Gianvi for Acne User Reviews

• LuL...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2019

"I didn't realize that I had depression until after I started taking the medication. This tiny pill has changed my entire life, I am able to be the person I have always wanted to be without feeling mentally exhausted from being kind, energetic, or optimistic. I have been able to lose and maintain a healthy weight (was able to lose about 5 pounds, I am 5'3 weighing 123, so it's not like I have too much to lose, but still). AND for the first time since I was 11 years old, I no longer have acne. After a decade of trying medicines and topical solutions and being a very healthy eater and exerciser, this pill is the only thing that has gotten rid of my acne for good. I know some people have a horrible experience on their birth control, and I personally had no expectations of it, in fact, I didn't think it would change anything. I can't imagine my life now without this medication and would recommend anyone at least give it a shot."

• Anonymous
• April 15, 2012

"I was very apprehensive to take this medication because of all the negative reviews on this site and others, but I'm telling you, TRY THIS PILL. I've literally tried every product, been to multiple doctors and dermatologists, have had facials, treatments, etc., etc. NOTHING has worked. Except this. PROS: Started to control my acne (less 'patchiness,' less breakouts), made my breasts grow almost a whole cup size bigger in the first 2 packs, made me more relaxed and chill than I already was, 4 DAY PERIODS. CONS: the first pack I experienced constant spotting and really bad mood swings (only the first month, after the first pack, I am more in control than ever). I can now go to the dermatologist to fix my scarring, and my skin will be perfect! Good luck!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 11, 2019

"The Gianvi pill is the best of the best for acne! I had painful cysts for almost 20 years, and absolutely nothing worked. They wanted to put me on spironolactone, but my blood pressure is too low to take it. Gianvi was basically my last hope. It cleared the cysts themselves quickly, and then I had to go on a prescription cream to get rid of the scarring. My skin is now completely clear, and I even get comments about it. However, a huge downside to the pill: I have no sex drive at all. All I feel when I have sex is friction. It's awful. Now that I'm almost 40, I'm talking with my doctor about alternatives."

• Igg...
• August 27, 2013

"After trying almost everything to treat my sudden/severe cystic acne (diet changes, topical and internal antibiotics, regular aesthetician visits, other birth controls), this is the ONLY thing that has worked. My acne was isolated to where a man would grow a beard, which indicated I had higher than normal testosterone levels. No initial breakout either! Within the first month, I noticed less breaking out. I broke out during my first period, but I'm in month two, and my skin is almost totally clear of active breakouts and no cysts! Seriously a miracle, this medication saved my sanity, social life, and self-esteem. It costs me $85/month with no insurance but worth it. Still experiencing spotting, but it should dissipate after a few more pill packs."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2019

"Aside from preventing pregnancy, my goal on this pill was to eliminate my horrible adult acne. Months 1-3 I noticed no improvement in my skin. Then, at the end of month 3, I was bleeding for weeks on end. By month 4, my skin dramatically changed. The heavy bleeding stopped, and my skin was flawless. I like to think my body was ‘purging’ with the heavy bleeding, and my body was adjusted to the pill. My skin remains clear, and my period always comes around the 3rd or 4th pill."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2019

"I was on Zarah, which is a generic for Yasmin, and it was working for me all this time for years. Then, all of a sudden, in December 2018, my mail order pharmacy started sending me Syeda (a generic for Yasmin). Immediately after I took that, I started breaking out on my chin. Ladies, there's a face map on acne, and if your chin is breaking out, that means it's related to hormones - research acne-face-mapping. Anyway, I called my doctor right away, and she prescribed me Gianvi, which is another generic for Yaz (same hormones as Yasmin but one of the ingredients is a lower dose). Immediately after a day, my skin was getting better and the bumps were going away. I am on my second day, and my skin is getting better and better. I am very happy with the results, and I thought I'd write this review as I have never written a review on BC before."

• Mic...
• May 1, 2013

"I have never been on any pill. My acne was getting really severe, so my doctor suggested Tri-Cyclen Lo. The first two months on Tri-Cyclen Lo made me get cystic breakouts, and I was miserable. I finally switched my birth control to Gianvi, this has been the best alternative to cleaning my skin. I haven't had any negative side effects, and my skin is finally clear! The only downside is the increase in appetite. I haven't gained any weight, I live a healthy lifestyle-eat clean and work out regularly. But I'm constantly hungry! Besides that, my skin looks its best that it has in years! Now I only need to get rid of my blemishes. I would highly recommend Gianvi, your period is light, and you don't experience nausea or mood swings."

