Orsythia and Sore Breasts: What Users Say

• tru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I've taken oral contraceptives for a couple of years, almost 10 years ago. I decided to try again and was prescribed Orsythia. While it does its job - I'm not pregnant - I'm constantly tired and sleepy, my sex drive is almost nonexistent now, my breasts often hurt, and the first day of my period is very painful. I can take Tylenol for the menstrual pain, but other side effects are unacceptable."

• Mag...
• January 12, 2015

For Birth Control "Got on Orsythia because of PMDD. Used to be suicidal right before my period. After taking the pill, I'm MUCH more balanced. Only criticism is it makes my breasts extra sore during PMS. And the first couple of months I had spotting. But, overall, it's great. And it's definitely done its job to prevent pregnancy!"

• Chi...
• August 5, 2016

For Birth Control "This pill lightened my period, but I began to experience sore back, sore breasts, constant hunger, and always felt tired. I gained 45 pounds since I started taking the pill, but my diet remained. I stopped taking the pill and instantly lost weight! I've been off the pill for a month, and I've already lost 15 pounds."

• L L...
• December 25, 2013

For Birth Control "I am on my 4th month taking this pill. This is my first time regularly having sex without a condom, and I have not gotten pregnant. My sex drive is great, but I have a lot of cramps and breast tenderness. I gained some weight at first, but I went back down when I stopped eating as much. My periods have been long, but relatively light. Considering I can overcome the side effects, and I get this brand for free, it works for me."

• Lol...
• January 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about 2 years. I've never really had a problem with this pill. Heck, I have no complaints really. I just notice sometimes I get breakthrough bleeding, especially if I start a new cycle after skipping a month. My skin remains clear, my mood swings are in check, plus I get a lighter period. I really do believe this pill works differently for different people. Yes, my breasts do get tender around my period, but that's normal for my body. I did gain weight, but I'm not sure it was due to the pill because I do eat a lot. Lol. My body only filled out more in the right places. I also have a healthy sex drive, unlike when I was on the NuvaRing."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I used Orsythia many years ago, and all went well. I don't remember having any issues while using it. It prevented pregnancy, my acne cleared up, and I lost a little weight. I recently decided to get back on the pill and have only been on it for about 2 weeks. This time around, my boobs hurt so bad, my back muscles are extremely tender, and I constantly feel like I'm going to vomit. So far, there are no negative effects on my anxiety/depression. I'm going to give it more time since I had a successful experience prior to this, but if things continue down this path, I will have to switch to something else."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Orsythia for about a year now, and it's been the best birth control I've been on. All the others made me very emotional and gain weight. At first, there was some nausea, but eating before taking the pill helped. There's also breast tenderness when my period starts, but that's no surprise. I haven't gained any weight, my acne cleared up, and I've never had a pregnancy scare while on this pill, even after unprotected sex with my boyfriend. Overall, I'd say it's doing a good job."

• Sil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I was put on this BC because it was what my insurance was covering. I was on it for about 9 months. Prior to using Orsythia, I was on Lutera. I am now back on Lutera, thank goodness! They supposedly have the same ingredients, but Orsythia really made me feel awful. Here is what went on. Every month was different, some months I was extremely emotional, other months my breasts would get very tender, all the way through the nipple, ouch! I would also get frequent headaches, like maybe 4 a week. There was more cramping too. I connected the dots and told my Dr. and she switched me back to Lutera and put on the prescription that there should be no substitutions. I have been fine for the past 6 months since I changed back. Orsythia sucks if you ask me."

• Rac...
• April 8, 2013

For Birth Control "I don't have insurance but do have a discount at my pharmacy. I've used Lutera for 12 years! Last month, I was switched to Orsythia and did notice my mood changed a bit, was so hungry, therefore gained 10 pounds. I did have a super light period and my breasts didn't hurt at all this past time. I needed to start eating good anyway, and I've lost weight, and I now know what's causing my increased anger, so I'm more mellow (myself again). I like Orsythia and plan on not switching."

• vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2017

For Birth Control "If you have any history with anxiety and/or depression, stay far away from this pill. I have been on Orsythia for 4 months, and it's been miserable. My anxiety is through the roof, I have panic attacks weekly, and throughout the month, I would go into a depression where I would just hate myself and be completely sad for no reason at all. I also didn't get my period during any of the 'period week' (placebo pills week), instead, I would get a period week 2-3 of my pill pack. It also made my breasts hurt for 2 months and made me have little to no appetite. I lost 20 pounds while taking this. Sharing my experience so other girls don't have to go through the same thing. I am using condoms as contraceptives now, and it is so much better."

• Ano...
• October 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I honestly didn't have a problem with this pill the first 9 months I was on it. After that though, my breasts grow and really hurt every single month, then shrink back to normal before my period begins. I've experienced nausea, super low sex drive, tender breasts, increase of appetite, you name it! I'm paranoid that I'm pregnant every month on this stuff! I'm finishing the last pack and switching for sure!"

• Wil...
• June 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Orsythia for a year and a half, and I've had a regular cycle twice! I get it early, and it lasts 7-12 days, and it's just brown, not a true 'period.' Recently, I've started to get the bad acne everyone mentions. I'm 43 and have pimples on my chin and forehead (never had it before). It has eliminated my breast tenderness and cramping, though - that's why I stayed on it. But it's just too unpredictable, and so I changed to another birth control. I do not recommend it."

