Minastrin 24 Fe and Bleeding: What Users Say

• kat...
• November 11, 2013

For Birth Control "Like with everyone else, was switched to this medication unknowingly. I receive my birth control in a 6-month supply, and this last bulk included 2 Minastrin packs. I used Loestrin for a good 2 years and had absolutely NO side effects. I'm halfway through my second pack of Minastrin, and I've been bleeding 2-3 days every other week (which isn't a huge deal, more annoying than anything), horrible lower back pain that will not cease, I've cried 4 times just in the past few days over nonsense, and have been in a generally depressed state. I made sure there were no other stressors that could've triggered this ridiculous emotional roller coaster and finally connected the dots and realized these symptoms presented after starting Minastrin."

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I had severe cramping and bled for 21 days. My period before this birth control was only 4 days. I have taken myself off. The 21-day period, the heavy clots, the nausea, and irritable state just was not worth it."

• tri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I was switched to Minastrin from Loestrin, just like everyone else. But unlike most, I am doing great on it! I was taking Loestrin for over 2 years and loved it. Minastrin has been the same for me, no unusual side effects at all. No acne, which I had when I was a teenager and still use Proactiv for. No unusual headaches or bleeding, etc. I rated it an 8 only because I don't like chewing it, it's gross tasting, but works good for me, so I'm sticking with it."

• Ano...
• January 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Minastrin for maybe less than a year, and for my body, it works great! I had no nausea, less cramping and bleeding, and cleared my acne up. However, I did gain about 10 lbs and lots of bloating. Overall, it worked great. My periods were much lighter and lasted about 2-3 days, plus I haven't gotten pregnant. Unfortunately, my insurance company does not cover it, so I've been paying around $80 per month. Keep in mind everyone's body reacts to birth control differently, so do not get overwhelmed with the negative reviews!"

• Lb3...
• June 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I wanted to write this review because I see others really struggling with Minastrin at first, and I want to tell you - take heart! I'm in my second month on this pill, and the first was rough. I had mood swings, bloating, and bleeding every day for a month. I felt miserable and was convinced I would stop taking this. However, I took the very first pill of my second pack, and every single symptom disappeared overnight. I don't have a single issue anymore, and the bleeding stopped. Not even experiencing spotting. I know every body is different, so I'm not saying this will work for you as well, but in my case, sticking it out that first month was so important. I'm really glad I stayed with it, and I hope you give it a chance too."

• Mel...
• April 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I went on Minastrin to help regulate my periods, which were coming every two weeks or so, and ever since I've been on this pill, all I've done is bleed! Now I'm constantly having my period... Hope I don't bleed to death! FML."

• Amb...
• December 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been taking this pill for almost a year, probably by far the worst birth control I've ever taken (side effects wise). This pill makes you bleed and spot ALL the time. I take it at the exact time every single day, and yet somehow my period will start like 2 weeks before I'm supposed to get it, and it will last for like a week of just pure spotting. This is verrrrrry annoying and inconvenient for a woman with a boyfriend. You never know if one day you're just going to start bleeding or not. Periods are just as bad as before I was on the pill, cramps, bloating, and heaviness of bleeding varies. I also have almost a nonexistent sex drive, which sucks. Also, I have been having stomach issues on and off since I've been taking this."

• Ath...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin before it was discontinued and have been on Minastrin for a little over a year now. Immediately starting, I stopped getting any sort of bleeding and started getting cystic zits around my second week of the pill each month (I never had any acne when I was a teen). This was tolerable until about nine months into the pill when I started getting large whiteheads all around my nose and chin. Bye bye, Minastrin!"

• nag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2015

For Birth Control "This pill caused me to get two periods a month and constant breakthrough bleeding. The worst experience I've ever had on a pill. I took this pill for 4 months and never missed a pill. Switching right away."

