Junel Fe 1/20 and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Not sure why I even bother taking Junel Fe 1/20. I take BC to manage my extreme period pain, hair growth, and cystic acne. This is by far the worst birth control I have ever experienced. In just four months, I have gained 20 lbs even though I run and play squash daily. I also haven’t had breakouts like this since I was a teenager. And to top it all off, I’ve had a literal period every day for the past four months. THIS IS TERRIBLE. I would take a week of incapacitating pain each month and some cystic acne instead of being now overweight, acne, and 90 straight days of bleeding."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2019

For Birth Control "This was prescribed to me by my psychiatrist because I had major mood swings and worsening depression during my periods that affected my daily life. I can say that I've been on this birth control for almost 2 years, and I really enjoy it. I've had some months where I bleed a normal amount, but mostly just brown discharge, and that's it. Lighter period = less depression and PMSing. I see a lot of bad reviews on this drug, but I used to get really heavy periods, and it was so bad, especially bleeding on my pants at school a few times and constantly having to use the bathroom every hour. If you're looking for a lighter period, this is it! As for acne, I don't really think it helped or broke me out."

• Sin...
• November 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I took Junel Fe 1/20 for 6 months, it was prescribed to me to help with my (moderate) acne and also to help with my painful, uncomfortable periods. The first two months, my bleeding was very irregular, but it stabilized after 3 months. In regards to helping with menstruation, it’s great! However, it did virtually nothing for my skin and actually made my skin break out more frequently on my chin and around my mouth area. I recently switched my birth control to Nikki, which is a generic form of Yaz. If you struggle with hormonal acne like me, I would not take Junel for that. Take a birth control pill that contains a progestin that’s anti-androgenic (like Nikki, Yaz, Beyaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen). In regards to mood on this pill (Junel), I didn’t really notice a difference. I did notice that I lost weight on this pill, perhaps it’s just a coincidence. And this pill lowered my libido substantially. That’s the side effect that does kind of suck. Overall, I wouldn’t really recommend this pill."

• KiK...
• November 30, 2018

For Birth Control "My dr gave me Junel Fe for my horrible periods due to fibroids. First month was awful. Major headaches, felt like I was PMS'ing 24 hours a day the entire month, major depression, hunger, and cystic breakouts. But my period came during placebo week, and I have never experienced such a light period before. Second month had improvement on ALL side effects. Period was still light, but it came for a couple of days, stopped, then came back. Third month, headaches and PMS symptoms are gone except for the period week, and my skin is perfectly clear!!! Super light period and minor cramping. No breakthrough bleeding, but I am very diligent about taking the pill at the same time each night. I set an alarm on my phone so I don't forget. Overall, I have been very happy with results. You do have to suffer through a couple of months of adjustment, but after that, it clears up. The benefits outweigh the negatives. I even started a low carb diet and have lost 11 pounds so far while taking this BCP."

• Bri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication for roughly 3 and a half years and couldn't imagine being on anything else. It cleared up my acne that I struggled with for a long time, and now I only get a few breakouts during my period. It also made my periods so light and regular, but sometimes it's almost hard to tell if I even have my period. It has also prevented pregnancy even when I didn't use a condom. If it wasn't for not being able to tell if I even get my period on occasion, I would rate this medication a 10. However, with that being said, all bodies respond differently to different medications, so that side effect might only pertain to me."

• Sad...
• November 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I began this birth control in January of 2015 (after about 10 months of being off BC). I moved, so I got a new doctor who prescribed Junel Fe 1/20. I had never had an issue with BC before, so I never thought this pill would put me on the downward spiral that it did. Let me state that it took me 10 months to realize this pill was to blame because I lived with my in-laws while purchasing a home and planning a wedding...stress was becoming a close relative. But this pill gave me back acne, weight gain, chin hair, migraines, a cyst on my breast, no sex drive at all, and mood swings so bad that suicide or divorce would cross my mind. Worst pill ever. Strongly advise against."

• liz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been using Junel Fe for years and just came on to see how others' experiences are because a friend mentioned it didn't work for her. It's been amazing for me. I only have 3-4 day periods and only break out occasionally the week before my week off pills. I take it religiously at 10 pm, so that may be a factor as to why it doesn't work for others. Even when I skip my period, I don't spot or anything. And it's free with my insurance. Overall, it's been amazing for me."

