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Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Acne: What Users Say (Page 5)

Brand names: Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Loryna, Nikki, Syeda, Gianvi, Lo-Zumandimine, Jasmiel, Zarah, Melamisa, Zumandimine Yaela …show all brand names

Reviews for Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • hab...
  • May 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been having these pills for two months now as a treatment for my PCOS. I am 18, and since I started having this pill, my skin went bad, and I have had acne all over my face. I have completely lost my sex drive, and I don't feel anything during sex. My mood has been funny, and I have been sleepy and tired. I wouldn't recommend this pill, it totally destroyed my sex life and my face."

2 / 10
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  • Cha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 27, 2015

For Acne "I am 20 years old and have had relatively clear skin my whole life. Just over a month ago, I had a horrific breakout, the likes of which I'd never seen! Before, I'd stress out over one little spot on my chin, whereas now my whole face was riddled with them. I was prescribed Yasmin and just wanted to say - it's not a quick fix! I've been on it almost a month now, and I'd say my acne has gotten twice as bad - the spots are mostly comedonal acne, and my uneven face and complexion make me extremely self-conscious. Following reading the other good reviews, I'm looking forward to the good skin to come, but just needed to say that it's certainly not here yet! Hoping Yasmin follows the rule that 'sometimes things get worse before they get better'!"

6 / 10
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  • 123...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I don't usually review anything online, but I really feel like I need to share my experience with this pill. I was on Yasmin for a year and a half, and although superficially it was okay (no weight gain, no acne, etc.), mentally I went crazy, and this seems to be the case for a lot of women. I was anxious, my mind was foggy, I was snappy and overly aggressive (which is very unlike me), and generally just didn't feel myself. I then spoke to a doctor following an anxiety breakdown, and they said it could've been due to my pill. I recently changed from Yasmin to another pill, and it has changed my life. I FINALLY feel myself again, and I've realized how much Yasmin messed me up. I would not recommend this pill or experience to anyone."

4 / 10
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  • pin...
  • February 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I LOVE this pill! I was on Jolessa for 4 years and always had constant spotting and bad acne, Sprintec for 4 months and had spotting and awful mood swings and periods, but Ocella is absolutely perfect. I've been on it for 3 months now, and it's cleared up most of my acne. I've had no spotting and no periods, and I've lost 8 pounds! No mood swings, either. I would definitely recommend that anyone who is considering this pill give it a try. Plus, mine is only $9 a month! For the work it does, it is awesome. I cannot speak on effectiveness for pregnancy prevention as I use it to skip periods and am not sexually active."

10 / 10
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  • Hjg...
  • March 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Vestura for a little over 6 months. I went on it because I had irregular periods and bad acne, especially on my back and chest. My periods are no longer irregular and are much lighter too. I would say that my acne is about 90% clearer now; my chest and back acne are basically gone, but I've been noticing some breakouts on my face lately. I haven't noticed any major mood swings or changes in my mood. However, I do think that my appetite has changed while on this pill. The past few months, I've noticed that foods that I used to eat regularly, normally for breakfast or lunch, now seem like the least appetizing things in the world."

8 / 10
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  • Kit...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 1, 2019

For Acne "I have PCOS, PMDD, and I'm type 2 diabetes-prone (which means I had it, but I do not anymore; but if I go back to eating badly and come off my meds, I will revert), and I'm a type O blood type. I'm 5'3" and I weigh 162 thus far. Yasmin by far is the best birth control pill I have ever been on. The generic to Yasmin I tried for several months, but it wasn't nearly as effective as Yasmin. My cystic acne stopped completely after a few weeks, as it was very noticeable how much less oily my skin became. The great thing I love about Yasmin is it covers so many of my needs; it also is an androgen blocker, so it aids with my hair issues of thinning and odd places of hair growth (a gift from PCOS). I also have noticed that as long as I take it in the same time window every day, my moods are so much better. I'm not moody and angry while on this BC pill. Oh, and least I forget, my periods are way better and so are my horrific cramps and clots."

10 / 10
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  • Hig...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 14, 2013

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been on Yaz for 8 months now. The first 2 were a little rough with breakthrough bleeding or missed periods (which is so stressful), but I gave it a chance anyway. I had mild to severe acne that is very much clear now, other than a few scars. I have not gained weight, but my breasts are a full cup size bigger. My only issue with Yaz is that I never used to get PMS symptoms, now I feel angry, and the next second I want to cry for absolutely no reason. This only lasts a day or two, so I can deal with it."

