We all want to be healthy and safe. So, we all need to consider if a medicine will be safe for us before we take it. Serious side effects of the birth control patch, though rare, may be more likely if you have certain conditions. Some of these conditions may even rule out using the patch. Talk with your health care provider to find out if the patch is likely to be safe for you.
You should not use the patch during prolonged bed rest after major surgery or if you
- are 35 or older and smoke cigarettes
- have certain conditions associated with diabetes
- have certain inherited blood-clotting disorders
- have had an abnormal growth or cancer of the breast
- have had blood clots or vein inflammation
- have had a heart attack or stroke
- have had heart valve problems
- have had migraine headaches with aura
- have had a liver disease or growths of the liver
- have high blood pressure and smoke cigarettes
- have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- think you might be pregnant
If you have a condition that makes it unsafe to use the patch, don’t worry. There are many other methods of birth control that may be safe for you if you cannot use it. Read about other methods to find one that is right for you.
Published: 02.09.08 | Updated: 02.09.08
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