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Junel Fe 1/20 for 4 months. It was $45 every 3 months. It started off just fine. I felt great, no weight gain, no acne, my breasts were constantly sore, and I grew in size, but it wasn’t too much to complain about. My periods also improved. I noticed I was a bit more emotional but didn’t worry too much because I already have anxiety and thought it would level out. Month 4 hit me hard. I woke up after the first week and just cried. For some reason, I felt hopeless in the world, and no matter what I did, I didn’t feel better. I tried vitamin B12, changing my diet, nothing worked. After weeks of debating, I switched to Lutera, which is a different progestin, and I am finishing my first month and feel 100% better. I’m still emotional before my period, but that is nothing out of the ordinary. Junel did its job at preventing pregnancy, but the cost of my mental health was not worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I was only on the Junel 1/20 pill for a week, and I had to stop taking it. It made me so sick all day, every day. Although I only threw up once during that period, I was constantly nauseous. I got bloated, my mood swings were terrible, like bouncing off the walls terrible, and my face broke out so bad. I know the pill affects everyone differently, but I do not recommend this pill."

• KCa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Junel Fe 1/20 for about a year. I haven't gotten a period in that entire time. Some spotting here and there but never a full-blown 'it's that time of the month' period. I started getting horrible headaches as soon as I started this pill. I recently stopped taking this pill in May (because I wanted to regulate my cycle again and get my period, also start trying to get pregnant) and yet to have my period come back, and it's almost July. I've read that sometimes it can take upwards of a year for your period to return. Junel Fe 1/20 worked in that I didn't get pregnant, it moderately controlled my acne, and I didn't have any weight gain with it. But now my period isn't coming back seemingly anytime soon now that I'm off the pill, and that concerns me. I will not return to using this even if I consider going back on the pill. Everyone's body is different and reacts differently to medications, but I suggest trying another brand of birth control before this one!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I took this birth control, Junel Fe 1/20, for 3 months. It worked, however, the side effect for me was it made my acne worse. Once I stopped taking it, my acne was better within days. Other than that, it wasn’t completely bad. I didn’t have any other side effects."

• Tay...
• March 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been taking Junel for two years. I've never had acne and only gained a few pounds. My breasts got a size bigger as well. My period went from awful, heavy, and cramping for eight days at a time to light and easy cramps for four days. It has also prevented pregnancy like it is supposed to. My OB-GYN even said this is the first birth control she goes to when recommending a type to women. I love this birth control and would recommend it to anyone."

• You...
• April 14, 2016

For Birth Control "DO NOT GET SCARED BY THE REVIEWS!!!! My best advice is EVERYBODY is different. I read the reviews on this medication and got so scared and called my doctor and begged to switch before starting it. She told me to start and if anything goes wrong, we can just switch it. My experience: First pack: I did have some slight nausea within the first week, it wasn't too bad. I was still able to get through my days of going to school and work. Second week: light breakthrough bleeding, nothing traumatic. Got my period during placebo week as planned, no harsh symptoms. I am used to my period being very heavy, lasting a whole week with terrible cramps and acne. I experienced none of that!! A plus, I had slight acne, and this medicine cleared it right up."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I loved this birth control when I was on it! I also started out on Microgestin, and when the pharmacies had stopped carrying it, I was switched to the Junel. I was lucky enough to have my period for about 2.5 days per month, like clockwork. It cleared up my acne, and I felt good. However, I came off of it in January of this year as my hubby and I are thinking about having children soon, and I feel like a 15-year-old again. My skin is insanely greasy, I'm breaking out like crazy, and to top it off, I've gained 15 lbs because my appetite has been out of control! I guess I didn't realize how much Junel had been suppressing my appetite and even my teenage acne... And no, I'm not pregnant, so the weight gain cannot be attributed to that."

• sma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I have taken Junel Fe 1/20 for two months primarily as a method of birth control. So far, I have had a few episodes of mild nausea and one more serious episode where the nausea was nearly immobilizing and accompanied by harsh pelvic pain and spotting. I have had some mood swings and low feelings -- though I experienced this prior in the form of PMS, too. My breasts seem slightly larger, though I have not gained weight otherwise. Prior to taking Junel Fe 1/20, I had very occasional breakouts, which I am still experiencing. I experienced spotting and light bleeding on the active pills -- which will hopefully subside as the hormones regulate."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I've only been taking Junel Fe 1/20 for 2 months now (I have my 3rd month, but I don't know if I'm going to take it). I get my prescription online through a service, and the only reason I switched to Junel Fe was that I had to renew my subscription and they didn't pick back up where I left off. I figured I'd give it a few months and see what happened. I mostly take birth control to help with my ovarian cysts and regulation. I immediately noticed with this medication that I have a lot more pain and cramps. It also did not regulate my period, as I have missed it since I've been taking this medication. I also struggle with anxiety, and it not only doubled it but has made me feel extremely depressed. Also, I have relatively clear skin, but I've been having acne breakouts since starting. I already messaged my doctor to see about changing."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2020

For Birth Control "After reading pages of comments, I feel better. Being off of BC for 10 years and 3 kids later, I started having very heavy periods and extreme PMS. Talked to my doctor, and she recommended Junel Fe. I’ve been on it for 5 months, and it confuses me. I did have acne the first 2 months, but that cleared up. I bleed every 2-3 weeks for anywhere from 5-12 days, and it’s extremely annoying. Sex drive is down. And I saw that other women experience dryness, so I don’t feel crazy anymore. It did improve my PMS and made my bleeding so much lighter, thankfully, but I’m really tired of bleeding. As I write this, I’m on day 10 of bleeding. And I’ve only had two months within the past 5 months that my period actually started when I started the iron pills. I have an appointment with a new doctor in a few days, and hopefully, we can find something that works for me. I’m not using BC as a contraceptive, but as a mood stabilizer and to lessen the heaviness. Cross your fingers for me."

