Skip to main content

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate for Acne User Reviews (Page 4)

Brand names: Sprintec, Estarylla, Tri-Sprintec, Mili, Tri-Lo-Mili, Tri-Estarylla, Mono-Linyah, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, Tri-Linyah, Femynor, Tri-Lo-Estarylla, Tri-Lo-Marzia, VyLibra, Tri-Vylibra Lo, Tri-Mili, Tri-VyLibra, Tri Femynor Tri-Lo-Linyah Nymyo Tri-Nymyo Tri-Previfem Previfem …show all brand names

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Lyn...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 6, 2018

"First off, I can’t believe how relatable these comments are. I took this for my acne, it did half of the job, however, I still get cystic acne and always blamed it on what I ate! Second, the biggest issue is my sex drive. It is completely gone. I thought it was me. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. I lost my sex drive months ago, and my boyfriend thought it was him! But I would try to explain to him it’s not, it’s me! There’s something wrong with me because I lost it out of nowhere, but meanwhile, I lost it about a month or two after being on this medicine, and it progressively got worse. Third is my depression-I’ve become so down and introverted these last few months, it’s like I’m a different person. I never want to speak to anyone, and I always feel like my life is pointless-I was never like that before I started taking these pills. I’m ending my package and never taking them again. I hope it doesn’t affect me long term."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Bwa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 7, 2020

"So, I started Estarylla in May 2020. Previously, I had switched my insurance and did not get a new script to continue what I was taking, which was Blisovi Fe. So, I had a lapse of birth control from Jan to May. I wanted to try something that would help my cystic acne. I started this and I'm a wreck. I'm breaking out worse than I did in high school, and I'm 26. That's not even the worst of my symptoms. I'm miserably nauseous and having diarrhea most mornings waking up for work. Don't have much of an appetite. My boobs have just recently started hurting and becoming more sensitive. I'm losing a significant amount of hair. I know spotting can occur, but I just finished a random 2-week period and NOW I'm getting to that spotting they talk about. Everyone's joking that I'm pregnant. I took my first pregnancy test and no, I'm not prggo. I'm irrationally emotional more than normal and just feel MISERABLE. I'm taking myself off this tomorrow."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Cat...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 22, 2015

"I started Tri-Sprintec in November 2013. The first month, I was extremely moody and had anger problems. After three months, my acne cleared up. It's been over a year, and I haven't seen a spot since! This is great; I also am very active. Some days, my sex drive is not there; usually, this happens the first week of the pack. So, for birth control purposes, I would rate this as a 10 as well. I've never had any problems and never had any pregnancy scares. My boyfriend noticed that I went up a cup in size. I didn't gain any weight really; I'm just 98 lbs, and the maximum I would be 100 lbs. I would recommend it to anyone who has acne problems. But wait 3-4 months for results."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • Aba...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 30, 2021

"Initially, I was scared of trying Tri-Sprintec just because of the terrible reviews I saw and my previous experiences with BC pills (nausea, depression, diarrhea). But this pill is awesome! Apart from a few days of nausea and some initial breakouts, I had no mood swings, no weight gain. After the second week, my skin cleared up, and my boobs got slightly bigger too! All in all, great birth control. Would 10/10 recommend."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Ali...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 10, 2015

"This stuff is like a wonder pill! My acne is clearing up, my boobs look fuller, didn't change my sex drive, my moods are the same, and it fully protects me from having a baby. I couldn't be happier with this because I have tried lots of brands and wasn't on birth control for about four years because I didn't want to go through the same process of hating the form of birth control I was using, but my Dr. knew exactly what to give me. Be honest with your Dr. and always do your research :)"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 12, 2012

"Overall, I've had good luck. I went on it to treat my acne. For the first 2 weeks, my skin on my face and back got so bad. Everything was inflamed to the point where sitting and leaning up against something was painful. Also, for the first month (my hormones were out of whack trying to adjust), I was having intense mood swings. I was annoyed and easily irritated by everything and had no patience, causing me to snap at times uncontrollably. When it got to this point, I wanted nothing more than to get off the medicine. But I'm so glad I stayed on it. After a month, things got better. My body adjusted. No more severe mood swings and my acne is clear. I occasionally get breakouts the week before my period. No pregnancy and no weight gain either. Definitely try it!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Ele...
  • November 24, 2014

