Jolessa and Acne: What Users Say

• Dra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Jolessa for 7 years. I don't take the placebo pills and have not had a period in the 7 years except for once when the doctor's office and mail-order pharmacy my former insurance made me use got their wires crossed. If I don't take the pill at exactly the same time every day, my body lets me know that it needs its dose! No acne, and I have not had any weight gain. Slight spotting here and there, maybe once or twice a year. I don't plan on having any more children (I have a 10 1/2-year-old), but am only 28, so the doctors won't let me get a tubal ligation. I thought of the IUD, but quite frankly, I like never having a period. No ill effects after 7 years without it. Healthy as ever."

• Anonymous
• June 14, 2010

For Birth Control "I have used Jolessa for several years, and I love it. I used Seasonique for about two years before that and did not notice a big difference (except reduced co-pay) when I changed. I have never had spotting. I LOVE not having a monthly visit, and it is very light when I do have it. The downside would be reduced libido. I have just learned to live with it. I also think this causes me to have some acne that seems to have started about the time I began taking it. However, I would rather buy pimple cream than tampons. Weight has not really been an issue. I wish it would make my boobs grow! No such luck. I would recommend it to anyone."

• Tig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Jolessa for about a month due to having excessive cramps and bleeding, so I was excited to try not having a period for three months. But so far, everything is fine, no bad side effects except a little acne. So far, a good birth control."

• Mor...
• October 2, 2020

For Birth Control "Was on Jolessa birth control for a year and recently stopped taking it because of side effects. I had very frequent migraines that lasted 2-3 days. I lost my appetite and 10 pounds, as someone who is already very skinny, it was concerning. As far as acne, it cleared up a lot until the last three months I was on it, I started getting monster pimples that were painful. I got the chills and fevers almost every day. My boobs got a full cup size bigger, so that's something to look forward to! I also experienced pain during sex and itching in nether regions while on this. I've tried 4 birth controls, and none of them have worked out, so you may experience fewer or more side effects."

• Mor...
• October 2, 2020

For Birth Control "Was on Jolessa birth control for a year and recently stopped taking it because of side effects. I had very frequent migraines that lasted 2-3 days. I lost my appetite and 10 pounds, as someone who is already very skinny, it was concerning. As far as acne, it cleared up a lot until the last three months I was on it, I started getting monster pimples that were painful. I got the chills and fevers almost every day. My boobs got a full cup size bigger, so that's something to look forward to! I also experienced pain during sex and itching in nether regions while on this. I've tried 4 birth controls, and none of them have worked out, so you may experience fewer or more side effects."

• Ak1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for over 7 months now, and I don't have much good to say. While it has been 100% effective for me as a contraceptive, the side effects have not been easy to handle. During the first 3-month pack, I gained 7 pounds, had breast tenderness, nausea, headaches every day, acne, spotting, and a never-resting appetite. That was 3 months straight. Now, at 7 months, I have lost all the weight I gained, I only have occasional headaches, no nausea, and no spotting. But the acne is still here and absolutely horrible! I've never had acne before I started using this birth control, and now it's all over my face and not going away with anything! I'll hopefully be switching at my next yearly exam."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2010

For Birth Control "I have finished my first pack and started on my second pack. I absolutely love this birth control. I have had no extra weight gain (I'm a steady 120), I have had no acne breakouts, I haven't spotted, and my periods are light. I was so nervous to try it, but I'm glad I did. Like they say, it all depends on how it interacts with your body, so try it for yourself."

• sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I started this birth control because my body had a negative reaction to the Depo-Provera shot. I enjoy getting my period every three months, and it's always pretty light. The only bad side effect I have experienced is skin sensitivity. I more easily get acne, and whenever I scratch myself, the marks show. The most prominent example of skin sensitivity comes from my bra. It just hurts so bad at the end of the day that I have to take it off. Otherwise, this has been a great birth control, considering this is the fourth one I've tried."

• Ave...
• June 18, 2015

For Birth Control "Before leaving for a semester abroad, I requested that my doctor give me a birth control where I wouldn't have periods every month. That turned out to be a big mistake. Once I started taking Jolessa, I became much more moody and overall depressed. I started getting zits on my chest and back - something that hasn't happened to me since freshman year of high school! My acne on my face has gotten worse. I gained 10 pounds. I have always been the kind of person that could get away with eating whatever I want (fast food 5 times a week!) and not exercise and never weigh more than 134 pounds, but not anymore. No change after altering dietary and exercising habits. After 5 months taking Jolessa, I'm most definitely switching after I finish this pack."

• Lad...
• June 12, 2017

For Endometriosis "I've been on this for 8 months, and I'm still adjusting. I started last November, and in December I spotted the entire month. My doctor told me to take half the placebos to flush out my system. I missed Christmas Eve and Christmas, it was so heavy and painful. The worst 2 days I've ever had on my period. Round two wasn't so bad, with the exception of one day. I'm halfway through my 3rd package. I've been breaking out like crazy and getting random cramps and bladder infections as I normally would before my period, but I still have another 45 days until placebo week. I might check with my doctor again soon because my body doesn't seem to want to cooperate with this drug. I'm only on this to treat endometriosis. I'm not sexually active."

• Liz...
• August 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I started Jolessa for my heavy periods and have been on it for about a month now. I haven't experienced any spotting, but I have gained 7 lbs (but feel like I appear much larger). I'm depressed, moody, and I have broken out like no other. I am using acne solution products, yet there are pimples all over my face, back, and arms (I had very clear skin to begin with). I honestly would rather have my heavy periods that came every 20 days back than feel the way I do on Jolessa."

• Liz...
• August 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I started Jolessa for my heavy periods and have been on it for about a month now. I haven't experienced any spotting, but I have gained 7 lbs (but feel like I appear much larger). I'm depressed, moody, and I have broken out like no other. I am using acne solution products, yet there are pimples all over my face, back, and arms (I had very clear skin to begin with). I honestly would rather have my heavy periods that came every 20 days back than feel the way I do on Jolessa."

• lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I'm on my second pack. I have not taken birth control in years, but my doctor recommended it to help with my endometriosis. Previously I had cramps, no cramps now. No spotting, period came as scheduled with the pills. No headaches. I have noticed some acne, but nothing to worry about really. I have gained weight, about 10 pounds, and went up 1 bra size without any change in diet or my exercise program. I find that I am hungry all the time and not sure how to lose these 10 pounds without going on a very strict diet. Other than the weight, I'm very happy with Jolessa."

• Anonymous
• October 14, 2010

For Birth Control "Just started the second month of the three-month pack. I've had no spotting at all. I am breaking out, and I feel like I am always hungry even after I eat and have gained a few pounds. The acne is big red bumps, which sucks. I have been on other four-periods-a-year birth controls and had no problems at all, but insurance changes led to this."

• Anonymous
• October 14, 2010

For Birth Control "Just started the second month of the three-month pack. I've had no spotting at all. I am breaking out, and I feel like I am always hungry even after I eat and have gained a few pounds. The acne is big red bumps, which sucks. I have been on other four-periods-a-year birth controls and had no problems at all, but insurance changes led to this."

• Bro...
• July 10, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Started taking this pill 3 months ago. Worked fine the first month. No spotting or anything. Now I'm on month 3, and I have been on a heavy flow period for 3 weeks. Acne is acting out, and massive weight gain. Used to weigh 120 and now I weigh 134. Do not recommend this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Jolessa since about a month before I got married, so about a year and a half. I started on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen, but it literally gave me blinding migraines. So, I started Jolessa and had minor spotting during the first few months, but nothing major. I also had minor (compared to the previous ones) migraines, but haven't had any in at least 8 months. Unfortunately, I have gained at least 20 lbs and have gone from a 36D to a 36DD (possibly larger). I loved that I had no breakouts in the beginning, but now it has returned with a vengeance. All in all, I love only having 4 periods a year, despite the side effects."

