Reclipsen and Acne: What Users Say

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2014

For Birth Control "Been on this birth control for 3 weeks, and I've had acne on my chin like I haven't had in years, and I am constantly starving to the point of sickness, as well as extremely fatigued. This is terrible. Going to give it another month to see if it levels out, but I highly doubt it will."

• Lan...
• April 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Reclipsen for 3 months for terrible periods (I'm 15), and my acne isn't any better than it was before. My periods are just as heavy as before, and I've gained 17 pounds. It caused severe mood swings, anxiety attacks, weight gain, more acne, strange cravings, always hungry, and didn't help with the amount of blood or my cramps. The pros are it shortens my period to 6 days rather than 12-16 days, but I still bleed abnormally heavy to the anemic point. The weight gain is the worst."

• Dan...
• May 25, 2011

For Birth Control "This pill caused me to feel like I was PMSing all the time, 24/7. Even when things were going great, I was depressed ALL THE TIME. I didn't know why but finally figured out it was the medicine after about 2 weeks of taking it, the symptoms are just not worth it. Plus, it caused my acne to come back and get dry skin, no matter how much lotion I used and what I used."

• tay...
• April 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Reclipsen for 1 month as of next Sunday, and I must point out that there are some downfalls of this birth control. Reclipsen does work very well as a reliable birth control method as long as you follow the instructions that come with the medication (taking one pill once a day at the same time daily). However, since a few days after I began taking Reclipsen, I've been running into some issues concerning painful headaches and acne flare-ups. I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen birth control pill in the past, and I do not remember having any issues as far as headaches or acne while I was on that medication. Reclipsen is reliable, but do beware because you may receive some uncomfortable side effects when beginning this medication."

• zic...
• September 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I've used this birth control for 8 years. I was a late bloomer and didn't have my first period until well into age 16. I'm told it's because I'm small and athletically inclined. I never had cramps or mood swings, but my periods were extremely irregular and would arrive unexpectedly to ruin my favorite pairs of underwear. My doctor selected this initially due to cost, as I was not sexually active and just wanted regulation. Now, at age 24, I'm happy to report its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, as well as a complete lack of any side effects. No acne, no weight gain, no mood swings, no spotting, no cup size enhancements (unfortunately), and a nice 4-5 day window that I know exactly when and how much I'm going to bleed."

• Jai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I took Reclipsen for almost 3 weeks and couldn't even finish out the month. After the first few days, I had pretty bad nausea, so I started taking it at night, that helped. But that's when the headaches started. All within the first two weeks, my appetite went crazy (I am typically a very healthy eater). I've even gained a few pounds, I go to the gym about 4 times a week. I typically have very clear skin, but I started breaking out all over (not just on my face). I've had anxiety pretty bad, and sometimes I want to cry for no reason! My last straw, two days ago, I got my first migraine since I was a kid. I have switched to Minastrin 24 Fe, and I am really hoping it works better for me. I know everyone's body reacts differently!"

• Rsa...
• March 10, 2014

For Birth Control "After my first month on this pill, I have had nonstop acne on my chin like I have never had before. Also, I had my period (5 days) and then continued to spot for another 7 days. I don't weigh myself, but it is obvious I've gained weight as well. Don't even get me started about my over-the-top mood swings. I never had these problems when I was on Orthocept. Even though it has been only one month and it may balance out after a few months, I do not think I will wait to find out."

• Kat...
• September 29, 2015

For Birth Control "This birth control made me extremely depressed and suicidal. I also had mild cramps, tender breasts, and acne. No spotting so far, but I am going to finish this month and stop taking the pills. I probably will not try any form of hormones for birth control again after this experience."

• 24...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2015

For Birth Control "Reduced my libido to absolutely nothing, daily migraines, cystic acne, cramps became worse, I had no emotions, hair loss/lifeless hair, and I gained 8 pounds within one month of starting this birth control. I just stopped taking this medication, and hopefully my body will be able to get back to normal. I have taken other birth control medications in the past, and none of them affected me like this one, so just beware of Reclipsen."

