Gianvi and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

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

For Acne "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)."

• Arc...
• January 13, 2012

For Birth Control "Only upside was that I did not get pregnant. This medication made me moody, depressed, and I broke out in painful cystic acne, which I had never experienced before. I also experienced bloating and dramatic PMS, which had never happened before either."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2012

For Acne "I've only been on Gianvi for a month, which I know is a short period of time, so my experience could totally change. So far, I'm loving it. My side effects from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo are finally going away (awful acne, mood swings, weight gain), and I feel amazing. My moods have never been better. I've been having breakouts, but it's right before my period, so that's expected. Just hope it goes away after that and stays this way."

• Mag...
• June 25, 2013

For Birth Control "I had headaches for a few months, but my body got pretty used to it. Periods were like clockwork - 2 days sometimes only lasted even 1, but last year I started getting random spotting. I told my doc I wanted to try something new as there are so many options, and the random spotting wasn't making my husband happy. So she prescribed me Lo Loestrin. WORST MISTAKE EVER. First month on Lo Loestrin, I didn't get my period (thought I was pregnant). Second month got it twice, third month got it 3x. Was dizzy, sick to my stomach, constantly tired, started breaking out all over! Long story short - stayed on Lo Loestrin for 5 months. Now I'm back on Gianvi and happier than EVER!"

• han...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2014

For Acne "I have been on Gianvi on and off for about 2 years. I went on it to help my acne and to lighten my periods. Period is a little heavy the first day or so, then completely goes away by the 3rd day of white pills, so no complaints there. Although my acne is TERRIBLE! It's a great pill for someone that doesn't get acne, but I already suffer from it, so I will be switching soon."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 17, 2018

For Acne "I just wanted to share how extremely grateful I am for Gianvi! I was on Yaz for about 3 years and switched to Gianvi for the past seven years because it was cheaper. My face has been completely clear (after trying everything from topical treatments to multiple antibiotics), and my period has been very light - usually only lasting 2 days. I am worried about breaking out again after I stop taking Gianvi, and I hope to stay on it as long as I can."

• Anonymous
• January 17, 2012

For Birth Control "I switched to Gianvi from Aviane in hopes of clearing up my acne. I was VERY excited because Yaz is supposed to be a miracle. My experience was far from a miracle. My skin did not clear up AT ALL and got worse. I'm a freaking irrational hothead all month. I'm usually very good at shrugging off the small stuff, but it's like I have absolutely no control over my emotions anymore. I've become very lethargic; I could sleep all day if you'd let me. My once raging sex drive is now hardly existent. On the bright side, it did work strictly as birth control (hence the 4 rating). I've already made an appointment to switch."

• SW1...
• April 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I started Gianvi because my Yaz switched to the generic. I did notice a larger growth in my breasts (nice) with an overall weight gain in 3 months of about 6 lbs (not so nice). I had nausea in the morning-I have never had that before and now dread what morning sickness must feel like. I also broke out like a teenager with cyst-type acne along my jawline, which after 3 months is just about clearing up with leftover spot marks. I did notice that I got yeast infections and an increased pH level within days after I had sex (which I never had on Yaz or Yasmin). I did not notice any bad mood."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control choice ever! I was originally on a generic form of Yazmin and decided to try a lighter dose because of weight gain/decreased sex drive. I also started to break out around my period and knew this was supposed to help with acne. Well, it didn’t. My forehead now has little bumps under the skin that go away and come back in a week! I’ve been super emotional, and I cry almost every day since starting my second pack, and my migraines are so much worse! I don’t have a history of depression. It takes a lot for me to cry! Now I can’t control it! And to top it all off, I’ve been spotting for a week and a half. I’m done with this pill and not taking the last 2 of my 2nd pack."