"I started taking birth control mainly for acne. I've had severe body acne since I was a teen. It's been so bad that I've been embarrassed to wear clothes that even expose my shoulders since my skin resembles a Dalmatian. I'm 22 now, and I've tried all sorts of treatments, including head and shoulders, zinc supplements, ointments galore, and salicylic acid. None had a lasting change. Then finally, I went on birth control for the first time. Wow. At last. I am on week 3. No new acne, anywhere. My skin is even less oily, red, and irritated. As a bonus, my breasts seem fuller! I haven't had any mood swings, bloating, or cramps. (I was very worried about that before). Just exercise and stay positive!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Nef...
  • July 11, 2013

"I've been on the pill for 2 1/2 weeks, and I haven't had any bad experiences like I had with Levora. TriNessa cleared up my skin a lot, my skin is glowing with radiance and natural beauty. I'm grateful to be on TriNessa."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • MLa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 4, 2020

"It’s day 3 for me on this medication, and I have debilitating migraines. I’ve never had a migraine before, this is terrible. I can’t say whether it’s effective or not, but I can definitely say it’s not worth the excruciating pain that I’m feeling in my head."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 6, 2015

"This is my second time starting Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. This birth control is pretty much the only thing that works for my adult moderate/severe acne. The first time I took it, after about 3 months, my skin was vastly improved, and after 6 months, my skin was completely clear. Then, after 12 months, my pharmacist put me on the generic (Tricira Lo), which is a bad idea. My skin freaked out with cysts all over my chin and near my nose area. I'm on my second month of Tri-Cyclen and am waiting for my skin to clear up again :("

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • K_m...
  • March 16, 2013

"I went on Tri-Sprintec for acne and irregular periods, and it has definitely helped me regulate both. Upon being prescribed this particular BC, I was terrified because of all of the negative reviews, so I figured I'd share my positive experience for someone who was in my position. The only noticeable side effect I've had is a bit of chest acne (which I never had before), but as I'm only on my third pack now, I'm hoping it will eventually clear up!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • PPa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 14, 2019

"I am about three weeks into my first pack of Estarylla BC, and my acne is worse than ever before. I was on Trinessa for five years and still had some annoying hormonal acne, and I was beginning to spot in between periods, so my gyno switched me to Estarylla. What I like about Estarylla is that I haven’t had any nausea from the pill like I have had with Trinessa in the past. I’ve read other reviews saying to just stick with Estarylla for a couple of months since the skin should clear up as the body adjusts. I sure hope that is right. I’m 22, and I’m at my wit's end with this acne!!!"

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 21, 2012

"I'm almost finished with my 3rd pack. I have nice skin again, and my periods are regular. No weight gain (I sort of wanted some), and my breasts have gotten somewhat fuller, but that's no complaint. I have had no side effects on this pill that affect my life, the 3rd week my breasts get a little tender, but I'm not in horrible pain. I think I'll be staying with it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • Kim...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 12, 2019

"Holy cow! Stay away from this! I was taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen for years before being discontinued. They switched me to Tri-Sprintec, saying it was basically the same! I never had issues with acne, and after taking this drug for 6 months, my entire face is covered in acne, and I thought I was going crazy! I am stopping this immediately. Every day, I wake up with pimples everywhere! I’ve done masks, acne medicine, and nothing is helping. I wouldn’t recommend this as an alternative for anything. At this point, I’d rather have the risk of getting pregnant than continuing to take this."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Sha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 2, 2019

"This pill is the worst. I have constant headaches, depression, major depression. I cry all the time, and I don’t know why. My period was really light for two days, then, it just became really heavy all of a sudden. I’ve lost weight, I don’t have an appetite. I would not recommend anyone to take this pill."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • apr...
  • September 19, 2016

"I have PCOS, and some of those symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, excess body/facial hair, irregular periods, and acne! I've always had acne. Not bad acne, but enough that it bothered me. The kind of acne that hurts and lasts for weeks! I got put on TriNessa only 2 weeks ago, and my face is clear!! For the first time in my life, and I'm 22. It was starting to get better within the first few days, much better the first week, and now I'm only 2 weeks in, and my acne is completely gone! Just a few little dark marks and a few acne scars on my cheeks but no actual pimples. I'm so relieved because you always hear horror stories about women starting birth control and their acne getting so much worse before it got better... but it didn't! Yay!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Kay...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 30, 2020

