What are the side effects or health risks of the birth control patch?
The birth control patch has side effects similar to those experienced by users of oral or other hormonal types of contraception. Other side effects may include: Skin irritation Headaches Breast tenderness Irregular vaginal bleeding Moderate weight gain Nausea and vomiting Bloating Additional side effects may include: yeast infections, contact lens problems, and depression. The birth control patch should not be used by women who: Smoke Have high blood pressure Have breast or uterine cancer Have a history of blood clots Have uncontrolled diabetes Have a history of heart attack or stroke Are allergic to hormones Have diabetes Have liver disease Have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Additional information was released from the FDA in late 2005 to warn patients and health care providers that the patch exposes a woman to more than 60% more estrogen than the birth control pill. This increased level of estrogen can lead to risks such as blood clots, strokes and heart attacks.
