Orsythia and Acne: What Users Say

• Aud...
• April 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Orsythia for one year and it's been a breeze. Zero side effects - literally zero. You will find a plethora of horrible reviews for this pill, which is actually what spurred me to write this positive one. Remember that people that are content with their pill don't always think to write a review, I didn't! I've had no acne, no weight gain, no mood swings, no pain, short and light periods, no spotting, and NO PREGNANCIES. Give it a try, everyone's bodies are different. Just because other people have had a bad experience with a medication doesn't mean it will happen to you!"

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I like this medication! I was scared to try it because I read all of the bad reviews. I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen-Lo for about 4-5 years prior to trying Orsythia and had no problems, but wanted to switch because of the cost. No acne, no mood swings, no period changes. Well, I thought I'd do people who are considering switching pills a favor and give you hope - you'll probably be fine."

• jrh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Orsythia for about a year and a half, and I have no complaints about it. After reading a lot of the comments, I noticed people were only unsatisfied with it because of pimples and weight gain. Sure, I get an occasional pimple or cramp, but can we look at the bigger picture? It does its job in protecting us from getting pregnant. That's all I have to say."

• lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2014

For Birth Control "This pill has been pretty close to perfect. No weight gain, no depression, and my periods are much lighter and shorter. During the first few months, my acne got really bad, and I almost got off the pill, but then it went away around month 3, and my skin is pretty clear. I think this was just a bodily reaction to the change in hormones. The only negative is that this pill does make me drowsier than I used to be, but I can manage. And plus, I'm not pregnant, so I guess it's doing its job pretty well."

• Anonymous
• March 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I used to get extremely heavy periods and very severe cramps, and I was looking for a birth control pill that would help with it. My OB/GYN prescribed me Orsythia, and I was a little worried about side effects from what I've read online from others. But, I had none! No weight gain, mood swings, acne, or nausea! Nothing at all! My problems with cramps and heavy periods went away within three months, and there was a definite improvement right when I started taking it. No more cramps or acne, and my periods are now super light! I can't speak for everyone, since hormone pills will affect everyone differently, but this pill was a perfect match for me! I'd highly recommend it for birth control and managing difficult periods."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2013

For Birth Control "First time ever starting birth control, and the reviews on here scared me! So glad I decided to tough it out! I've been taking it for 4 months, and the only symptoms I have had are a little more emotional outburst two days before my period (not that big of a deal, I was always prone to PMS emotional outbursts anyways) and breakthrough bleeding the first month. No weight gain, no acne (actually, less acne). I realize all women are different, but just thought I'd share my mostly pleasant experience with this pill! Oh, and of course...it works! Not pregnant!"

• M_D...
• December 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Orsythia for almost two weeks, and my emotions are all over the place. I get very upset at my boyfriend for no reason, and I tend to cry a lot. I have also had a little more acne than usual."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2011

For Birth Control "I had been on Lutera for several years and never had trouble with it. My pharmacy switched my medication to Orsythia. I have only been on it for 2 weeks, and I am unbelievably bloated, my clothes hardly fit, I have gained weight (probably due to the bloating), and my skin has broken out. My husband thought I was going through puberty again! I hate to see what the third week is going to bring. I had an appointment with my doctor and told her about my symptoms and told her about the pharmacy switching my medicine. She wrote another prescription for Lutera and told them not to substitute. I want my Lutera back!"

• Rac...
• December 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I've actually lost weight on this pill. Every other birth control pill made me gain lots of weight. Periods are short. It has no side effects that I've noticed. Compared to other pills I've tried, this is the best. I recommend it! I do not get acne, or crazy mood swings, or anything of that sort on this pill. It works beautifully."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on it for almost 2 years, and it does great. I have no cramps, the period starts normally on my third day of my blue pill. When I remember to take them, it lasts about three days, it's super light. I'm not throwing up. My face recently started breaking out, but maybe I need more water."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2013

For Birth Control "I was nervous taking this med after reading negative reviews, but after a rough first week that included nausea (quelled by taking Dramamine), a nasty headache, having my face break out (I am 46 and do not get breakouts), and then breakthrough bleeding...everything calmed, and I've loved the medicine ever since. All the original side effects went right away, and my period was extremely light and short...love it. Glad my Dr. convinced me to stick with it because I almost quit taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on the pills for 2 months, and I have been so emotional, as in depressed. I've had a little bit of acne, but it's not that bad. No weight gain, in fact, I've lost 5 pounds. Very, very nauseous but can't throw up. Headaches here and there. I'm not sure if I'll switch just yet... I'll probably try it out a little longer."

• Hat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I started taking this pill 2 months ago, and although I haven't experienced any breakthrough bleeding, I've gotten a lot of other negative side effects. I've broken out with acne like a teenager, my sex drive has decreased, mood swings, increased appetite, and weight gain. Yesterday was my last day taking this pill."

