Common side effects of the contraceptive patch
You may have some side effects when you first start using the contraceptive patch.
Bleeding between periods (breakthrough bleeding) or changes to your periods are common in the first few months.
Using the contraceptive patch can cause high blood pressure in a small number of people.
Some people have headaches, feel sick or dizzy, or have sore breasts. But there is not enough evidence to say whether this is caused by using the patch.
For some people the patch improves period pain and other symptoms linked to periods, such as headaches.
There is no evidence that using the patch makes you put on weight or changes your sex drive.
If you have side effects 3 months after starting the patch and they’re a problem for you, trying another type of contraception may help. Staff at a sexual health clinic or a GP can discuss this with you.
Risks of the contraceptive patch
There are some risks linked to using the contraceptive patch. But the chance of getting these is small.
Blood clots
The risk of getting a blood clot is very small and affects up to 1 in 1,000 people using combined hormonal contraception like the patch.
Your doctor will check if you have certain risk factors before prescribing the patch.
There is a small risk of:
- getting a blood clot in your leg or lung
- a blood clot causing a heart attack
- a blood clot causing a stroke
Cancer
Using the patch can slightly increase your risk of getting:
But your risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer goes back to normal 10 years after you stop using the patch.
Using the patch can also lower your risk of getting: