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Levlen User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Levlen has an average rating of 3.9 out of 10 from a total of 109 reviews on Drugs.com. 25% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 61% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Levlen

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Mar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been using Levlan for the last 4 months. I don’t recommend this pill at all. Previously, I was on Estelle with no problems. Dr. changed me. I know everyone is different and their hormones and bodies act differently, but I’ve never had any problems with any medication before. I’ve always had relatively great skin, especially on my face! A few weeks after on Levlan, my cheeks, chin, and forehead have been covered in tiny lumps and almost cyst-like pimples since! I’m 24 years old and have never had acne. I’ve also been having crazy mood swings or been upset/depressed, and I don’t even know why. I’ve never been like this before, and I’ll never use Levlan again. I’ve been back on Estelle for 1 week, and my face is already 3x better. Hope this helps!!"

1 / 10
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  • You...
  • March 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this when I was 16. I was terrified hearing all the side effects. The doctor I had said I could skip my first period. (But after going to another doctor, it is highly not recommended to do that, apparently). The second month I had breakthrough bleeding that turned into a 21-day period. This time I was the angriest, nastiest person. I went to the doctors at 12 days and said to wait longer to see if it would stop. Then on the 20th day, I went back as it hadn't stopped, and he put me on 30 ED. This stopped my period almost immediately. Throughout this month that I stayed on Levlen 30, I had severe depression. It was very, very bad. I changed back to 20 ED. I haven’t skipped a period yet as I’m too scared to, but I would 100% recommend. I have been very sexually active in this time, and I have not had a pregnancy scare. I don’t use condoms as I trust my pill. I have had no side effects on this one other than slight mood swings and a little bit more emotional. No weight gain. This pill is very, very good towards me."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 18, 2009

For Birth Control "I was on Levora (brand) for several months before switching to Levlen (generic) due to my pharmacy being unable to stock the brand-name drug. Over the last several months on Levlen, I've noticed my moodiness increasing and my sex drive drastically decreasing. This happened once before when switching from brand to generic."

4 / 10
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  • sac...
  • April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched to Levlen after being on Brenda for 3 years. Levlen was such a terrible choice! I got horrible skin and had dryness issues often. My period cramps were unbearable to the point of not being able to walk, and my mood swings became uncontrollable. I've just moved back onto Brenda recently, and these problems are already starting to go away!"

1 / 10
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  • Cha...
  • April 1, 2016

"I've been on this pill for about 4 months, and since the first month, I started getting cystic acne. I've never had acne in my life, and I feel no longer confident with my skin. I do not recommend this pill at all. I have so much acne around my face and neck."

1 / 10
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  • Kar...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I used to be on Levlen, had no problems at all. I changed to Depo, which is an injection contraceptive, so I didn't have to remember to take a pill. On Depo, I gained a lot of weight and was unable to control my emotions. I intend on returning to Levlen now. The only drawback is remembering to take the pill. Make sure you find a contraceptive that suits your body. Levlen seemed to be fine for me, but it may be different for you and others."

8 / 10
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  • nbe...
  • November 9, 2011

For Birth Control "This was the first pill I tried. My periods were always regular, and I had very mild teenage acne beforehand, but after taking this for 3 months, I had the most awful cystic acne on my chin and forehead. I swapped to another, and it disappeared. A friend of mine had the exact same experience."

1 / 10
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  • San...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I used this Levlen for 4 months. It made me bleed mid-cycle and a few other random times. It just wasn't reliable. I used to wake up soaking wet with sweat every night. I had to buy waterproof covers for my bed and change it every day. This has never happened to me before on any pill or medication. I came off it and came back to normal 3 months later. I will never try it again."

2 / 10
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  • Jan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m about halfway through my first packet, and it honestly hasn’t done me any good so far. I’ve had an increase in appetite, and I’m just constantly hungry and wanting to eat, and I never used to eat as much, and it’s quite concerning because I don’t want to put on weight. I’ve also found that I’ve just been so moody. Like, usually I’m quite a happy person, and I’m patient and understanding, but recently I’ve just been so angry and just don’t want to deal with anyone and have zero patience. I’m going to try to just finish the pack, but if it still continues, I’m definitely switching to another pill."

2 / 10
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  • ell...
  • July 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Levlen for around 8 months. I started it a month before my wedding day, and because I'm still quite young, I was really adamant about contraception. After researching about pills, I figured as long as I didn't get acne breakouts, gain weight, or get hairy, it was perfect. Boy, was I wrong! I was completely depressed, anxious, and stressed the entire time, my libido was almost non-existent, and I started to get cystic acne on my face... you can imagine how all of this would affect newlyweds!! It wasn't until I had a major breakdown a month ago that I knew I had to get off Levlen ASAP! I'm now on Femme Tab, and it's working fine, just waiting to see how my hormones will react!"

3 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 16, 2009

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was having heavy bleeding and long cycles, they would last over 2 weeks. With my next cycle, I started taking Levlen on day one and had no bleeding on day two. I was surprised how quickly it worked to stop bleeding immediately."

10 / 10
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  • Jay...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 19, 2020

For Birth Control "Fantastic for birth control and missing periods for a few months in my 20s. Had children and a 10-yr break... As I approached 40s, it doesn’t seem strong enough for my body now, and I get breakthrough bleeding after a few weeks. Can’t seem to miss a period now and don’t want to go on a higher hormone dose. Found out from a colposcopy it’s also causing tissues to grow outside of the cervix, which causes bleeding easily. More reason for me to stop taking the pill now."

8 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I started the pill 4 and a half months ago as my first hormonal contraception, and I was prescribed Levlen. I was a little nervous, but I only ever experienced slight side effects, and by the end of that pill packet, my body had gotten used to it and I felt fine. However, when I went to get my repeats, they didn't have Levlen in stock, so I was given Lenest 30, a generic version, which I was assured would be no different. Since I started that one 2 weeks ago, I've been emotionally unstable and basically a mess. I can't wait to go back to Levlen when I'm done with these."

10 / 10
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  • San...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm onto my second month, and I'm experiencing constant sleep breaks, waking every few hours and nightmares, heavy head, and two migraines so far. I usually sleep with no issues at all. My mood is very short-tempered, and I seem to get anger snaps, which is so unlike me. Also, acne all around my chin area has worsened. I started this pill because of the lower dose, previously, I was taking Brenda ED to control acne, but that made me so depressed to a point where I was crying at the smallest things and thinking the worst. Was hoping Levlen would help because of the lower dose, but sadly not. So disappointed."

1 / 10
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  • Lul...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I took Levlen ED for 1 year and gained 5 kg, was very anxious and moody, but eventually it settled down. I then stopped the pill, and a few months later I am back on it... After 10 days on Levlen ED, my anxiety and moodiness have increased, and I have gotten TERRIBLE acne all over my face. As someone who barely ever gets pimples, I am mortified. I have also completely lost my appetite (although it might be because of stress?). Anyway, I will be stopping the pill tomorrow and asking my doctor for an alternative. Not worth it."

2 / 10
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  • Sar...
  • March 31, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My experience with contraceptives has been a rocky one. Levlen, so far, has been the only contraceptive I've tried that did not lead to constant black discharge. I've had the Implanon and several times have been prescribed slightly different pills, and there was absolutely nothing I could do to regular my discharge and periods, sometimes for months at a time. After taking Levlen for two days, my discharge would return to normal. It is definitely my preferred contraceptive method :)"

9 / 10
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  • Neu...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 30, 2022

For Birth Control "Five years ago, I took Levlen for 12 months, and it has given me mild neutropenia to the point I had to go see a blood doctor. After stopping with Levlen, immediately my white blood cells were going up again. Had serious health issues in the past (also gut polyps), bloating, and constipation, and would recommend staying far away from this product!!!"

2 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 11, 2022

For Birth Control "I’m sharing as I have had a positive experience with Levlen ED. Remember when looking for reviews people with a bad experience are more likely to write a review. I have used Levlen for 10 years and was on Yasmin prior. I only changed as Levlen was a cheaper pill. I do fitness competitions and have had no trouble with weight gain or loss while on this pill, it doesn’t affect my moods or increase my anxiety. I’ve had a really positive experience, as with all birth control, the only way to know it works well with you is to try."