9 / 10
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  • Jes...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 25, 2019

For Acne "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."

10 / 10
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  • Can...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 19, 2014

For Birth Control "Upon requesting a Yaz prescription from my doctor, I was initially concerned as I was very nauseous and threw up a few times in the morning during the first week. Nonetheless, I remained on Yaz, and I am certainly glad that I did. I do not suffer from any acne with the exception of the couple of days preceding my period (minor and unpreventable chin acne due to hormones/menstruation). It's highly effective in preventing pregnancy, and I have not noticed any weight gain. In fact, I felt thinner when I first began taking it. I do not experience any physical pain or health issues (I recently turned 21, I do not smoke, and I am very slim and active). Overall, Yaz is great."

9 / 10
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  • Can...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 19, 2014

For Birth Control "Upon requesting a Yaz prescription from my doctor, I was initially concerned as I was very nauseous and threw up a few times in the morning during the first week. Nonetheless, I remained on Yaz, and I am certainly glad that I did. I do not suffer from any acne with the exception of the couple of days preceding my period (minor and unpreventable chin acne due to hormones/menstruation). It's highly effective in preventing pregnancy, and I have not noticed any weight gain. In fact, I felt thinner when I first began taking it. I do not experience any physical pain or health issues (I recently turned 21, I do not smoke, and I am very slim and active). Overall, Yaz is great."

9 / 10
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  • Mia...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 2, 2018

For Acne "I never had very bad acne, but did not have perfect skin either. When I started Yasmin for 3 months, my skin was breaking out more than ever, but after those months, my skin cleared up, and I almost never break out, and it is much better than before I took the pill."

8 / 10
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  • tes...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 8, 2013

For Acne "My doctor suggested I go on Yaz after a good 8 years of being on a previous pill and basically experiencing acne the entire time. Anyway, I've been on Yaz for a month. I'm glad I read reviews before because I probably would have given up and fully entered a hermit life if I didn't know that a major breakout the first month or two is normal. I have gotten acne in places I've never had before - along my jawline, even on my neck. It's terrifying, and I'm only hanging in there based on the people that swear by month 3 it gets better. However, I will say, I am happy with having experienced no other side effects. Weight has never been a problem for me, but I actually lost 5 pounds. Here's hoping that month 2 and 3 bring better luck!"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 19, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Yaz for about three years now, and I love it. I have experienced a great decrease in my PMS. I was a monster before starting Yaz, and now I'm normal, with occasional periods having slight mood swings or cramps. My boobs have grown, and my acne has subsided. I get a few pimples every now and then, commonly when my period comes. I do get some bloating, but if I take something like Midol, then I have none. I'm able to know exactly when my period starts. I have only experienced one occurrence in 3 years of using Yaz, of spotting when not missing a pill. I haven't noticed any weight gain due to the pill. The only thing I am worried about is the scare of blood clotting lately."

10 / 10
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  • Abi...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 15, 2020

For Acne "I have been on Yaz for a little over a year. I previously had the IUD, but it started making me break out on my chest, so I took it out. The dermatologist told me to get on the pill because it is more balanced, so I did. Although it cleared up my chest and the acne on my face is a little better, I am still breaking out. I’ve always had a little acne growing up, but I feel like this might not be normal, so I am getting off Yaz."

6 / 10
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  • Yaz...
  • June 8, 2018

For Acne "Definitely would recommend to people with the same issues!!! I started 5 months ago. I used to have cystic acne all over my face, particularly cheeks and neck, with painful periods lasting a week (endo?). Acne wise: First 3 months, skin started getting worse. Everything was worth it though, as when the 3rd month ended and I started my 4th packet, my skin cleared up almost overnight. Still get a few pimples here and there, but nothing like I used to. Period wise: started my first pack on my period, resulted in a month-long period. Then skipped my period to see if that would end it, but it resulted in another month of having my period. The only reason why I rated this a 9 is because of this, but it is most likely my mistake or due to an underlying health condition. After the 2nd month, I didn't skip my period, and my periods after that have been 3 days long and have only needed a liner. Really light pain, nothing like before. No change in mood :)"

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 24, 2012

For Birth Control "I recently switched from Yasmin to Gianvi by accident (I thought I was on Yaz instead of Yasmin and asked my doctor for the wrong pill). After reading reviews of Gianvi, I was really scared to start taking it. Many reviews mentioned increased acne, weight gain, mood swings, and heavy periods. I have been taking Gianvi for 4 months now and have had no negative side effects. I have no acne, I lost 5 pounds, my periods last only 3 days and are very light, and I have had no problems with my mood. I actually feel better than I did on Yasmin. Each pill works differently for each person, and there are people with positive experiences with Gianvi."

