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Loryna and Acne: What Users Say

Acne: mentioned by 47 users (22.4%)

Based on user experiences from 210 Loryna reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

mood swings 23.8%
acne 22.4%
nausea 17.6%
depression 15.7%
anxiety 14.8%
weight gain 11.9%
headaches 11.0%
moody 9.0%
cramps 8.6%
sexual dysfunction 8.6%

Reviews for Loryna

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • jul...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 7, 2021

For Acne "I have only been on this pill for 2 weeks, and I see a HUGE DIFFERENCE!! I got off Nexplanon back in March (it gave me acne), so I started Estarylla in April, and it was so painful!! I was depressed at how my face was covered in hormonal cysts. I would have 12 cysts on my face at a time, and it was such a blow to my confidence. I couldn't even look people in the eye. I had such a strict skincare routine too and was using prescription creams for acne, but nothing helped. 5 months later, I finally decided to give birth control another try after a short break and went with Loryna. It has changed my skin, and I have no breakouts on my face right now, my skin is completely smooth with only some scars. I tear up at how much confidence I have now because I haven't felt this way in so long. If you are on this journey right now, keep pushing!! You got this! Acne does not make you any less beautiful!!"

10 / 10
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32 Report
  • Lor...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 3, 2020

For Acne "I was using Trinessa for 15 years, and it was wonderful. They stopped manufacturing that about a year ago, the pharmacy switched me to TriSprintec. I was on it for 8 HORRIBLE months, where I got cystic acne, which I had never experienced before, on my face, chest, and back. I tried every topical solution and wash, which did absolutely nothing. I was so insecure and thought this was my life now. One of my friends suggested I switch birth controls, and I switched to Loryna. I continued to use acne topical solutions on my skin while using it, so I saw some results, but my skin felt dry and itchy, and I was still getting some new acne marks (although less than before, and they didn’t turn cystic). In the third month, I decided to stop using the acne products to see what the birth control did on its own, and IT WAS A MIRACLE, I literally cleared up in like 4 days, guys. I also had no other side effects on this birth control other than an occasional small headache. Highly recommend this birth control."

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 15, 2019

For Acne "I have had the worst luck with side effects from birth control pills. I'm talking insomnia, severe cystic acne, becoming an emotional wreck with anxiety and depression; you name it, and it probably happened to me. Yaz (generic Loryna) was the best one I've taken. I'm sleeping (which is huge for me), I'm not biting everyone's heads off or crying hysterically, and my acne has cleared up, which was my main concern. I have tried 5 different birth control pills, and Yaz is working amazing for me. I gave it 9 stars because I do have some occasional chest pain when I take this pill. I'm not sure if it's caused by Yaz or what, but it seemed to start when I started this pill. I'll continue to update everyone on my progress!"

9 / 10
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18 Report
  • Ama...
  • January 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m 30 and have been on some form of birth control since I was 15. I started Yaz/Gianvi maybe 7 or 8 years ago and loved it! I was given Loryna 4/5 months ago. I must be an idiot because it took me up until yesterday to connect the dots. I’ve gotten my period every single month 10-3 days before finishing my active pills. I thought I was going absolutely crazy because I never missed any! I’ve had horrible cramps and bloating; my breasts have increased a full cup size and are extremely sore - the only time of the month I get any reprieve is when I stop the pill for my period, which is now 10 days long and super heavy and full of clots. I also have insomnia (fall asleep after 3 every night), cystic acne (this is new), depression, lack of energy, constant yeast infections/BV, and a feeling of constant PMS... Did I make myself clear that I am bloated and have cramps and breast tenderness EVERY DAY? DO NOT TAKE THIS PILL."

1 / 10
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19 Report
  • ken...
  • March 11, 2019

For Acne "Don't take Loryna. I'm 20 and barely had acne before starting this pill-just a touch here and there before my period, but nothing major. I got on it for birth control and almost immediately broke out on the left side of my face in severe pimples. 'Stick out,' they say. 'Your body needs 3 months to adjust to the hormone fluctuation,' they said. More acne on my chin, the right side of my face, jawline, and it has now migrated to my nose and forehead. And not just small little pimples, but terrible cystic acne. What's worse is what it leaves behind: red scarring that takes months to heal. Loryna did not make me gain weight, however, it did leave spider veins. Transitioning off of this pill is even harder as your testosterone levels fluctuate, producing more androgens, leaving cystic acne in its wake. These have been some of the most terrible 3 months. I don't even like to leave my house without full coverage foundation anymore. Now, I'm in the long process of trying to heal my face."

