Apri and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2015

For Birth Control "Had not taken birth control for about 2 years and decided to get back on it. Started out with Apri and I would not recommend it to my worst enemy. I normally have very clear skin, but it made my face break out like crazy and made me gain 10+ lbs. I am very athletic and eat healthy, so I don't believe it could be contributed to my diet. The weight is also seeming impossible to get off while still on the birth control. It also made my breasts constantly tender. I do not recommend this."

• Sta...
• November 30, 2016

For Birth Control "For the most part, my experience on this medication has been very positive. It makes me feel better, my skin has cleared up, and my hair and nails even look healthier. However, I have noticed some weight gain (10 lbs) or so, and I cannot seem to lose it. However, compared to other medications, this is one of the few I can tolerate."

• Ama...
• November 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I had stopped taking birth control altogether for about a month and lost a ton of weight, and my breasts got smaller. Then my doctor put me on Apri. Easily one of the worst things to happen to me. I've never had such bad acne in my life, and it seems like it never stops. I've also gained at least 10 pounds in addition to my normal weight, and that's being modest. I feel bloated all the time, and I can't tell if I look fat because I'm bloated or because it's the weight being distributed right into my stomach. I'm switching back to my old birth control. Apri sucks."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I just finished my third pack of the pills, and overall, I have gained weight, my acne got worse. But in all honesty, I have been eating pure sh*t while on the pill and even before, so I can't really say if the acne and weight gain came from taking the pill. I also got migraines and felt nauseous sometimes. I did not get the pill to prevent pregnancy because I'm not having sex at all, lol. I just got on the pill to regulate my period, and so far, it is doing that."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 30, 2012

For Birth Control "At first, I loved the pill. It made my periods shorter, about 3 days instead of 8, and it kept me from getting pregnant. It's affordable and got rid of my acne. It did not help with cramps at all, and it made me gain a lot of weight. I went from 118 lbs to 135 in a short amount of time. My breasts got big as well, which was a plus. Then, after almost a year, I began getting chronic urinary tract infections. Doctors could not figure it out, so I stopped taking Apri to see if that was the problem, and since then, I have had no problems."

• kel...
• March 13, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Apri for over a year. It was recommended by my doctor to slow down my heavy periods. It's done a great job doing so, but now that my periods are under control, I now use Apri for birth control. In the first month, I gained 12 lbs just around my love handles, and my breasts grew a whole cup size bigger. I'm not as interested in sex anymore either, and I'm definitely more sensitive and moody. This pill definitely helped my periods and has kept me from getting pregnant, but does have some side effects."

• Anonymous
• June 20, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Apri for about 6 months now and switched from Necon. I can predict my period to the day and get no cramps, and it only lasts 2-3 days. I've seen a little weight gain and loss of sex drive, and I do feel as though I'm a little more emotional."

• Anonymous
• November 19, 2010

For Birth Control "I like the simplicity of the package and use, so there are high marks there. Bad thing is that after two months of use, I have gained 3-4 pounds. My breasts have increased in size, as well as my butt. This is the first time I have ever taken birth control, and I am 28 years old. Another bad side effect is the mood swings, which happen frequently. I may try to use another type of birth control soon."

• dms...
• July 8, 2010

For Birth Control "My doctor switched me from Marvelon to Apri about 7 months ago. I suddenly started gaining weight, no change in diet and probably more exercise. It has made my periods fairly regular, but I cannot afford to gain any more weight because it is affecting my overall health. I am considering getting off Apri and choosing a different pill."

• Anonymous
• January 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for about a year to help with breakthrough bleeding and horrible cramps. It took about 6 months, but no more breakthrough bleeding. It makes me have irregular periods, but I don't mind because this is the first pill, injection, patch of any kind that has stopped my awful cramps. I did gain some weight, but it is all worth it to not be in pain."

• Ano...
• July 22, 2017

For Birth Control "So far, I haven't had any problems with Apri. At first, my feet swelled a little bit, and I was kind of bloated, but that all went away after the first pack. I've had Nexplanon, which was the WORST birth control I could've ever gotten. It caused SO many health problems for me, mostly stomach problems. It made me lose a ton of weight, which wasn't very healthy for a 15-year-old. I was on the Depo shot, and that made my moods CRAZY. I have pretty bad anxiety already, and the shot pretty much made it worse. I don't take any medications for my anxiety because I don't believe I need to, but I had to with the Depo shot. It made me gain about 15 pounds, so I'm basically back to where I was 3 years ago before Nexplanon. Apri has been the best for me yet."

• Jam...
• December 19, 2018

For Birth Control "Before Apri, I was on Natazia. Before Natazia, I was on Cyclafem. I gained 30 lbs, and so having the other BCs after it didn't make me gain or lose any more weight. I also have a high metabolism. Natazia: Periods came on time, were light, and the pill made it easy to not get pregnant even if I took it 5 hours ahead of the time I was supposed to take it. I was on it for 6 months. But it was too expensive. Apri: It was alright, I was scared of the reviews, but I'm a different person, so I shouldn't expect the same. My periods were heavier than Natazia. I had to stick to wearing regular tampons but a super on the first couple of days. Later on, my periods got slightly heavier each time. 4 months later, it finally came on time, my periods stayed heavier but lasted 4 days this time. I'm most likely anemic, so I experienced almost passing out on the last day of this period and cramped more on this BC. Talked to my doctor, and I'm switching to another one."

• Kid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2016

For Birth Control "Although this is the first brand I've tried, it's horrible. I take birth control because I'm lacking iron, and my period has become irregular (comes, gone for a week, and is back). It's my second month on it, and so far, I hate it. This past month, I've gained around 10 pounds, reaching the 120s. I've never even reached 115 in the past, and it makes me self-conscious. On top of that, I've been extremely emotional recently. I cry over small things, and sometimes I start crying all by myself for no reason. My stomach also hurts A LOT a week before my period starts and when I'm on it. I have more complaints, but those were the major ones. I'm supposed to take it for 6 months or more, but I can't handle it, and I need to get another ASAP."

