Lessina and Acne: What Users Say

• tan...
• July 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I realized after trying about three different birth control pills that I never really had side effects from any of them, except for my first one, which gave me acne. This pill cleared up all my acne, and I realized to not trust the reviews on birth control websites because, if you think about it, the only time people are going to write a review about their birth control is if it’s not working for them. People don’t get on these websites to talk about how great they are for them. I’m not having any issues with Lessina, as I’m sure most people are, this birth control is fine."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I have never struggled with acne in my life, and I have been on three different birth controls that have never caused breakouts. Lessina, however, had me with a face covered in small pimples (with a couple massive cystic ones as well) after the first 3 days of using it. The acne only got worse as I kept taking more pills in the pill pack. I’m stopping this immediately. Seriously, I had clear skin before, not a single pimple, and now I have pimples all over my face, chest, back, and arms. I didn’t even know that was possible over the course of three days!!! Oh man, I wish I could insert pictures. Stay away if you are looking for a birth control to help clear your skin!!"

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I have never struggled with acne in my life, and I have been on three different birth controls that have never caused breakouts. Lessina, however, had me with a face covered in small pimples (with a couple massive cystic ones as well) after the first 3 days of using it. The acne only got worse as I kept taking more pills in the pill pack. I’m stopping this immediately. Seriously, I had clear skin before, not a single pimple, and now I have pimples all over my face, chest, back, and arms. I didn’t even know that was possible over the course of three days!!! Oh man, I wish I could insert pictures. Stay away if you are looking for a birth control to help clear your skin!!"

• Nes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I have taken Lessina for only 2 months. I was so scared of trying it because of all the negative comments on it, but for me, I have no side effects whatsoever! I get emotional when I'm going through PMS, but that's 100% normal for me. I take mine before I go to bed (I work overnights), so at 9 am, if I do get nauseous, I don't feel it at all. I haven't gained weight, normal PMS acne, no crazy mood swings. It feels like I'm not taking anything at all! I give it a 9 because I'm not sure how effective it is yet, lol. But I'll find out soon, lol."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2018

For Birth Control "Would not recommend this birth control at all. Regret ever taking it. I was on Lessina for about 6 weeks when I realized I needed to stop. I was constantly tired and wanted to sleep. My weight stayed the same, but I wasn’t on it long enough. I felt like my acne actually got worse - I had painful pimples that didn’t go away for weeks. On top of this, I started to lose my self-confidence and motivation. I did already have anxiety but was always able to control it, but on this birth control, my anxiety was terrible and I couldn’t control it - I had to hold myself from having anxiety attacks in school. I would easily get ticked off or upset over the smallest things. I started to experience depression and didn’t feel like myself at all on this pill. Forgot what it was like to feel normal and really happy like I used to be. DON'T TAKE THIS PILL."

• Chi...
• July 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I thought there’s something wrong with me, but after I’ve read those comments on here about Lessina, it’s horrible. It’s my second week of taking these pills, and it gives me a migraine, nausea, lower abdomen pain, UTI, and acne!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Literally the worst birth control ever. I was on Orsythia, and my pharmacy said this was the 'generic' version. My period was always regular, and my period came two weeks earlier this month. It also makes me break out and gained about five pounds. I have become very emotional and depressed, I was never like that. Now, I cry for everything. Do not recommend."

• Man...
• July 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this pill to anyone who has prior anxiety issues. Typically, I am able to keep my anxiety under control with exercise and diet, however, on this pill, it has been off the charts. Every day, I go from being okay to running scenarios in my head that are outrageous, to feelings of impending doom, to being okay again. My chest constantly feels tight, and my breath is short. At first, I wasn't sure if all this was the pill or the changes I have going on in my life (new job, going on a trip without my kids, husband transitioning jobs), however, while I was on my period, the issues were manageable, and I didn't feel like a complete nutbag all the time. Along with the above, the hormonal acne I currently have is getting worse, and I am retaining a ton of water. I am sure this pill works great for some women, but it is absolutely wrecking my system, and I am in the process of trying to get off it now."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2012

For Birth Control "I've had problems with birth control since I have started taking them. I was started on Ortho Tri-Cyclen and was extremely moody and had issues with tearing of the vaginal walls during intercourse, so I was switched to Ortho-Cyclen, and the problem persisted. Finally, I was switched to Sronyx, which solved the problem and the moodiness. I was on it for three years until I was switched to Lessina because my pharmacy didn't carry it. Within the two and a half months I've been on it, I have gained about 5 pounds, have the worst acne I've ever experienced, and cry over nothing. Desperately trying to find a pharmacy that carries Sronyx."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2022

For Birth Control "If you are reading this, this is your sign to NOT TAKE THIS!!!!! I started it for the first time this month. My acne is awful. My skin was so clear before and now it’s covered in pimples. My appetite increased so much. I was literally eating everything in my fridge. I'm so bloated all the time. Not to mention my depression was so bad the last week. I literally wanted to die. Please stay away from this !!!"

• aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2018

For Birth Control "When I first started this pill in the first month, after a few weeks I broke out like crazy. I am on the second month now and it has gotten a lot better. I haven't broken out yet this month, but I just have some leftover scarring. I haven't had any weight gain and have no effects on mood, but I do have breast tenderness. I had an increase in sex drive my first month, but now it seems to have balanced out. The only thing is if I accidentally miss a day and double up the dose the next day, I will feel extremely nauseous. I was previously on Trinessa Lo and I prefer Lessina over Trinessa."

• aim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2019

For Birth Control "The anxiety from this Lessina birth control pill was bad for me. I had to stop taking it. Also, the acne I could tell was getting worse. I was highly stressed. So, people with depression and anxiety should be prepared for how this Lessina could affect you. I haven't been on it long at all, but I stopped almost immediately."

• jba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I really like this birth control. I was originally on a different brand of the pill, and it made me bloated and I always felt sluggish. I switched to the NuvaRing, which was not ideal for intercourse, so back to my OB I went. I love Lessina: no weight gain, no bloating, and minimal cramping during my period. I did have the side effect of acne, but I changed my face wash and it cleared right up. I also swear it increases your sex drive, but it could just be me."

• Gho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2019

For Birth Control "Loved it at first, but now I'm totally over it. The first few days, I got headaches that went away quickly and didn't bother me much. The first week, I was nauseous, that went away and was bearable. The first month went by smoothly. The second month was absolutely bad. Non-stop bleeding. It's not a heavy flow, just light spotting, but three weeks of light spotting is horrible! I've been PMS'ing for three freaking weeks! Fighting with my boyfriend, paranoid anxiety, acne all over my body, AND A HORRIBLE VAGINAL ODOR, it's not going away and makes my boyfriend not want to have sex. So what's the point of birth control if we're not even having sex?! Right now, I haven't bled in three days, which is a miracle, but the smell still lingers and I'm showering three times a day. My doctor keeps telling me to wait three to four months for my body to adjust, but the stench is unbearable and I'm probably going to switch brands."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2020

For Birth Control "Took this Lessina birth control pill for about 4-5 days and couldn’t stand the abdominal pain I was getting from it, so I stopped. It was so bad I thought it was my appendix. I got acne, and I’ve never had a problem with that, worst cramps ever, abdominal and bowel issues. Going to the doctor in about a week to try something else out."

• Ng1...
• October 5, 2018

For Birth Control "Initially wanted to go back on the pill because I experience pretty severe PMS symptoms within the 10 days or so leading up to my period that really prevent me from my normal, everyday functions due to a hormonal imbalance. Tried to stick it out for a little over 2 weeks but then couldn’t take it anymore. Was constantly tired, depressed, and anxious within the first few days. Experienced severe mood swings at the start of week 2, crying for no reason and then suddenly would get angry and snap. Had insane acne and cravings from the start that I couldn’t resist, leading to a solid 10 lb weight gain and painful blemishes, which only made the depression worse. Felt so self-conscious and didn’t have the motivation to work out, which is something I love to do daily, during the entirety of my experience. Needless to say, probably some of the worst weeks I’ve experienced in a while. Started to return back to normal within a few days of stopping."

• 3Ma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2018

For Birth Control "Switched ob/gyns this past fall, and she recommended Lessina since I’m now over 40 and didn’t need as many hormones (in the Dr’s opinion). I’ve always had an effective skin care regimen, so I was totally freaked out when I developed ridiculous acne within 1-2 months of switching. I’ve also gained at least 10 or more pounds since I began the pill. I also read how some users felt sadness/depression, and I’m wondering if a few blue episodes I’ve had may have been brought on by the pill. Hmm. On the upside, I did notice the increase in sex drive, and the periods seemed to be short and smooth (no PMS, no cramps). Finally, called the doc last week to complain, so I’ve swallowed my last one. Really wish I’d had the sense to Google this pill sooner. Never again. I’ll be researching my new script too as soon as I get it. I’ve been off and on the pill since my teens and never once had this many textbook side effects. Geez."