1 / 10
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  • ken...
  • March 11, 2019

For Acne "Don't take Loryna. I'm 20 and barely had acne before starting this pill-just a touch here and there before my period, but nothing major. I got on it for birth control and almost immediately broke out on the left side of my face in severe pimples. 'Stick out,' they say. 'Your body needs 3 months to adjust to the hormone fluctuation,' they said. More acne on my chin, the right side of my face, jawline, and it has now migrated to my nose and forehead. And not just small little pimples, but terrible cystic acne. What's worse is what it leaves behind: red scarring that takes months to heal. Loryna did not make me gain weight, however, it did leave spider veins. Transitioning off of this pill is even harder as your testosterone levels fluctuate, producing more androgens, leaving cystic acne in its wake. These have been some of the most terrible 3 months. I don't even like to leave my house without full coverage foundation anymore. Now, I'm in the long process of trying to heal my face."

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 15, 2020

For Acne "Was on Nikki, which was great, but getting my prescription through Nurx, which seems to send any extra inventory of whatever birth control they happen to have on hand. Have been on Loryna (the generic Nikki) for 3 weeks and have had cystic, horrible acne all over my chin for the last 2 weeks, and it is also on my chest to the point where I can't wear any shirt that shows an ounce of chest skin. Luckily, it's winter. I've had breakthrough bleeding but started my full-blown super tampon period yesterday. Mid pill pack? Have also been depressed, moody, and angry. I've had bad skin the majority of my life and been through the whole rigmarole, including over-the-counter meds, every prescription topical, all the antibiotics, being on antibiotics for years at a time, birth control, spironolactone, Accutane, laser treatments, red and blue light therapy, no dairy, no sugar, no food at all, etc., etc., etc. Accutane is the only thing that calmed my skin some. But now on Loryna, I feel like my skin has reverted back to being like before I did all my acne treatments."

1 / 10
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11 Report
  • All...
  • November 5, 2016

For Acne "I have always had horrible acne. Even after a round of Accutane, it came back a few years later. After I had my son, it got worse, so I looked into Yaz. My gyno was on it as well, so she did make me feel more comfortable with taking it, as I was very cautious due to the reviews online. I have cystic acne, I don't remember a time when I had less than 3 pimples on my face. I've been on Loryna for 6 months, and my skin is clear! Only break out (literally 1 pimple) when my period is coming or if I forget to wash my face. But 1 pimple is so much better than the endless amounts I would get before Yaz."

10 / 10
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13 Report
  • Bes...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I had very bad PMDD, and Loryna cleared all my symptoms, including awful headaches, acne, severe mood swings, literally the whole package. I've been on it for three years, and it has been great. I am also sexually active and have had no scares. I start my pill pack on a Tuesday, and I never have my period on a weekend. It's amazing!"

10 / 10
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10 Report
  • meo...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 11, 2023

For Birth Control "I started using Loryna my senior year of high school, and since then, it has only helped me. I had painful cystic acne that elevated when stressed, but being on Loryna slowly made it go away. I never had cramps, only really bad back pain before Loryna, which went away after I started taking it. It eventually made my period go from moderate-heavy to spotting-light. I experienced no weight gain, but I am quite active (sports or gym 3x a week and lots of walking), and I eat very balanced. I never realized until I started taking Loryna that I had PMDD. Before, I was extremely suicidal, depressed, and manic before and during my period. It completely made it go away. I always tell people that birth control saved my life because in some ways, it actually did. I had no idea what was wrong with me, but once it went away, I finally realized that I could never go back to the pre-Loryna days. As far as birth control goes, I have never had a pregnancy scare."