• Hat...
• November 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I haven't taken any BC in 5 years since the birth of my daughter. Before that, I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which was great, and I never had any symptoms. My doc recommended Reclipsen since it's the same amount of hormones each day, and the other one I mentioned has different hormone levels each week. I've been on this pill a total of 2 weeks, and I feel nauseous, no appetite, exhausted, stomach cramps, boobs are sore, and weak. I get a weird chest pain sometimes, and my anxiety is crazy high. I also feel so moody. Everything bothers me, and sometimes I feel like I can't breathe. My face has been breaking out more than when I wasn't taking the pill. I AM NOT TAKING THIS PILL ANYMORE! I barely feel bad side effects like this with medications."

• Reb...
• February 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I took Reclipsen for 2.5 years. It was wonderful! Only now that I haven't been taking it have I had acne and weight gain. I just refilled my prescription for it! I do a 9-week cycle. 9 weeks of active pills, then a period week and repeat. Wonder, wonderful. Also, it did not decrease my sex drive in any way. Maybe it even boosted it? Works amazingly. No pregnancies and much better periods. Mine were 13-16 days long and so heavy that in the first few days I would often fall back down after standing. With it, they were about a week long and manageable."

• And...
• August 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this bc for 4 months. Since then, I've experienced nausea every single day. I have no appetite and barely eat anything, but I still haven't lost weight. I have no sex drive (and TMI, but very dry) and I'm a raging bitch most days! I have headaches every single day, 24/7, and I'm tired constantly. My dr told me this bc is good for those with acne, but I have had horrible breakouts that I can't stop! I forgot to take my pill today and just realized that I haven't experienced any of these symptoms at all! I am the type of person who will experience every possible side effect of a medication, though, so do consider that. I still wouldn't recommend it!!"

• Jes...
• June 23, 2013

For Birth Control "I was having a very hard time finding a pill that controlled my periods. I would be on a pill and get my period in the middle of my cycle or when I wasn't supposed to, or it would start too early or too late after the sugar pills. My doc suggested higher hormones, and I have been on Reclipsen for almost 2 years. It regulated and shortened periods, no breasts or weight gain, mild acne improvement. But it took me a long time to realize how nasty some of the emotional side effects have been. It brought out the worst in me (hyper sensitive, on edge, almost 'bipolar' at times), and for the past 6 months, I've also had extreme depression. So I am switching to Yaz, which is supposed to help a lot with the emotional stuff due to lower estradiol."

• Nik...
• June 23, 2019

For Birth Control "This birth control, although effective, gave me the worst acne of my entire life. I have been off for 6 months now, and around month 4, my hormones started to regulate again, and my face looks so much better. Now I’m just working to get rid of the scarring and uneven skin tone. I tried many different things while taking this birth control to help with breakouts, but nothing worked!!!! If you are breaking out and taking this, switch or get off BC altogether."

• mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I began taking Reclipsen during February of 2015. Developed cystic acne. I've always had a few spots here and there, but nothing like this. I even switched to all-organic skin products, which helped a little. I developed insane headaches. I became extremely emotional and began crying at the drop of a hat, where in the past, I could count on two hands how many times I would cry per year. Worst of all, I gained 20 lbs from Feb-Oct 2015. I exercise, have a plant-based diet, and I'm 22, so my metabolism hasn't quite slowed yet. No excuse for that, and not flattering on a 5'4" frame. It prevented pregnancy (thus 2/10), but the side effects aren't worth enduring this pill. Switching to ParaGard in a week and a half. No more hormones for me."