• HS8...
• July 31, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Orsythia for about a year (and on various pills over the last 10 years), and it was fine at first. However, in the last 4-6 months, I have noticed a HUGE change. Weight that I just can't seem to shed, hormonal acne on my jawline and neck, no sex drive, and really awful moodiness and depression. Everything else in my life is peachy, so I knew it was my hormones due to this pill."

• Mel...
• February 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I was given Orsythia because my pharmacy had told me that Aviane was being discontinued. I was also told they were the same thing and made by the same manufacturer. I contacted Teva and was told that the information I was given was wrong, that Aviane is not discontinued and not under the same manufacturer. Aviane was perfect for me: no acne, perfect moods, energy, and a good appetite (I need weight gain). The first week of Orsythia consisted of meltdowns, frequent headaches, dizziness, slight nausea, and acne-lots of acne. Into the second week, my nausea became a little bit worse and my temper would easily be disturbed, I also experienced very bothersome breast soreness. Stick to what works for you and do your research!"

• Rac...
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "This birth control is by far the worst of any other I've taken. I have experienced severe mood swings and temperament, depression, bloating, awful chest, back, and facial acne, and constant food cravings. I would never wish this drug on anybody."

• Rac...
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "This birth control is by far the worst of any other I've taken. I have experienced severe mood swings and temperament, depression, bloating, awful chest, back, and facial acne, and constant food cravings. I would never wish this drug on anybody."

• Rac...
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "This birth control is by far the worst of any other I've taken. I have experienced severe mood swings and temperament, depression, bloating, awful chest, back, and facial acne, and constant food cravings. I would never wish this drug on anybody."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2012

For Birth Control "I was given Orsythia because my pharmacist switched me from Lutera. This birth control actually kills my appetite, resulting in a little weight loss and, even better, increased my breast size. My main complaint is that I get large, deep breakouts on my chin, but a salicylic acid facial cleanser is helping with them. Also, I wake up in a bad mood every morning. I have only been on this birth control for a few weeks and definitely isn't as good as Lutera, but I will wait for my body to adjust a little more. I would definitely say give it a try before you call your pharmacist screaming."

• Kou...
• February 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I was previously on Tri-Previfem, and had horrible acne, cramps, and mood swings on it. Switched to Orsythia, and I am currently on the third week. My acne is totally gone, I've gotten one pimple this month (I would get 7-10 while on Tri-Previfem). No more mood swings, and I am totally satisfied with it."

• Bre...
• August 13, 2016

For Birth Control "This was my first time on the pill, and I can say that it has been great. I gained a few pounds the first month, but I also started lifting weights and eating a lot more to help build muscle the same time I started taking it, so I can't say definitively that the pill is what made me gain weight (and by gain weight I mean like 5 to 7 pounds-I haven't gained or lost more than 2 or 3 in the past 4 years as a high schooler, so that was pretty significant for me). It didn't clear up my acne, but it didn't make it any worse. I've had no mood swings, no cramps, no PMS symptoms, no bloating, really no side effects at all. The only real change I've experienced by taking this is that it made my period more regular and lighter. I have no complaints."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2016

For Birth Control "The only reason I even give this two stars is because I never had an issue with pregnancy on this pill. I started with Aviane (which I had no side effects and generally felt great) and was switched to this by my pharmacy. Since then, things have gone downhill. I had very mild anxiety before going on the pill, Aviane did nothing to it, but Orsythia has amplified it to the point where I've really struggled with my anxiety and mood swings. A few days before my period, the smallest things will set me off into episodes of weeping and panic. I've gained some weight (5 pounds). Experienced nausea every so often (more than Aviane). Worst is the cystic acne on my chin. While my periods have been lighter and shorter, cramps have gotten worse. Terrible."

• Pur...
• September 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Orsythia for a year now, and I have to say that I have never been happier with another birth control, and I've had one other before starting Orsythia. I did NOT gain any weight, lose my sex drive, get acne, have mood swings, PMS symptoms, or, most importantly, get pregnant on this birth control. I am so happy with my RX, and I would highly recommend it. I understand that everyone is different and experiences drugs differently, but you need to wait the 3-4 months before getting used to a daily drug in your body that changes your natural hormones. I love it, and I see that it is very effective for me."

• Jes...
• February 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Orsythia for about a year. It did its job in that I did not get pregnant, but I had to quit taking it because of the awful side effects. Weight gain was minimal but definitely occurred. After about 6 months, my acne became worse than it has ever been, but even that wasn't the worst of it. Orsythia brought my anxiety to an all-time high, and I was experiencing awful mood swings. All of these symptoms practically disappeared within 2 months after quitting it. I did not have anxiety before taking Orsythia, and now, even though it has been almost a year since I quit (haven't taken another birth control since), I still have bouts of anxiety from time to time. I believe my anxiety was triggered by this birth control."

• Ali...
• July 8, 2015

For Birth Control "The worst birth control I've taken. I started getting side effects right away: pimples everywhere, would feel nauseous after I took the pill, and felt bloated all day. If you're reading this review and considering taking this birth control, don't. The only reason I was given this pill was that my original birth control (Lutera) was on backorder."