10 / 10
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3 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 11, 2016

For Acne "I've been on Yaz, BeYaz, and Gianvi, all of which did wonders for my skin. Recently, I was given Loryna by my pharmacy. Not thinking anything of it, I started my pack as usual. Not only did this pill immediately give me daily cystic breakouts along my jaw, cheeks, and chin, but it also introduced me to the nightmare that is back acne. Having never suffered from breakouts on my back, this caused a whole new form of embarrassment, and just in time for summer! I suffered through the pack, then asked to go back to Gianvi. Two weeks later, my skin and back are clearing up beautifully. I've read multiple reviews of people having the same problem; if you notice your acne getting worse on Loryna, don't wait it out--switch back to Gianvi or name-brand Yaz!"

1 / 10
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12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 11, 2016

For Acne "I've been on Yaz, BeYaz, and Gianvi, all of which did wonders for my skin. Recently, I was given Loryna by my pharmacy. Not thinking anything of it, I started my pack as usual. Not only did this pill immediately give me daily cystic breakouts along my jaw, cheeks, and chin, but it also introduced me to the nightmare that is back acne. Having never suffered from breakouts on my back, this caused a whole new form of embarrassment, and just in time for summer! I suffered through the pack, then asked to go back to Gianvi. Two weeks later, my skin and back are clearing up beautifully. I've read multiple reviews of people having the same problem; if you notice your acne getting worse on Loryna, don't wait it out--switch back to Gianvi or name-brand Yaz!"

1 / 10
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12 Report
  • Irr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 13, 2017

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I recently started taking birth control for my PMDD, and this is my second pack (Gianvi with my 1st, Loryna for the 2nd). I'm also diagnosed with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) with panic disorder and depressive symptoms. When I was taking Gianvi, I had no anxiety or mood swings, a short period that lasted 4 days (it used to be 7-9), and my relationship with people, especially my boyfriend, was stable. It's only been my third week of using Loryna, and my anxiety and depression are back. I break out easily, I've been feeling this terrible ache in my lower abdomen, and I've been constantly arguing with my boyfriend. I'm definitely calling my doctor to change prescriptions!!!"

1 / 10
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11 Report
  • Hao...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 8, 2016

For Acne "I was given Loryna for the first time a week ago. I used to have Gianvi, and I enjoyed it. I just started birth control again after having my son and done with breastfeeding. And so far, it's been great. The first day or two, I felt a little nauseous, but not too bad. And I haven't developed any new pimples since I started the pack. My sex drive seems to have gone up! Surprisingly. I like that. No side effects for me yet. So far, so good."

9 / 10
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7 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 24, 2018

For Birth Control "This is my first time on BC. I am 19, and it has worked really well so far! I have had unprotected sex a few times and no surprises yet! I did have mood swings the first week I was on it, I cried at literally almost anything, but I think that was just my body getting used to it because I haven’t had any since. The second pack, my acne cleared up a little bit, and I am now almost done with my third pack, and my acne is flaring up again, but I hope it will go away altogether within the next 3 packs - that’s what most reviews I’ve seen say that it takes about 6 months. Reading the reviews before I began this pill made me very scared, but this pill has worked very well for me!"

9 / 10
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6 Report
  • BWa...
  • September 5, 2016

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started Loryna for PMDD. Started on a Sunday. By Tuesday, I had 3 enormous, painful zits. By Thursday, I was in severe abdominal cramping pain. Similar to period/early labor pains. By Saturday, they landed me in the ER. Every lab test and ultrasound/X-ray was normal, so the only diagnosis that made sense was the pill. I'm currently on day 9 of my period, which would normally only last 5-6 days. Needless to say, it's in the trash now."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Ama...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 12, 2021

For Birth Control "Absolutely horrible for me. I took this for over a year, and it gave me so much acne in the beginning. Horrible mood swings. This medication filled me with pure anger! Loryna COMPLETELY destroyed my sex drive the entire time I was on it. It made my skin EXTREMELY oily. I hate this medication, and I'm never taking it again."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • Isa...
  • June 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I started using birth control for heavy periods senior year of high school. I first used EnkySence, and it gave me bad nausea and horrible acne. I switched to this, and I am on my fourth pack. It keeps my periods lighter and doesn't make me break out. The only problem I have had is if I don't take it within two hours of the time I take it every day, I will start having light bleeding. I don't get nausea and only had mood swings the first week."