• Hao...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 4, 2013

"I stopped taking Gianvi two months ago, and wow, was that a mistake. The first period I had was absolutely horrible. It was super heavy, lasted a long time, and my cramps were really bad. It has really messed up my hormones as well. I get so mad very easily, and I feel like a crazy person with emotions that I'm feeling that I never felt before. My breasts shrank a lot, and my acne has come back. So, I started taking Gianvi again a few days ago so I can get back on track to normalness! I don't want to wait for my body to adjust without it."

• geo...
• January 7, 2013

"I just started on this birth control. I switched from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Unfortunately, I have horrible acne on my back and some on my face, especially during that time of the month. Since I started taking this birth control, I have noticed the acne on my back is starting to clear up. My face is getting better also. I noticed I'm not as hungry either. I haven't experienced crazy mood swings or depression, even if I did, I'd probably stick it out because I've had back acne since I was 16 years old, and I'm 21 now. I'm ready for my back to look normal again. I recommend this pill."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 22, 2019

"Okay, so first off, I LOVE Gianvi. It’s helped me so much with my acne. I’m currently 18 and have been dealing with hormonal acne since 6th grade. I don’t have complaints about it at all. It did make my skin worse at first, but now I’m acne-free! After so long of dealing with hormonal acne, it’s done me so good, and now I’m more than confident with myself and my face, mostly! As for the pill itself with preventing pregnancy, I’d also give that a good 10/10. My boyfriend and I both love it. We’re very active in sexual activities, and no pregnancy scares at all or any of that. I’m very happy with my experience now, and I will continue taking Gianvi for a real long time. I do recommend it!"

• Amo...
• September 10, 2018

"I was so nervous to try this after reading the reviews, but I'm so glad I made the leap. I'm 35 and have been struggling for a decade with next-level awful cramps (vomiting/unhealthy amount of Advil), moderate cystic acne, and PMS that made me psycho. I stuck it out since I had bad birth control experiences before, but no natural remedy worked for me, and it wore me down to the point where I couldn't stand it anymore. My doctor recommended Gianvi, and I've been on it 6 months now. My face is virtually clear, the cramps are so mild (more like bloating), the emotional stuff is manageable, and my weight has stayed the same. The first month was great. Months two and three were rough emotionally as my body adjusted (really dark thoughts), but I stuck it out on my doctor's recommendation since my cramps and acne were better. I don't know if my 25-year-old self could have made it through those two months, but I'm kicking myself for not having taken this years ago."

• raw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 8, 2019

"GREAT for acne! Acne cleared up within a month of using the pill. I have been on Gianvi for about 6-7 months and overall had a good experience with it. No mood swings, hair loss, or weight gain. Periods are extremely light and no cramps. The only bad thing about this pill, and also the reason why I will be switching to an IUD, is because I have NO SEX DRIVE. Having sex is painful, and I am disinterested in having sex. My boyfriend and I have sex less frequently, and it usually ends shortly because I am in pain. Vaginal dryness and also chronic yeast infections! I have had about 4 yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis after getting on this pill, and I am sure that it is not just a coincidence. Very sad because besides this problem, I really liked the benefits of the pill."

• Mis...
• April 3, 2011

"Took Yaz for 3 years and loved it. Have been using Gianvi for 6 months and have not noticed any difference at all. I skip all inert pills and start a new pack and did the same thing with Yaz. Without doing so, I get bad headaches. No breakthrough bleeding. No increased acne issues."

• DDa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 13, 2019

"Prior to the Gianvi birth control pill, I was taking Zarah, and it was a godsend. No issues at all with Zarah birth control until Walgreens pharmacy stopped carrying it. I've tried a bunch of other generics, but I feel like Gianvi is my best bet. I don't get headaches or extremely dry during intimacy. My skin is pretty flawless except for these tiny bumps on my chin- a lot of them too. I never had this issue before, and they're not closed comedones or cysts. If I try to pop them, they come out like hard seeds. Even with a chemical exfoliant like BHA, it's hard for these to leave my chin."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2015

"I am on Gianvi primarily for hormonal acne. Was on Yaz for 3 years for this, but since this is free, I switched. It works WONDERS for my hormonal chin acne! There is some light spotting at first and breast tenderness before my period, but that's it."

• bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

"I have had severe cystic acne for a decade now since I was 13 years old, and I'm now 23. So after trying many different treatments, my dermatologist finally insisted that I go on Accutane, but to be on Accutane, you have to also be on two forms of birth control. I was prescribed Gianvi, and I swear like 90% of my acne cleared up within a week. I am so happy I have had no side effects whatsoever, the only side effect I have is clear skin, and I couldn't be happier."