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about a year. When I first started, I had irregular spotting for about a month, and then my period began to come regularly. After about 4 months, my mood swings have been on 100. During that time of the month, I do get cystic acne in the chin area. On the bright side, I am not pregnant, which is a plus! One downside is that the pharmacy I use was out of stock for a couple of days, which could have gotten me pregnant, but I’m glad I was able to hold out until I have taken the pill for a week straight."

• Ell...
• June 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lessina for about 4 months now. I used to take Seasonique, for whatever reason, they prescribed me awful birth control instead. I'm so moody and literally hate the world and myself. I cry all the time, honestly, I have the worst mood swings I've ever experienced. I stay so depressed that all I do is want to lay in bed and cry or sleep. I've gained 20 lbs from this and got some acne. I constantly have the worst crushing migraines I've ever had in my life. Just all around the worst experience. It works for preventing pregnancy, but it's not worth the emotional state it leaves you in."

• Msh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Entire month of bleeding. I started this straight after I had my implant removed, and I get that my body is supposed to be adjusting from the differences, but I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to be nonstop bleeding for the entire time. I have acne on my chest and back now, getting zits more frequently. I’ve cried almost every single day, and I’ve been drier than the Sahara Desert. This is absolute garbage, and my partner and I are not impressed. I’m so confused by what I’m supposed to expect from my body at this point that I’m going off birth control for a month to get it back to normal."

• Msh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Entire month of bleeding. I started this straight after I had my implant removed, and I get that my body is supposed to be adjusting from the differences, but I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to be nonstop bleeding for the entire time. I have acne on my chest and back now, getting zits more frequently. I’ve cried almost every single day, and I’ve been drier than the Sahara Desert. This is absolute garbage, and my partner and I are not impressed. I’m so confused by what I’m supposed to expect from my body at this point that I’m going off birth control for a month to get it back to normal."

• jea...
• October 11, 2016

For Birth Control "This is my fourth month on this medication and my 7th period. I was originally asking about birth control methods that would keep me from having my period every month and was told by my doctor that I could continue onto a second pack, skipping the week of fake pills, and that should prevent my period. After that didn't work the first time, I decided to just take it normally, but that's when my period started happening every other week. I have been abnormally emotional, but until I read the other reviews on this site, I never thought to blame this medication. I'm normally a very subdued person who deals with my problems internally. These last few months, I've been incredibly emotional and sensitive, crying a lot. I have had some extra acne too."

• ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lessina for 3 months now. I really like the pill, only a few complaints such as breakouts here and there, migraines off and on, and a very lengthy period. Before taking Lessina, my cycle would last roughly 5 days, now it lasts about 2 weeks, which is really the only reason I'm looking to change to another pill. On a positive note, no menstrual cramps at all, which is amazing."

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2019

For Birth Control "AWFUL. I forgot my regular birth control (Aubra) while on vacation, so the pharmacist at the place I was vacationing at gave me these. They were fine for the week I was there, but now I am spotting BAD every day. Some days I’ll wake up and there’ll be blood in my underwear, or sometimes an hour before I’m scheduled to take my pill, I’ll start bleeding. I have not had a period in four years (I had Nexplanon inserted 3 years, then I got on Aubra and skipped placebos). Now since taking this, it’s like every day I am bleeding randomly AND suddenly have acne + cystic acne! I kept taking it (2 months) to see if any of my symptoms would stop, but they are actually getting WORSE. Stopping this awful, awful birth control immediately and throwing away the last month of it."

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2019

For Birth Control "AWFUL. I forgot my regular birth control (Aubra) while on vacation, so the pharmacist at the place I was vacationing at gave me these. They were fine for the week I was there, but now I am spotting BAD every day. Some days I’ll wake up and there’ll be blood in my underwear, or sometimes an hour before I’m scheduled to take my pill, I’ll start bleeding. I have not had a period in four years (I had Nexplanon inserted 3 years, then I got on Aubra and skipped placebos). Now since taking this, it’s like every day I am bleeding randomly AND suddenly have acne + cystic acne! I kept taking it (2 months) to see if any of my symptoms would stop, but they are actually getting WORSE. Stopping this awful, awful birth control immediately and throwing away the last month of it."