• Kyl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Great pill - Minastrin 24 Fe. It is the first one EVER to work for me. I had tried probably 15 others and always had breakthrough bleeding every day or throwing up. So I was so thrilled to start this one! Sadly, my insurance doesn’t cover it, and so I was paying out of pocket. I had a great price for a while, then that coupon expired and it cost me close to $200. A generic by Allergan became available for $100. But now I can’t afford it. So I am on nothing. With no birth control pill, I have terrible periods that last a long time and horrible cramping. On Minastrin, I had no pain, minimal bleeding, and was very happy. I laugh at the review that says on it a week and gained weight... whatever!"

• Wor...
• November 28, 2015

For Birth Control "My GYN prescribed this pill to help with my heavy periods. I HATE IT! I've been on it for almost 2 months, I take it at the exact same time every day, and have never missed a dose. I have had the worst mood swings and have been bleeding for a whole month. I experienced what I would call a very heavy period (changing my pad every 45 minutes or wearing adult diapers) 2 times in one month, and the cramps are horrible. I went in to see my doctor the second time I experienced the heavy bleeding, and she said that this is normal for the first 3-4 months of taking this medication. I wish that I had NEVER started this medication. My periods were heavy before the pill, and now they are worse than before. At least before the pill, I only bled 8 days out of the month."

• Anonymous
• October 14, 2016

For Birth Control "Started on Minastrin 24 Fe to help balance out my cramping and the heavy bleeding during my periods, which it did help. A week after I started my next new set, I started to have the bad feeling in my upper stomach like I have been doing tons of sit-ups nonstop. So I thought I probably moved funny or something, it'll go away. Well, a couple of days went along, and it got worse. It became more intense and sharp stabbing pains, and it extended into my back as well. I couldn't lay on my sides, nor even when I drove in a vehicle any bump nor turn it hurt. I knew it was time to go to the hospital. When they checked me out, they said I had a blood clot going to my liver, which was caused by birth control. Be careful, it might not be for you."

• Ugh...
• December 17, 2015

For Birth Control "So I have been taking this pill for a month and a half, and I'm glad that I will be switching back to Lo Loestrin Fe. This pill was fine for the first month, but once it got into my system... oh boy. I'm nauseous all the time, which is only relieved by burping or breaking wind. (Gross! I get that it's a bodily function, but 24/7?!) I had five days of breakthrough bleeding. My doctor told me it's normal to not get a period after starting this pill. But when you're sexually active, it gives you pause when you don't get one (have not missed a pill). My boyfriend says that my moods have changed and that I'm lethargic when I'm with him. I also get that I'm stressed out with the holidays, but I really don't need my birth control adding to it!"

• Ano...
• January 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I have tried about five different birth controls before my new doctor put me on Minastrin. I have PCOS, doctors have recommended I always stay on birth control to help it. Before this pill, I bled heavily for a month straight. Two days after starting this, the bleeding stopped. I now have a very light period for maybe three days. Medications can affect one person differently from the next person, but this pill has been one of the best. The bonus is my insurance pays 100% for birth control."

• VCo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm giving this pill an 8 because, for me, it had very minimal side effects. I didn't gain any weight, it cleared any blemishes, and I experienced no mood swings or depression. However, I did experience severe spotting and breakthrough bleeding, even after being on the pill for three months. My doctor told me to give my body three months to adjust, and during my fourth month on this pill, I bled for the entire first week of my fourth pack! Therefore, it feels like I'm getting a period (or at least have to wear pads) twice a month. The spotting is absolutely annoying, and I'm strongly considering switching to another pill or just taking myself off of birth control entirely."

• jta...
• July 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I am finishing my second month on this pill and am switching to a new pill. The major issues I had while taking this pill were terrible stomachaches and extremely heavy breakthrough bleeding; however, I did not experience mood swings, weight gain, or any other adverse effects."