10 / 10
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  • Man...
  • February 22, 2021

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Levlen for PMDD. This changed my whole world - gone are the extended fits of crying and bouts of inexplicable rage. Within days of starting my first cycle, I felt the bloat come in instantly, really sore nipples, and I felt really tired. Essentially, I felt like I was pregnant (according to Google searches), but for me, it's a small price to pay for the benefits I get. I am in my second month, and the water weight seems to be going down, I have gotten back into my usual exercise routine, and my skin is markedly improved too. I allowed a withdrawal bleed and experienced PMS-like symptoms but not the terrifying rage and profound sadness that I usually do. I am over 35 and have cardiac issues, so I will have to be monitored closely and will be bummed if my specialists decide that this medication isn't for me. It's restored my sanity!"

9 / 10
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  • Sam...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 25, 2022

For Birth Control "I started Levlen purely to prevent pregnancy, and in that regard, it has worked well. I never had acne before taking this pill, but I’ve been taking it for a year now, and my skin is the worst it has ever been. While adjusting to it, I experienced severe nausea and bloating, but after six months, these symptoms have disappeared. There was no effect on my libido as far as I’ve noticed, but I did notice that my mental health has taken a turn for the worse. Really bad anxiety for a while after taking the pill, and some symptoms such as hot flashes and hyperventilating, that I’ve never experienced before. Yes, in my experience, it works to prevent pregnancy, but it has had some considerable negative impacts on my life too."

4 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 21, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Levlen is a product I have used for the last three years in order to regulate my periods (I have amenorrhea). Without the aid of hormones, I do not have a proper cycle, and therefore have been on 'versions' of the pill since fifteen. Levlen is just as good as any, and (for me), the contraceptive ability is an added bonus."

9 / 10
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  • ano...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 22, 2020

For Birth Control "Like others, I was on Norimin for about 10 years, but unable to get it due to COVID or other supply reasons. I was prescribed Levlen. I persisted for 3 months. They were the most awful 3 months. My moods were out of control, I had massive pimple breakouts. After not even having my period on Norimin, I experienced heavy bleeding and cramping on Levlen. I have put on 5 kg, I had glands popping up everywhere. Worst pill ever! I am now on Valette. I hope it is a better experience. It is not subsidized, and I am paying about $85 for 3 months, but I was at a point where I didn't care, I just needed to change pills."

1 / 10
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  • MeM...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Levlen works as birth control. Was given it as a generic. Sadly, it completely disrupted my hormones. First month had breakthrough bleeding. After that, I lost my period. I stopped taking it after finishing the one box, and my period has never properly returned since, and it’s been over a year. Had ultrasound scans, and my uterine lining is close to non-existent. I would rather pay more money than receive this ever again."

3 / 10
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  • Dub...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 10, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Originally was put on Levlen as a last resort to treat my menorrhagia. After 6 months, it eventually made my cycle normal-ish, which was great after dealing with that for 2 years. Experienced enormous weight gain. Since going on it 3 years ago, I have doubled my weight. Exercise and diet haven't stopped the weight gain, heaviest I've been in my life. It has happened to other members of my family with taking Levlen, so it might not happen to everyone. Had a lot of fainting, passing out 6 months in, my GP didn't really look into it. My mental health got worse on it too. Huge difference in my mood, developed clinical depression and anxiety. When I stopped taking the pill, there was a huge difference in my overall mood."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Portia when I started birth control and was on it for years and never had any problems until I switched to Levlen due to insurance changes. Ever since I started this brand, I have gained 27 pounds, had drastic mood swings right before/while I am on my period, and night sweats. The periods are getting more painful as time goes by. I didn't realize all these things I've been experiencing could be related to the birth control until I looked up reviews and saw similar complaints. I made a doctor's appointment for later this week, and I really hope to switch off of Levlen. All the side effects are too unbearable to not notice after 6 months of putting up with them!"

2 / 10
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