• Mad...
• January 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Please never take this pill! I am typically not the type to write out reviews, but I felt like it was necessary for this one. I’ve been on birth control for about 8 years and have only had to change my brand 3 times because my pharmacy stopped carrying two of them. My pharmacist recently told me they no longer had the Microgestin I had been on for years, so they were going to change me to Junel. I noticed acne right away, and I am typically not one to ever get acne. I spoke to my doctor about changing, but she said to try it out for at least a couple of months 'til my body adjusted. I continued to have acne flare-ups that I have never had in my life. I could not control my mood swings and found myself becoming really irritable and crying for no reason. I spoke with my doctor and am now changing my birth control (BC). This is a major warning, especially coming from someone who’s tried other BC and never experienced anything like this until starting Junel."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Junel for 3 years. The first 2 months, I was VERY emotional, but after everything evened out, I saw some positive things. Gained a little weight (I was fine with it because it went directly to my boobs and butt), helped my acne (still broke out around my period), also COMPLETELY STOPPED BLEEDING. No cramping-nothing. Which is kinda weird, but my doc said it was fine. Imagine not having to buy tampons for 3 years. All in all, pretty neat. I moved to another country, so unfortunately, I have to switch to another BC..."

• hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I went on birth control for the first time in my life, I was experiencing bad acne and cramps almost 15 days before my period starts. My only fear was the weight gain, but I decided to give it a shot and try to control my PMS. I was on Junel Fe 1/20 for almost 5 months, did not get my period for the first three months, and I only had spotting for 2 weeks every month. My acne got to its worse level, and I experienced some huge acne on my back too. After being on Junel for 5 months, I noticed that I gained 10 lb, and it was a time when I decided to call my doctor to put me on something else. I am on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and so far it has been a good pill, but with major headaches. I hate Junel Fe 1/20 since it gifted me 10 lb in 5 months."

• Ari...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched to this birth control from Tri-Sprintec to Junel Fe after my previous birth control stopped working in terms of acne. This medicine has improved my acne significantly! My only complaint is that my period will not become regular! I have been on this medication for 6-9 months and still can’t count on whether or not I will even get a period or two in a month; when on my other birth control, it was like clockwork, literally down to the hour."

• Mia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2022

For Birth Control "Was on Loestrin Fe for over two years when I got switched to Junel Fe. I have never had mental health issues, but this pill made me feel like I was going insane. For the first two months, it was fine; I had a little anxiety, but thought nothing of it and brushed it off. Then around month 3, everything got worse by each month. Every month for two weeks, I’d have severe night anxiety; paranoia about family dying, home break-ins, general impending doom; night sweats leading to nightmares; and insomnia. All of which culminated in meltdowns at 3 a.m. Also experienced acne (which I’ve never had issues with), GERD, chest pains, heart palpitations, anger, and some weight gain. I was seriously considering therapy/anxiety meds until 10 months in, I clocked it. I promptly got off of it and felt like normal after 2 weeks. It might work for someone else, so it might not happen to you. If you are having these symptoms, it might be this pill; call your doctor. I wish I had sooner to save me from 10 months of hell."

• Bre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Junel Fe almost a year ago, and it hasn’t been bad except for the fact that it does not control my acne like I was told it would. I was previously on Yaz, which was amazing and kept my skin looking like porcelain, but switched due to it causing me to bleed a lot. My doctor said Junel would keep me acne-free, but it has caused me to break out bad. I get clusters of whiteheads on my chin and my forehead and the weekly pimple somewhere on my face. I hate it. It has also caused my sex drive to drop significantly. I’m gonna give Yaz another shot and take my chances. Good at preventing pregnancy, but not for treating acne."

• Bir...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Junel Fe for about 6 months. I'm 21. So far, everything is good. I switched pills due to spotting for 60 days straight on a 90-day pill. Junel Fe gives me hardly any cramps, which is amazing because mine used to be so bad I would vomit, and I have light to no periods during the brown pill week. I did, however, notice I want to eat 24/7 (which I can control), and my mood swings are a little more severe. Sex drive and acne weren't affected."

• Bes...
• October 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Junel FE for about 8 months. The first 2-3 months was okay. But I did notice after that I started gaining weight, even after working out in the gym 3 times a week for 2-3 hours a day. Then I started getting anxiety, depression, fatigue, constipation, bloating, and breakouts."