokes
    •Liver problems
    •High blood pressure
    •Gallbladder problems
    •High blood sugar and triglycerides
    •Headache
    •Irregular bleeding
    •Depression
    •Risk for breast and cervical cancer
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and risk for blood clots
    •Can't use if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater
    •Blood clots and other complications
    •Liver problems
    •High blood pressure
    •Gallbladder problems
    •High blood sugar
    •High cholesterol levels
    •Changes to your menstrual bleeding (period) patterns
    •Breast cancer or cervical cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Xulane vs. Twirla

    Learn more about Xulane
    Learn more about Twirla

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