• but...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2016

For Birth Control "Wonderful birth control. I have been on the same birth control for 3.5 years now. I cannot fully remember the beginning of taking the birth control. It took a month or so to get adjusted. But after that, everything is great. No pregnancies, no bloating, no emotional freak-outs, no depression, no painful periods, but on the negative side, my acne has stayed the same, so it doesn't help much with acne. Also, my previous birth control of Sprintec made my breasts humongous, and now that I am on this birth control, my boobs have shrunk a ton and almost don't feel or look as full as they were before ever being on birth control. BUT...I am an athlete, and this birth control works really well. Looking for a new birth control, maybe to help with some acne."

• viv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for about 3 months now, I agree that it made my periods much lighter, which is nice-only 1-2 days of regular period and then light spotting. No weight gain as of yet. This birth control was recommended to me because I had complained of acne and cramps to my doc. Acne is coming in 1-2 weeks prior to my period, just little pimples here and there, but more than I'd like. Cramps are minimal. I do feel down sometimes and have mood swings here and there, more of a funk than depressive, taking B complex as a supplement helps. I've decided to give Nexplanon a try, but if it doesn't work out, I'd stick with this birth control."

• Cee...
• September 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Reclipsen for just about a year, and since I've been on it, I've experienced weight gain (9 pounds), mood swings, and very, very emotional. This pill made me cry for every single little thing, and I mean cry like someone had died. I've always had mild acne, and it did not help it whatsoever. I've always had heavy periods, and it helped with them. Kept me from getting pregnant, but that was about it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Reclipsen for about 5 months now for terrible cramps. Doesn't make the cramps go away completely, but for the most part. Gained a few pounds, and I've noticed some mood swings, and hasn't really done anything for my acne. But overall, good for me, and I'd recommend it."

• Cry...
• January 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been taking Reclipsen for almost a year now, and I have barely any cramps except the day before my period starts and the first day. I used to get severe cramps to the point where I was in the hospital, so this definitely helped with that. I don't see a change in my mood, weight, or sex drive, but I did start to break out a little on my forehead and chin, which I never used to before this pill. Currently, in the process of trying to find a different type of birth control to get rid of the forehead acne."

• Lin...
• September 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on Reclipsen for a year. I was not happy with my experience. I always had a short fuse, and my acne got worse. The only good things were that I had no weight gain, and my periods were much lighter and one day shorter than without birth control pills. My obgyn tried me on Zarah, and I had an even worse experience, so she switched me back to Safyral."

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2016

For Birth Control "Been on Reclipsen for about a week and a half. My face is breaking out so bad, and I usually have very good skin. I feel swollen all over, especially my face and legs, and lately I have been having pounding headaches, not to mention the horrible cramps."

• Syd...
• April 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I had been off birth control for about a year when I decided I wanted to go back on it. My doctor recommended Reclipsen; she believed it would clear up the little bit of acne that I had on my cheeks and forehead. I took Reclipsen for 4 months in total and it was a nightmare. The first month my breasts were extremely tender. They were tender to the point that it was painful to sleep in various positions and I could hardly exercise due to the pain. By month 2 I started to feel like my whole body was swollen. My face also looked swollen, and my acne actually became much worse! I lost my sex drive and felt miserable. I stopped taking it because I felt like I was becoming a monster! Lutera was much better for me, so I'm back to that!"

• Jes...
• June 21, 2014

For Birth Control "So I had to switch from Caziant to this, and the first month was fine, but all of a sudden, I'm always angry, and although I don't break out normally, I have acne all over my cheeks. Like I've seen with other people, I think I might have a yeast or bacterial infection, which I have never had before."

• KC1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2016

For Birth Control "Just about to finish my first month of Reclipsen. I had never taken birth control before and was a bit terrified to start this one. I noticed I was very emotional and cried a couple of times, even at work, which had never happened in the year and a half that I've worked there. My breasts did swell a little, which was nice since I'm an A cup. My period started 3 days into the inactive week. I've always had painful cramps and trouble sleeping while on my period, but this one was by far the worst. The first night I started, my cramps were extremely painful, and I couldn't fall asleep after waking up in the middle of the night for the first two nights. Acne is the same, it hasn't helped or made it worse. Overall, this has been a decent first experience."