Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not wear more than one skin patch at a time. Never cut a skin patch.
Apply a new skin patch every 7 days for 3 weeks in a row (21 days). Change your patch on the same day of the week, and wear each patch for 7 full days. On Day 22, remove the patch and wait 7 days before applying a new patch. Your patch-free week should not be longer than 7 days.
Apply the patch to clean, dry skin that is not broken or irritated and won't be rubbed by tight clothing (such as a waistband).
You may need to use back-up birth control (such as a condom/diaphragm with spermicide) when you first start using this medicine, or if a patch has become loose or has been off for longer than 1 day. Read and carefully follow all instructions about what to do if a patch gets loose or falls off, or if you forget to change your patch on time.
If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, do not use wear a skin patch for at least 4 weeks ahead of time and 2 weeks afterward.
You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first few months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding is very heavy, or if you miss 2 or more regular periods.
Store patches in the foil pouch at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze or refrigerate. After removing a skin patch fold it in half, sticky side in, and throw it away in a place where children and pets cannot get to it. Do not flush a used patch down the toilet.
 Detailed Xulane dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
During your patch-free week, do not go without wearing a patch for longer than 7 days. Missing a dose increases your risk of becoming pregnant and you may need to use back-up birth control. Call your doctor if you miss a period for 2 months in a row.
If you forget to apply a patch at the start of a new cycle:
Apply a patch as soon as you remember and start a new cycle on that day (3 weeks wearing a weekly patch, 1 week off). Use back-up birth control such as a condom/diaphragm with spermicide during the first week of your new cycle.
If you forget to change your patch during the 3-week wearing time:
If it has been 24-48 hours since your scheduled patch change, apply a new patch and change it on your regular change day.
If it has been more than 48 hours since your scheduled patch change, apply a new patch and start a new cycle on that day (3 weeks wearing a weekly patch, 1 week off). Use back-up birth control during the first week.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