8 / 10
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5 Report
  • Jp3...
  • January 23, 2016

For Birth Control "My experience on Loryna has not been a good one. I originally had been on Yaz and Beyaz and had no issues at all! I thought they were miracle pills! I'm in my late thirties and wanted a birth control to help with my moods, breakouts, and period. Unfortunately, Loryna did the opposite for me. After five months of taking it, I have decided to stop. I had bleeding for 2 months straight, acne breakouts on my chest, back, and face. And a ton of pain! As if my uterus was contracting constantly. I finished my last pack/pill and have stopped. Within 2 days of stopping, the bleeding stopped, the pain is gone, and my skin is clearing up. I'm not sure why this happened, but I'm finding generic birth controls are different from the brand. It's frustrating!"

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Pix...
  • June 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I just started my second pack, and I am pleased so far with the product. It seems like, based on all the other reviews, this BC is either going to be excellent for you or a nightmare. Luckily, I seem to be responding well. I won't lie, the first week was terrible, but I knew it would be since I was switching from Gildess. The first day was okay, second day I was angry, third day everything made me cry, I literally cried all day long. The next day I was tired, then I was pissed again, and then my hormones finally calmed down. I've noticed my acne and blackheads have cleared up significantly, my appetite is under control, and my moods are more even. I am having a small amount of breakthrough bleeding, which is to be expected on a new BC pill."

9 / 10
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6 Report
  • Pix...
  • June 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I just started my second pack, and I am pleased so far with the product. It seems like, based on all the other reviews, this BC is either going to be excellent for you or a nightmare. Luckily, I seem to be responding well. I won't lie, the first week was terrible, but I knew it would be since I was switching from Gildess. The first day was okay, second day I was angry, third day everything made me cry, I literally cried all day long. The next day I was tired, then I was pissed again, and then my hormones finally calmed down. I've noticed my acne and blackheads have cleared up significantly, my appetite is under control, and my moods are more even. I am having a small amount of breakthrough bleeding, which is to be expected on a new BC pill."

9 / 10
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6 Report
  • Dug...
  • November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "This has been the worst pill. I don’t recommend this. I had bad acne, horrible pains in my stomach, arms. My head pounded continuously, and my moods were horrible. I was only on it for three weeks, and I felt awful."

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • pai...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I have been on Loryna for about 9 months now. I have PCOS and struggled with heavy periods (sometimes twice a month), horrible cramps, mood swings, and acne. Since starting Loryna, I'm now able to skip my periods altogether, getting rid of almost all my negative side effects (still get pretty emotional around the time my period would come). I did gain about 10 lbs, and my motivation to work out is almost pretty low. I used to go to the gym 5 days a week and eat healthy. I now crave unhealthy foods more and dread the gym. Maybe this is just an excuse, lol, but I had to stop for about two weeks due to my prescription being shipped to a previous address, and immediately my motivation to work out and eat healthy came back. But back to a positive note: my skin has never been clearer, and I would recommend this birth control to a friend in a heartbeat."

9 / 10
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2 Report
  • Ann...
  • February 2, 2017

For Birth Control "So far, so good! The first few days were a bit rough, I experienced some mood swings and negative thoughts, and some wild dreams. Even a few pimples showed up. It seems the side effects have subsided, and my body is starting to get used to it. I would definitely recommend trying it and giving it a few days, you'll start to feel like your normal self again."

8 / 10
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4 Report
  • Yaz...
  • April 13, 2014

For Acne "I had tried just about everything for acne, from topical creams to antibiotics. I had been on various different antibiotics for acne over the past four years and was ready to stop always taking antibiotics that never truly cleared my skin fully anyway. It's my second month on Yaz, and I've noticed improvement in my skin without taking the antibiotics. The first month, I had a pretty bad breakout, mood swings, bad cramping, and cravings. I noticed a sort of constant breast tenderness and swelling, but especially so nearing my period. My sex drive has also significantly decreased, and in the first month, I would actually cry for no reason at all (moodiness). The best part is that my insurance covers this completely. I pay nothing out of pocket."

7 / 10
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7 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.