Twirla (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is prescribed to help prevent pregnancy. The drug comes as a patch that sticks to your skin. You apply a new patch every 7 days for 3 weeks in a row.

Twirla is a birth control prescribed to certain females who can become pregnant. They must have a body mass index (BMI) under 30. (BMI is a measure that’s calculated using height and weight.) In this article, we use the term ”female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

The active ingredient in Twirla is levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol. Twirla belongs to a group of drugs called combination hormonal contraceptives.

This article describes the dosage of Twirla, as well as its strength and how to apply it. For details such as Twirla’s cost, side effects, and how it works, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosage of Twirla. Keep reading to learn more.

What’s Twirla’s form?

Twirla is available as a birth control patch that you apply to your skin.

What strength does Twirla come in?

Twirla comes in one strength with these ingredients:

  • 120 micrograms (mcg) per day of levonorgestrel
  • 30 mcg per day of ethinyl estradiol

What are the usual dosages of Twirla in adults?

The information below describes the Twirla dosage that’s commonly prescribed or recommended. But be sure to apply the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for birth control

Doctors prescribe the birth control Twirla to certain females who may experience pregnancy. The typical Twirla dosage follows a 28-day cycle.

You’ll apply one new Twirla patch every 7 days for 3 weeks in a row. In the next 7 days of the cycle, you won’t apply the Twirla patch. During these 7 days, you can expect your period.

You’ll continue repeating this 28-day cycle.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Twirla.

What’s the dosage of Twirla for children?

Twirla is approved to help prevent pregnancy in females with a BMI under 30 who’ve started their periods.

The dosage for children is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Twirla in adults?” section above.

For more information about Twirla’s dosage in children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

How to apply Twirla

You’ll apply Twirla to the skin of your belly, upper torso, or buttocks. The summary below shows when to wear and not wear Twirla in each 28-day cycle:

  • Week 1: Apply one new Twirla patch and wear it for 7 days.
  • Week 2: Remove the current Twirla patch. Apply one new patch and wear it for 7 days.
  • Week 3: Remove the current Twirla patch. Apply one new patch and wear it for 7 days.
  • Week 4: Do not wear a patch.

Choose a day when you’ll apply Twirla, and wear it the same day each week that you apply it.

Do not wear one Twirla patch for more than 7 days. Also, do not apply Twirla for longer than 3 weeks in a row.

Before applying Twirla patch, make sure the skin where you’re applying the patch is clean and dry. Ensure that the patch is flat on your skin and doesn’t have any folds or wrinkles.

See Twirla’s website for more information on how to apply the Twirla patch and other resources.

Is Twirla prescribed long term?

Yes, Twirla is usually prescribed long term. You and your doctor can determine whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you agree that it is, you’ll likely receive it long term.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Twirla’s dosage.

What’s the dosage of Twirla vs. Xulane?

Twirla and Xulane are forms of birth control prescribed to females able to become pregnant. These drugs have some similarities and differences. Both medications come as transdermal birth control patches that you apply to your skin. And both follow a 28-day cycle. So, you apply one new patch every 7 days for 3 weeks in a row.

The drugs have different active ingredients and strengths. Each Twirla patch contains 120 mcg per day of levonorgestrel and 30 mcg per day of ethinyl estradiol. Each Xulane patch contains 150 mcg of norelgestromin and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that best suits your needs. Talk with them if you’d like to learn more about dosages of these medications.

Is there a higher risk of Twirla side effects if I wear more than one patch?

Yes, a higher risk is possible. Apply Twirla exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not wear one Twirla patch for more than 7 days. Also, do not apply Twirla for longer than 3 weeks in a row.

Be sure not to wear a Twirla patch the last week of your cycle. During these last 7 days, you can expect your period.

Wearing more than one Twirla patch at a time may increase your risk of side effects. And wearing Twirla patches longer than recommended also may increase this risk.

To learn more about the risk of side effects with Twirla, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not apply more Twirla than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you apply too much Twirla

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve applied too much Twirla. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.