Xulane is a once-weekly prescription birth control patch that delivers hormones through your skin to prevent pregnancy.

What Is Xulane?

Xulane is a combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) transdermal patch that contains two active hormones: Norelgestromin (150 mcg/day, a progestin) and Ethinyl Estradiol (35 mcg/day, an estrogen). It's manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Viatris company.

Xulane is the generic equivalent of Ortho Evra, which was the original brand-name contraceptive patch manufactured by Janssen until it was discontinued in 2014. Another generic version, Zafemy, is also available.

Xulane is not a controlled substance. It's available by prescription only and is FDA-approved for the prevention of pregnancy in women with a BMI under 30 kg/m².

What Is Xulane Used For?

Xulane's FDA-approved use is:

• Prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive age with a BMI less than 30 kg/m²

While not officially FDA-approved for these uses, doctors sometimes prescribe Xulane off-label for:

• Regulation of irregular menstrual cycles
• Management of menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding
• Hormonal acne management

For a detailed explanation of how the patch prevents pregnancy, see our guide on how Xulane works.

How Is Xulane Used?

Xulane follows a simple 3 weeks on, 1 week off schedule:

1. Week 1: Apply a new patch on your chosen "patch change day." Press it firmly onto clean, dry skin for 10 seconds.
2. Week 2: Remove the old patch and apply a new one on the same day of the week.
3. Week 3: Remove the old patch and apply a new one — same day again.
4. Week 4: Patch-free week. You'll typically have your withdrawal bleeding (period) during this week.
5. Week 5: Start the cycle again with a new patch on your regular change day.

Where to Apply the Patch

Apply Xulane to one of these areas:

• Upper outer arm
• Abdomen
• Buttock
• Upper back

Do not apply it to your breasts. Rotate the location each week to reduce skin irritation. The skin should be clean, dry, and free of lotions, oils, or powders.

Important Application Tips

• Press the patch firmly for at least 10 seconds
• Check the edges daily to make sure it's sticking
• Do not cut or alter the patch
• If a patch falls off for less than 24 hours, reapply it or use a new one — no backup method needed
• If it's been off for more than 24 hours, start a new cycle and use backup contraception for 7 days

Who Should Not Take Xulane?

Xulane carries a boxed warning and is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use Xulane if you:

• Have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher
• Are over 35 and smoke cigarettes
• Have a history of or current blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
• Have had a stroke or heart attack
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have diabetes with vascular disease
• Experience migraines with aura
• Have breast cancer or other estrogen-sensitive cancers
• Have liver disease or liver tumors
• Are pregnant
• Are taking hepatitis C drugs containing Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir

Xulane may also be less effective in women weighing 198 lbs (90 kg) or more. Postpartum women should wait at least 4 weeks before starting the patch, and it's not recommended during breastfeeding.

For more on side effects and risks, read our Xulane side effects guide.

How Much Does Xulane Cost?

Xulane's cost varies depending on your insurance and where you fill it:

• With insurance: Most plans cover Xulane with a $0 to $30 copay per month under the ACA contraceptive mandate. Some plans may require prior authorization.
• Without insurance (cash price): $100 to $200 per box of 3 patches (one month's supply).
• With discount cards: As low as $47 with GoodRx or about $77 with SingleCare.
• Manufacturer savings card: Viatris offers $0 on your first 28-day fill and $15 on subsequent fills for commercially insured patients (up to $425/year savings).
• Patient assistance: The Viatris Patient Assistance Program helps uninsured or underinsured patients. Apply at viatris.com.

For the full breakdown of savings options, see our guide to saving money on Xulane.

Final Thoughts

Xulane is a convenient, effective birth control option for women who prefer a once-weekly patch over daily pills. It delivers the same hormones as many oral contraceptives but with the ease of a weekly application schedule.

The key considerations are the BMI restriction (under 30 kg/m²), the smoking warning for women over 35, and the importance of proper application. If Xulane is right for your health profile, it can be an excellent low-maintenance contraceptive choice.

Ready to fill your prescription? Use Medfinder to find a pharmacy with Xulane in stock near you.