• ama...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 11, 2014

"I have been taking Yaz, now Gianvi for 5 years now and still love it. Acne is pretty much gone except maybe an occasional blemish every few months, but nothing severe and goes away in a few days. Also, have not had my period for pretty much the whole time, which is awesome, and no 'PMS' at all. I would like to try and have a baby, so am not excited to go off of this and scared my acne will come back. For now though, am enjoying what this does for my skin."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2018

"Can't say I'm a fan. I went on Gianvi for acne and mood swings. The first two months were a really rough adjustment. I leveled out after that and my acne seemed to calm down a bit, but my mood swings were still bad. It's been 6 months now and I'm going to kick this pill to the curb. I've had bad acne flare-ups, menstruating twice a month, and my mood is up and down constantly. If the reason you are taking a medication is to help rectify a problem, and that problem becomes worse, it's not worth it."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

"I started taking this because I would get one or two cystic pimples near the time of my period that would lead to bad scarring. I figured I would give Gianvi a try since it is known for treating hormonal acne. I have only been on it for two months. Although I have read that it can take at least three months or longer to fully adjust, I am going to stop taking it. I’ve tried a few different birth control pills before, but this one has been the worst for me. I have experienced irregular bleeding, bad headaches that can last days at a time, weight gain, and the worst acne I’ve ever had in my life. All of these symptoms have made me depressed. Maybe I should’ve waited another month to see, but it wasn’t worth it to me. Everyone reacts differently, so you have to try it out for yourself. I’ve read that some girls had their skin clear up in two weeks. Sadly, I did not have a positive experience on this birth control."

• Hal...
• February 5, 2016

"I recently was switched to Gianvi after trying at least four other birth controls to try and control my acne. I do not have severe acne, but everything I was trying did not work. The dermatologist prescribed creams, oral medications, etc., and I was still having breakouts. I've been on this birth control for almost a month, and ever since I started taking it, I haven't had one breakout. My face has been as clear as ever. Different things work for different people, but I would recommend this birth control to anyone struggling with acne."

• Ind...
• August 18, 2017

"I am not one to write reviews, but I'm compelled to warn others about the serious side effects I've experienced. I took Gianvi after I took Yaz, and because both pills contain the same amount of hormones, I thought that I would have the same fine experience with Gianvi as I did with Yaz. Upon my first week into the pill, I became depressed and dealt with some serious anxiety. These mental symptoms only worsened as the days progressed, and as I approached the end of the pack, I suffered constant suicidal thoughts. Once I realized that this pill was the cause of my madness, I immediately stopped. It's been 2 days since I last took the pill, and I feel better already. Also, the pill did nothing for my moderately to severe acne."

• Hao...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2013

"This is the first oral birth control I have tried, and I enjoy it. I have been on it for almost 3 months now. The first month I had some side effects: I had mild nausea, headaches, and super cravings for salty and sweet foods. I started taking this birth control to clear up my acne, I didn't see a difference until after the first pack. I notice a huge difference now, and my face is a lot more clear, but not all the way yet, but it takes time for your body to adjust. My periods have been lighter, and I don't get as bad of cramps. Recently, I have been feeling extra moody and tired, though, which I do not like, but I will wait it out and let my body adjust. Overall, I like it."

• Ris...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2018

"This is the first bc pill that prevented pregnancy and cleared up some mild adult acne without making me crazy. Every other form of Yaz or other bc pills I've been on had made me an emotional wreck with extreme moodiness. I am happy to report I have clear skin and a clear, happy mind as well."

• hol...
• January 4, 2016

"Throughout puberty, I had always had mild blemishes. Usually, nothing too serious, occasionally cysts around the time of my menstrual cycle. However, I've always been very self-conscious about my skin, and I wanted a fix once and for all. I visited the dermatologist and was prescribed topical medications, but they didn't really do anything for the hormonal cysts. So finally, I went on Gianvi, and I am so glad I did. There was an initial breakout, and it was terrible, but after 4 or 5 months, there was evidently a drastic change. I no longer get any blemishes or cysts of any sort. I am a bit more emotional than I previously was, but the clarity and overall radiance of my skin is definitely worth it."

• Fox...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2021

"I started this birth control for acne around my chin and jawline. It was mainly whiteheads and clogged pores. I would get about 2-3 breakouts a week. I’m on week 2 of this medication, and I’m definitely experiencing the WORST breakouts. Lots of cystic acne on my jaw and chin (like 8-10 spots). Legit embarrassing to go in public type of breakouts. I’m praying it’ll clear up in the next couple of weeks, but I’m absolutely one of those who is experiencing a worse before better (hopefully)."