"The only good thing about this drug is that it cleared up my acne around my cycle time. The bad thing is I cramp like my cycle's first day for two weeks. Period was a week late, and then stayed on for a week and a half, and I spot/bleed constantly. If the spotting seems to stop, and I go to have sex, here comes the period back on. And the spotting comes back. It messed up my body so bad. I don’t think the irregular bleeding is worth keeping a few pimples away. And not to mention that you will be nauseated and will have a queasy stomach all the time. It gets worse after you eat. Every single time."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Mez...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 21, 2018

"After my pharmacy switched me to this pill (insurance drama) after having my cystic acne totally under control on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, I’m now a pimpled mess. I thought I had a food allergy or was stressed from switching jobs, and then it hit me. I’ve been using the Tri-Lo-Marzia for two months now, as I wake up EVERY day with a new cyst on my chin. They’re going in the garbage."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 28, 2017

"Just finished my 3rd month, and I have not experienced any side effects besides a tiny bit of weight gain. It cleared up most of my moderate acne. Do not be discouraged by the dozens of terrible reviews, I felt the same way before trying it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • mac...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 17, 2015

"I have had acne since I was about 12, and now I am 22. I have tried everything under the sun to try and stop the horrid look. When my whiteheads turned into cyst-like pimples, I knew I had to completely do something else. I never took birth control before, but my dermatologist prescribed me TriNessa, and I bless her heart every day!!!! I love that I can be 100% honest and say this birth control changed my life. I started it in the beginning of December 2014, and it is now February of 2015, and my cysts are completely gone! It obviously is not going to happen overnight, so take the time and try it! I also didn't gain weight from it, that's always a plus. So, drink water, workout, and take TriNessa, and you will be a happy, happy girl!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Que...
  • June 12, 2020

"This birth control Mono-Linyah has been absolutely HORRIBLE for my acne. I started taking this when Mononessa was discontinued. I regret taking this pill. My complexion had been cleared thanks to previously taking Yaz/Yasmin, but this has messed it up. I have cystic acne and post-acne scars. I am now trying to get back on Ocella/Yas/Yasmin to clear up my complexion ..."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • hor...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 15, 2020

"I've been on Tri-Sprintec for 3 months. I used to have relatively severe hormonal, mostly cystic, acne. While I do still get some breakouts, I have definitely seen a significant reduction in the amount of new cystic acne that I get. So far, it has worked well for me, but it might not be enough if I want to have completely clear skin."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 7, 2019

"Tri-Sprintec is horrible. My dermatologist recommended Ortho Tri-Cyclen, but my insurance covered Tri-Sprintec. Within the first few days of taking it, I broke out horribly. Cystic acne on my cheeks and around my mouth. I figured my body had to get used to the hormones, so I decided to wait it out until I realized my skin kept getting worse and inflamed, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I stopped using it after one week and had to try to get my skin back to normal. Worst experience of my life. I’ve been off it for 5 days, and my skin is slowly getting better. I do not recommend this birth control."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Kam...
  • September 2, 2016

"DO NOT TAKE THIS. I BROKE OUT 3 months straight and threw up on my period. I was in terrible pain! I never had bad cramps in my life until taking this! LOST ALL MY CONFIDENCE BECAUSE OF THE ACNE IT GAVE ME. I'M CURRENTLY SHAKING AND CRYING IN PAIN ON THE DAY OF MY BIRTHDAY BECAUSE I'M ON MY PERIOD. I'M DONE TAKING THIS. I GAVE IT THREE MONTHS LIKE THE DOCTOR SAID AND IT'S RUBBISH! I don't know what to do now. Thinking about getting help for depression and anxiety. Birth control is absolute rubbish!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Kel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 8, 2016

"I was told that birth control can take up to 3 full months to start working for acne and 4-6 months to see full results. I started to notice my skin clearing around 2.5 months. It's been almost 3.5 months now, and my skin is 99% clear of active breakouts. This is the first birth control I have ever used, and I have not had any negative side effects from this at all. The only reason I am not giving it a 10 is because it has not helped regulate the oil production on my face at all, but you can't win them all. Overall, I am very happy with this pill and can't wait to see how my skin continues to improve."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

Learn more about Acne

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)