9 / 10
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  • Mic...
  • May 31, 2015

For Acne "In March 2014, I started breaking out so bad I cried. I didn't know why I was breaking out because I was clear for five years on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. All of a sudden, I had huge, painful acne all over my chin and above my lip. I tried everything, and nothing worked. In December 2014, I finally tried Yaz. At first, my acne got worse, and I started losing hope. But I immediately noticed that I had fewer cystic pimples. Now it is May, and I finally have clear skin. I still have a few red marks from scars, and I get tiny little pimples, but nowhere near what I had before. This stuff is amazing, and I finally feel confident again. It started to really work for me in month 4, so give it time and don't give up."

10 / 10
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  • Mic...
  • May 31, 2015

For Acne "In March 2014, I started breaking out so bad I cried. I didn't know why I was breaking out because I was clear for five years on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. All of a sudden, I had huge, painful acne all over my chin and above my lip. I tried everything, and nothing worked. In December 2014, I finally tried Yaz. At first, my acne got worse, and I started losing hope. But I immediately noticed that I had fewer cystic pimples. Now it is May, and I finally have clear skin. I still have a few red marks from scars, and I get tiny little pimples, but nowhere near what I had before. This stuff is amazing, and I finally feel confident again. It started to really work for me in month 4, so give it time and don't give up."

10 / 10
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  • Jac...
  • February 2, 2018

For Acne "I have PCOS. I've been on this pill for 4 months now. The first 2 and a half months, it seemed the pill wasn't working. I had acne around my chin and cheek area. But after persisting on it, it worked! My skin now is very smooth, zero acne, glowing! I also take extensive care of my skin via the right products, food, and exercise, but the pill is definitely one of the main factors for my skin right now. The pill also doesn't mess with my mood, and overall, it just seems to be working great. It's always a gamble with contraception pills, but stay for at least 3 months on them before deciding if it's working or not."

9 / 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Cle...
  • August 8, 2012

For Birth Control "I was taking Yasmin mainly for birth control as I was sexually active. But after about 2 months (3 packs of Yasmin) consuming it in due course, I realized that it wasn't only for birth control, but it helped my acne as well. After 3 months, my face was clear of any acne, but a few pimples (one or two) here and there, but that's easy to treat. When I stopped taking Yasmin for about 3 months, my acne came back, and now I'm actively on Yasmin again for contraception and also acne. I have tried many useless treatments and antibiotics, and creams and gels that the doctors suggested, but to no avail. And like what one said, 'it works inside out.'"

10 / 10
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  • Cle...
  • August 8, 2012

For Birth Control "I was taking Yasmin mainly for birth control as I was sexually active. But after about 2 months (3 packs of Yasmin) consuming it in due course, I realized that it wasn't only for birth control, but it helped my acne as well. After 3 months, my face was clear of any acne, but a few pimples (one or two) here and there, but that's easy to treat. When I stopped taking Yasmin for about 3 months, my acne came back, and now I'm actively on Yasmin again for contraception and also acne. I have tried many useless treatments and antibiotics, and creams and gels that the doctors suggested, but to no avail. And like what one said, 'it works inside out.'"

10 / 10
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  • Mel...
  • November 21, 2015

For Acne "I've been on Yaz for a year and a half. This pill for real ruined my skin. I have acne scars that will never go away. I hate it. I wish in the early months when it was ruining my skin that I had decided to stop taking it. Instead, I read the reviews and thought if I just give it enough time, things will improve. They didn't, and now I'm stuck on the pill that's still giving me acne (albeit not as bad as before), too scared to stop. I feel like I'm being held hostage by Yaz. It also gives me my period two weeks out of the month. Worst decision of my life. I've never posted on something like this before – but the experience was so awful I thought I had to warn others. My advice is to listen to your body, and if it's not working, STOP!"

1 / 10
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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.