• Cai...
• March 19, 2016

For Birth Control "Ok, I went on it obviously to prevent pregnancy, but also to help with my painful periods. Pack one, I had breakthrough bleeding about two weeks after my normal period (pre-BC) with no withdrawal bleed. I had extreme headaches, nausea, and anxiety. Pack two, same side effects, but had a normal withdrawal bleed. Pack three, the side effects went away, and my withdrawal bleed was less than normal. Super easy to care for. Pack four, my withdrawal bleed was abnormal. It lasted the entire four days of brown pills, but it itself was brown and not red. Pack five's withdrawal bleed started out brown and ended like a normal period. Color and all. My anxiety was so bad about pack five that I took two pregnancy tests just to rule out the weirdness."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old, and I started taking my first birth control pill ever (Minastrin) in late January 2015. The first month I took this pill, I was extremely emotional. It's now just over 6 months later, and I have had stomach cramps/pain as well as bleeding of all sorts of colors for the entire month. My boyfriend and I were so convinced I was pregnant because of all the symptoms and side effects associated with this pill. I never have a cramp a day in my life until I started this pill, and now, along with the cramps comes bleeding and horrible stomach pain. Anything that causes such differences in your daily life and this much stress is not worth it. I am starting a new pill tomorrow, thankfully."

• Lnw...
• March 24, 2016

For Birth Control "When I first started taking this pill, it worked great! The first few months, my period was lighter, only 2-3 days of non-heavy bleeding. I also lost 25 lbs. Then, around the 4th month, I started getting breakthrough bleeding that lasted for days and heavier periods. After reading these other comments, now I know what has been causing the mood swings. The only positive is the weight loss."

• lpr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2016

For Birth Control "So, I had been experiencing irregular and painful periods due to low body fat and my lifestyle (I am an avid runner). My doctor said I was suffering from amenorrhea. So, he placed me on Minastrin. Literally, within a week and 5 days of taking the medicine, I broke out in severe hives on my legs and arms, which were red and itchy. I called my doctor and told him, and he suggested that I take Benadryl for the allergic reaction. The Benadryl did not help. I also was experiencing mood changes, where I would either be down in the dumps or angry at the world. I was then instructed to stop taking it and begin a new one. One day after not taking the medicine, I started bleeding heavily and having severe cramps. 1st time I ever had BC."

• SCo...
• December 28, 2016

For Birth Control "Before this, I was on the Lo Lo Estrin (which I'm back on). This pill was way too strong for me, it would cause me to miss a period every other month. Also, the side effects were so BAD. I was super emotional the entire month I would be taking it. I also had so much anxiety, and I would even wake up anxious frequently. That never happened so often before. The bleeding was irregular. I also was bloated all the time. I definitely wouldn't recommend this pill."

• SoF...
• September 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on many different pills and never had side effects until the last couple and would bleed for 2 weeks. So I went on this one to help with that. The first 2-3 weeks, I was kind of a monster. I did have 2 jobs and school with no day off, so that may not have helped. But the symptoms subsided. Now, my breasts are very tender and are growing (at age 24). I haven't had other weight gain. I am loving this BC with hardly any bleeding. 4 months in, and I love it so far. Just not covered by insurance. But the manufacturer has something that helps make it more affordable, the pharmacy just has to run it through a different way."

• CMB...
• April 29, 2016

For Birth Control "While it was effective, I hated the side effects and am discontinuing after less than one month. It made me feel hungry, and I started to break out. I was having sleep issues and bleeding in between periods. I'm currently on my cycle, and I'm miserable. My period has been heavy for four days, and I have cramps. This is unusual for me. Not worth it!"

• Min...
• September 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 18 years old, and of course, birth control is always a plus for anyone who is sexually active, especially teenagers. I always use condoms no matter what, so I'm usually protected. I was put on this pill in March of 2016, and I was a Sunday starter. Usually, when I get my period, I get heavy bleeding, severe cramps, nausea, I throw up, dizziness, back pains, every symptom in the book, I get it at the worst level. So I tried this pill, it's stopped the puking and nausea. I still get very tired, but the cramps aren't as bad as they were. BUT my mood swings are horrible all the time, and I find myself bleeding heavily at random times of the month all the time... wouldn't recommend."

• Anonymous
• November 4, 2016

For Birth Control "Stay away from this pill! I have been taking this pill for about six months now. I experienced several side effects, including breakthrough bleeding, migraines, bloating, weight gain (5-7 pounds), and horrible mood swings. My boyfriend probably thought I was a psycho because I would always get pissed off at the most random things. I give him all the credit for putting up with it. I am finally switching to a new pill!"