• Anonymous
• January 17, 2012

"I have suffered nearly every side effect possible from Jolessa. I am 23 and my acne is now worse than it was during high school, and that is with daily acne medication! I have some days with no appetite, and other days where I throw up every time I eat. I have light to heavy bleeding every day, and cramping at least every few days. I also have really bad vaginal pain and itching. If having your period 4 times a year apparently doesn't harm your body, I don't know how this is supposed to be normal. Switching as soon as possible."

• Kai...
• March 28, 2012

For Birth Control "I just started my second month of Jolessa. A month ago, I weighed 105-115, depending on the week, I guess. Now I weigh 140 pounds! I also am getting acne on my shoulders and sometimes my face, but I wash it multiple times a day because it is so oily! My skin has also been extremely irritated. I have never used lotion, my skin has never needed it, and now it is extremely dry and itchy, and recently I started getting bumps on my arms, like underneath the skin. Cramps are horrible around the time I am supposed to have my period. I haven't had my period or spotting since I started, however, if you miss a day, you will get it! I have been extremely up and down with my moods."

• Anonymous
• December 15, 2010

"I do think it's important to note that Jolessa is NOT Seasonique. Jolessa is the generic form of Seasonale, and NO, they are not the same! Seasonale's last week is comprised of placebo, 'sugar' pills. I have been on Jolessa for 4 years and LOVE it! No acne, no weight gain, and no spotting! I have been on birth control in general for about 7 years now. I wouldn't be on anything else!"

• Unh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 9, 2018

For Birth Control "Reason for medication also includes irregular menstrual cycle, bilateral breast pain (ongoing), menstrual migraines. Years ago; I was on the brand name Seasonelle and had minimal issues. When my insurance changed at 23, I tried Jolessa due to the brand name being $235 (circa 2012). I remember having terrible mood swings, weight gain, acne, so I stopped taking it. Fast forward to 2018, I asked my doctor to try BC again due to irregularity and breast pain. Since the name brand drug now costs $435, I was forced to try Jolessa again. I have bled for 26 days straight and have stopped taking the pill. There has been no “trade-off” as far as my symptoms being reduced. I have had cramping, breast pain, headaches, and excessive bleeding. I do not recommend this generic medication."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I wanted a BC that stopped my periods, and this did it for me, so I'm happy about that. The downside is weight gain. I gained about 10 pounds over the past year. I exercise daily (personal trainer), and I eat healthy. No matter what kind of diet 'cut' I do... nothing changes. Also, my hormonal acne is insane. My skin consultant offered a routine to help me minimize my breakouts, but even still, they happen. So while I no longer have a cycle and cycle pain, I have an extra 10 lbs and hormone acne. Guess you get to pick your poison."

• Anonymous
• September 28, 2011

"It's amazing not having a period every month, but there are some downsides to this pill. It took me about 6 months to not have spotting. I had a lot of spotting for several days at a time when I first started, but now that has stopped. I started getting these big red pimples that my dermatologist called cysts and said this pill may be the cause of them, since I never had them before. I also gained 20 pounds. I work out regularly, and my diet hasn't changed. The plus side: my breasts got bigger."

• Ks0...
• May 2, 2011

For Birth Control "I took Jolessa for a year. Everything was fine, and I loved not having my period every month. After a while, it did make me gain 5-10 lbs, and I had acne towards the end of the year. I had to change to a different birth control. I hate that I had to leave Jolessa behind, but I can't stand the acne or the weight, even if it was moderate. Just try it for yourself, 4 periods a year is very nice."

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2010

"I started Jolessa 6 months ago. The first pack went like I had expected. I did have weight gain, as well as acne, which I never had before. The second pack was where everything went wrong. I bled the whole entire pack. Yep, I'm getting off this medicine."