"i have not experienced any major negative side effects except for weight gain, some skin irritation, and premature period symptoms. i recommend rotating the patch placement every few weeks. my period symptoms usually occur a couple weeks before my actual period. on the third month of usage, i gained about 5-10 pounds. it&#039;s very effective for what it&#039;s supposed to do. my partner and i did have not used any form of protection. i like the patch due to the ease of it and not having to take an oral contraceptive daily. the pros outweigh the cons."