Effects of Contraceptive Patches

The effects of contraceptive patches can be classified into side effects and complications as outlined below:

Side Effects

Contraceptive patches (also known as hormonal patches) can produce similar side effects to those associated with birth control pills due to their shared hormonal composition. Common side effects include:

Headaches.
Nausea.
Tenderness or pain in the breasts.
Emotional fluctuations.
Skin irritation at the site of application.

Complications

Hormonal contraceptive methods that include estrogen, such as contraceptive patches, can lead to several complications. The likelihood of these complications increases in women who smoke or are over the age of 35. Notable complications include:

Hypertension.
Heart attack.
Cerebrovascular accident (stroke).
Gallbladder disease.
Cancers: Extended use of estrogen and progestin may increase the risk of cervical cancer. Some studies also indicate a heightened risk of breast cancer among women using contraceptive patches compared to those who do not; however, this risk diminishes over time after discontinuation of the patches.
Blood clots: A very small percentage of women using contraceptive patches may experience blood clots. Several factors may contribute to an increased risk, including:

Diabetes.
Migraine with aura.
Obesity.
Smoking.
Usage during the first year of application.
A family history of clotting disorders.

Contraindications for Contraceptive Patches

There are several contraindications for the use of contraceptive patches, including:

Obesity, defined as a body weight exceeding 90 kilograms.
A history of breast, uterine, or liver cancer.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Chest pain or a history of stroke, angina, or hypertension.
History of jaundice during pregnancy or while using other hormonal contraceptives.