• Mar...
• December 2, 2018

For Birth Control "I was put on this birth control after I was on Tri-Previfem for a couple of years. After taking a lower dose BC, my periods started to be irregular, so they put me on a higher dose (Apri/Desogen) to regulate my periods. So, now about Apri... It did, in fact, make my periods regular. As far as everything else... awful. I have anxiety, definitely get depressed for no reason. Mood swings every week for no reason, like crazy. Zero sex drive. Doesn’t do anything for acne, it makes it worse, in my opinion. I always break out when I’m taking it. It made me gain a lot of weight in the beginning and messed with my moods. During my cycle, I have a terrible crampy ovulation-like symptoms, I have awful period cramps and terrible mood swings, pimples, it’s just terrible. Periods are long. I’ve never been worried about pregnancy because this stuff is so strong I missed multiple days and never got pregnant when I probably should have. But other than that, this birth control is terrible."

• sar...
• July 14, 2016

For Birth Control "My libido was nonexistent even after taking it for more than 3 months. It also made me gain 10 pounds, but that wasn't a huge problem for me. The only thing that sucks about this pill is the noticeable decrease in sex drive, other than that, it's fine."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2009

For Birth Control "This pill hasn't worked out for me. I started gaining weight almost immediately and suffered through some pretty wild mood swings. Now that I've switched back to Marvelon, my head feels much clearer and the weight is quickly coming off."

• BML...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 26, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on Apri for about 8 months and I like it so far. I haven't gained any weight, my skin cleared up, and my periods became lighter and more regular. Also, the best part is that I went from an A cup to a triple D since I started. The only downside is that my sex drive is kind of dead now, and I hardly get any 'natural lubricant' for a lack of a better word. As someone who likes to be active (iykyk), that isn't really a good part of it. Either way, I don't mind it too much as I can always get stuff at CVS. I take it daily about the same time."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2017

For Birth Control "Been taking Apri for 3 months; first 2 periods were fine, no cramps, pretty normal. My last period I had was the worst period I ever had. Was extremely heavy, no cramps, but the heaviest period I've ever had. My boyfriend says he's noticed changes in my mood; I'm very irritable and sad all the time. I feel bloated all the time; I've gained weight in my face and stomach. My acne seems to be the same, a few breakouts here and there. Some days I have a very low sex drive; some days very high. Overall, it works, just makes you feel super insecure. Was doing fine for years without birth control; I think I'll be fine for another few years without it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I did not want to change birth controls, but I had no choice. I was on the patch for 5+ years, I loved it, no problems, only had to change it 1 time a week on the same day. Never gained weight, never had emotional problems, nothing. But Apri is horrible, and by reading these comments, I’m lucky my situation isn’t as bad as others. I had to switch because I changed insurances, and this company didn’t offer patches as an option. Apri made me lose my sex drive completely! I never feel like doing anything. I get headaches more often than I ever have in my life, and I’m 23. I’ve gained a little weight, which is crazy because I work a very physical job, and I’ve been the same weight since high school. Also get cramps and never did before. Stay away from Apri. I’ll be switching back to the patches next month when I’m able to start my insurance at my new job."

• Anonymous
• July 15, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been taking Apri for 7 months now and have gained about 8 pounds. I have lost my sex drive, and when my period starts, I get horrible cramps. However, I do always know when my period will come, and it only lasts for a couple of days. This has been the most predictable pill I have taken."

• lje...
• December 19, 2009

For Birth Control "I've just started my second month on Apri, and so far I am definitely not satisfied! I get extremely bad cramps, my hair is literally falling out, I have mood swings like crazy. I've completely lost my appetite, and somehow I've gained weight. However, my periods have started back up again (which is what I started them for). This is the only good thing I can say about Apri. I'm not sure that my side effects are worth it at all."

• Ano...
• April 12, 2011

For Birth Control "I have taken Apri for 4 months now and have gained over 20 lbs. I am naturally very thin, and now I cannot seem to lose even a pound. I run over 4 miles a day and eat a healthy vegetarian diet. Besides the awful weight gain, the only other symptom I experienced was lots of crying. I never cried before I began the pill, but if you can stand the weight gain and crying, I strongly recommend. No other side effects, cleared my acne, and regulated my periods! Hope this helps!"

• Dey...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2018

For Birth Control "I do not recommend this birth control to anybody. I experienced anxiety, depression. I couldn’t control my eagerness, had bad mood swings ever since I started taking these pills. I had abdominal pain, weight gain, increased appetite, hungry all the time, crave weird things, etc. Do not take it!"

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Birth Control "Horrible. Been on Apri pill about 5 months and stopped a few weeks ago. I started getting these brown spots on my face and thought it was another med. Then they were getting darker and in more areas (besides under my sunglasses). I found out it's melasma (hyperpigmentation caused by bc pills & pregnancy, aka pregnancy mask). I'm still treating it with vitamin C serum. Awful. 1st month okay with period. Following months spot/bleeding throughout, tender breasts, bloating & weight gain, crying... it's been weeks since I stopped and still suffering from some symptoms. Been on shot and implant and never had these problems!"

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2011

For Birth Control "I've taken Apri for about 2 years, and I loved it at first! I was on Yaz before, but it was getting way too expensive, so I switched. My face has cleared up, but I still break out often, and on Yaz, I was completely acne-free. My sex drive has vanished, along with when I am in the mood, I have horrid vaginal dryness, and I've gained weight in my lower parts. However, my cup size is now much bigger."