• Oli...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 20, 2021

For Acne "I was on Gianvi for 8 years (from 18 years to 26 years), and it did WONDERS for my acne on my face and my back. I was prescribed it by my dermatologist. I had a regular period every month once my body adapted to the new hormone changes. When I turned 26, I had to switch to my own insurance, and Gianvi was no longer free on my new plan, so I switched to Junel Fe for all of 2020 - biggest mistake of my life. My periods were irregular, I would go months without even getting one, my mood swings were horrible, and my skin started to break out on my back and my face. Last month I went back on my insurance to see how much Gianvi would be because I couldn't be on Junel Fe anymore, and Gianvi was free again! So I immediately switched back, and my skin is already starting to improve. Gianvi is one of three qualified combination pills for acne purposes, so I highly recommend this if you are having acne problems."

• mel...
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Gianvi for months, and it works great with breakouts, which I started getting in my late 20s. Then I picked up my prescription from my pharmacy this month, and it was Vestura. I noticed immediately because of the different packaging, but since starting Vestura this week, I've had more breakouts than I've ever had my whole life. Every time I look up info on if they are the same drug, it's confusing. It has like ten student names, including Yazmin, which I've seen for lawsuits. I also have started a different generic for my oxycodone 10/325, so if anyone had similar experiences and can lend me some help, I'm open to anything. Thanks."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2011

For Birth Control "I was on Yaz before and loved it. However, I started getting severe acne, a problem I haven't had in years, after switching to Gianvi. After only two months on Gianvi, my skin is a mess. Finally, made the connection and am switching back to Yaz as soon as possible."

• Jil...
• March 11, 2015

For Menstrual Disorders "I never got pregnant on this stuff, so it works well for that. I started taking this for my debilitating cramps and heavy periods, and it really didn't do much. Plus, I gained 15 lbs after starting this and had absolutely ZERO sex drive. I didn't even want my fiancé to touch me. I found myself being completely moody. It helped with acne, except when I was about to start my period, I broke out like crazy. Now that I am off, my sex drive is back to normal and my periods haven't really changed."

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2019

For Birth Control "My mental health got so bad on this drug that I wasn't even able to complete one cycle of pills. Since I started the pack, I'd been horribly depressed. I was crying every day and every night, with major lethargy and other bad effects. I was originally prescribed this medication to deal with period cramps and help me with bad PMS symptoms, but ironically I experienced pains at weird parts of my cycle where I'd never gotten them and, like I mentioned, my mental health worsened significantly. I also broke out heavily all over my chin. It would have been nice if this had worked out, but it led to a really bad experience for me."

• Mam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2018

For Menstrual Disorders "I have been on several pills over the past year and a half. Gianvi has been amazing for me! The first month, my period was light and my cramps were way less. I typically had 2 days of very heavy cramping and heavy bleeding for 3-5 days. After the first month, the periods kept getting lighter and lighter. I’m at month 6 now and haven’t had a period in 2 months! The first month I broke out a bit, but now my skin is completely clear! I love this pill and hope they never stop making it. If you’re just starting Gianvi, I suggest giving it a few months before throwing in the towel. I’m so glad I did."

• Anonymous
• November 23, 2011

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on Gianvi for five months now to treat PMDD. The first three months, I was on Gianvi, and I loved it. My only complaint was that I retained water really easily, but besides that, I was not as emotional as before. Then my pharmacy switched me to the new generic, Loryna. It made me extremely emotional, and I freaked out about everything. So I switched back to Gianvi and feel so much better. The weird thing is, since switching back, the side effects are the opposite of when I was on Gianvi before. My face has been breaking out a bit, I'm 'dry,' and I have absolutely no appetite. I'm just thankful I've been back to my 'normal' self emotionally while taking Gianvi again."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Gianvi from the age of 16-22, and I loved it. I had great skin (with the occasional breakout), short periods, and little cramping. I heard that Mirena IUD made it so you had no periods, and I thought not having to take a pill every day would be great too. So I switched to the IUD, and everything was going well until about 6 months in, I started getting HORRIBLE acne, like I had never had before. Long story short, I got it out, and I just recently switched over from IUD back to Gianvi (after a few months break in between, my acne got a lot better). Since getting back on Gianvi, I have been having the horrible acne coming back. I see my esthetician weekly and have since my IUD acne. Going to try to stick it out for 3-4 months and hoping to have the acne go away soon."

• ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I started this BC pill to regulate my period and then used it as a birth control option. I always use a condom too, so I can't give an honest opinion on how well it worked in that department. My shoulders and back had some mild acne, but it's all cleared up by now, and I've been on the pill for 6 months. My face still gets the occasional bump or two, but nothing nearly as bad. My body synced up to the pill, and my period is light and only 3 days long. The worst side effects are nausea and the mood swings. I cry a lot easier now and seem irritable. The spotting stopped within the first two months of taking the pill."

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2015

For Acne "I was prescribed this to treat acne, PMDD, and amenorrhea, however, it did nothing to treat any of those things. Instead, it made about 95% of my face break out in cystic acne (you have seen Proactive commercials), caused severe depression and panic attacks (I didn't have the motivation to do anything besides work out and then sit on the couch all day in sweatpants-often crying off and on), prevented me from getting a job (I had just graduated with my Master's and obtained my RD license, and I was so depressed with such cloudy thinking I could not portray myself in a way that would make someone want to hire me), and I had breakthrough bleeding every month during the second week of pills. I will NEVER take BC pills again!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2016

For Birth Control "AWFUL. I know it's different for everyone, but this has been awful. I've tried four different birth controls, and now I'm on this one. I have terrible cystic acne because of it, even have acne on my legs! None of this has ever happened since before I started this. If I could post pictures, I would. Also, I do not have a period. I mean, that's kinda nice, but I always take at least two pregnancy tests a month to make sure, even though I'm being safe. I'm not saying I wouldn't recommend it, because you should at least try it to see if it works for you. Good luck!"

• Ano...
• March 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I started Gianvi after switching from Yaz to another pill that did nothing for me. I used to have an intense 7-day period, extreme cramps, migraines, large pimples, and crazy mood swings for no apparent reason. Gianvi has changed all that. I do still get cramps and mood swings, but both are very muted. I have much smaller breakouts, and the migraines are gone. I get very light bleeding during my period, which only lasts 2-3 days. HOWEVER, I miss my period (the bleeding part) often. I still get the other symptoms at that time. Personally, I love Gianvi. I feel much freer to do things like drive because I know I won't be suddenly doubled over in pain behind the wheel."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been using Gianvi for over a month now, and I haven't experienced any mood swings! I don't feel depressed, suicidal, or anything. I have experienced bloating and tender breasts. I have recently broken out on my face a bit, but I'm hoping my body will soon adjust because I chose it to help with acne. I'll continue to use it and hope for the best. So far, I don't think I've gained any weight, which is a bummer because I'm underweight and really was looking forward to it. But we'll see!"

• Fox...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 11, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been taking Gianvi for approximately 2 years. Switched from Tri-Sprintec because it made my acne 50 times worse. This medication is very affordable and works well. I haven't had any pregnancy scares or major issues. I will say the cons to this pill are that I am virtually always not 'in the mood,' even when I want to be. It also can cause moodiness sometimes in stressful situations. Lastly, I get exhausted quite fast, but I just power through it. I still get occasional breakouts, but they are nowhere near what I used to get (cystic acne around my chin/neck area). I can personally deal with the side effects since, again, it seems quite effective at preventing pregnancy, which is the most important aspect for me."

• Fox...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 11, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been taking Gianvi for approximately 2 years. Switched from Tri-Sprintec because it made my acne 50 times worse. This medication is very affordable and works well. I haven't had any pregnancy scares or major issues. I will say the cons to this pill are that I am virtually always not 'in the mood,' even when I want to be. It also can cause moodiness sometimes in stressful situations. Lastly, I get exhausted quite fast, but I just power through it. I still get occasional breakouts, but they are nowhere near what I used to get (cystic acne around my chin/neck area). I can personally deal with the side effects since, again, it seems quite effective at preventing pregnancy, which is the most important aspect for me."

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2011

For Birth Control "I haven't gotten pregnant yet, but around the same time I started taking Gianvi (switched from Yaz to save money), I lost 10 lbs and cannot seem to gain it back no matter how much I eat. My acne is also back, which I really dislike. Not sure if I will actually switch back though since I am a college student, and $20 more every three months is a lot for me."