• Sha...
• August 19, 2018

For Birth Control "Worst birth control by far. It was 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, but the side effects were awful. I was switched to it after taking Lutera for 3 years because the health department ran out of Lutera. First off, the first month I took it, I constantly had a yeast infection. I ended up having breakthrough bleeding and periods that lasted at least a week. The other downside. I took it for several months and out of nowhere had such terrible breast pain and nausea I was convinced I was pregnant. It was that bad. They were never sensitive at all, just achy. Then I had chest pains. Also, the weight gain was awful and made me feel like a cow. The worst part was the anxiety and emotional roller coaster. After taking it for several months, I noticed my anxiety was at an all-time high and caused me to become so stressed out."

• Tif...
• May 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for over a year, and only had mild side effects during the first 2 months. Those side effects included breast tenderness and spotting. After the 2-month mark, all side effects subsided. I have had much lighter periods that only last 3-4 days since starting the pill, which has been great! I have not experienced mood swings, low sex drive, weight gain, or any of the other effects some others have dealt with. It's been a great pill for me!"

• Jaz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 21, 2015

For Birth Control "For the first few months, everything was fine. My periods were short and light, and I didn't experience any cramps. After about a year or so, I started gaining so much weight and experiencing mood swings, increased sex drive, and tender breasts. I believe the birth control does its job, but the side effects aren't worth it. I got off of them for a while, and my body felt so much better/balanced, but I got back on to regulate my period again because it came on every 2 weeks. I'm switching as soon as I can."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 1 1/2 years. When I first started taking it, I had the usual side effects, upset stomach, but when I took it with food, I was fine. However, if you miss a pill, only retake 1 (the missed pill), not 2, or you will vomit, then continue the rest of the pack. I never had any pregnancy scare, my period always came on like clockwork. In April of 2016, my period came on twice, and the second time it did not go off for almost 4 weeks. My breasts were also super sensitive. My doctor switched me the next month. Other than that, I had no issues and loved this birth control. I recommend watching out for unusual signals that may present themselves."

• lov...
• January 30, 2013

For Birth Control "This medication made my breasts hurt for the entire two months that I was on it. I could barely wear a bra because they hurt so badly. Most birth control pills that I have been on have cleared my acne completely, but I all of a sudden had severe breakouts, especially on my chin, while on this medication. The only good side effect was that it decreased my appetite, but I was hungry again during my periods. My periods were also regular and light."

• Eaw...
• June 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Orsythia is my first birth control and I have been taking it for a year now. I started out with tender and growing boobs for a couple of months, which is fine, and I have gained weight because it makes me crave food. However, my periods are a lot lighter, always on time, and no cramps. My acne slightly subsided, but I break out badly on my chin right before my period. A little more irritable and emotional, but so worth it. I’m too scared to switch because all other BC reviews are horrible. After a while, my boobs went back to normal size."

• Eri...
• April 23, 2015

For Birth Control "This is by far the worst birth control I have ever experienced. I have been on the pill for 5 years, and this was given to me as a filler between my annual exam (I normally have a different brand). I had no idea that brands can differ so much, and I thought nothing of it. Right away on this pill, I became sick to my stomach and thought I had the flu. I had horrible gas and heartburn. My breasts hurt horribly. I got horrible acne all over my chin! Then, by the third week, I started to feel mild cramping in my calf and sharp pains all over my body. This pill has inspired me to go off the pill in general. Horrible experience."

• May...
• December 17, 2017

For Birth Control "This is my first form of birth control. I was very, very apprehensive about taking this birth control because of the reviews. I am currently halfway through my second pack, and so far, so good. The only negative I have is that the first week I had sore boobs, but after that, everything was back to normal. So far, so good."

• Ano...
• January 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on this for about six months. I used to have periods that lasted six days at a time, and I would have a long time in between. I've also always been small and have trouble gaining weight. I've never had acne. As soon as I went on this, I broke out and gained eight pounds even though I was eating less and exercising more, and have been emotionally unavailable. In the beginning, my skin broke out, but that changed after three months. My period still lasts as long, but now it's slightly heavier, and I get it nearly twice as often. However, I have to give it a seven because my fiancé and I have unprotected sex, and I am not pregnant. I have had slight breast tenderness, but that has also gone away for the most part."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 4, 2014

For Birth Control "When I first started taking Orsythia, I loved it! It even caused me to lose weight. I would only take it in the morning or afternoon, sometimes at night when I would remember, and I never got pregnant. My pharmacy switched me to Lutera, and I had irregular bleeding. I know it's the same main ingredient, I am not sure if the dosage changed, but I did have tender breasts. I actually thought I was pregnant, but that was impossible because I had 10-day periods. I felt like I was always on my period. It was annoying. Then I got used to it. I feel as though I may have gained some weight, but it's all water weight and bloat. Now I am taking Aubra, it's the same ingredients, so hopefully my body adjusts and I go back to being skinny with hardly any period."

• AJB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on this for about 3 months now. I have been moody, gained weight, and feel overall not good. I am so bloated at times, and my breasts hurt all throughout the month."