Ortho Cyclen and Acne: What Users Say

• Kyl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2014

For Birth Control "Took this all throughout high school, and I never experienced acne because of it. This pill sure does a great job at keeping breakouts away. I'd get an occasional blemish or two, but that's better than what I have now. I got off Ortho Cyclen 6 months ago. Worst decision of my life, I'm cursed with acne that's covered my face, neck, shoulders, and back. This is because of a hormonal imbalance, which I think acne sufferers should look into. I think it's time to get back on this magnificent pill. Side note, it does a great job at preventing cramps, and my periods were so light and nonexistent, I would sometimes forget I'm even on it."

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2015

For Ovarian Cysts "This medicine has worked pretty well for me. After having constant health problems such as weight gain, bad acne, and not having a period but once a year for 3 years and being told that it was 'okay', I finally went to the OB/GYN for another opinion. I found out that I had PCOS and was placed on Ortho Cyclen. This medicine started to clear my acne after 3 weeks of taking it, and I started losing weight while on it. I lost a total of 6 pounds the first month and 8 the second month. The only drawback was that my period lasted for an entire 31 days the first month but was told beforehand that it could last that long because of the time I went without a period."

• Nad...
• October 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Cyclen for a little over 2 months, and I'm already getting off of it. My husband and I are newlyweds, so I started taking the pill beforehand so that it would be effective by the time we were married. I was terribly nauseous for the first week or two. Like, unbelievably nauseous. I felt like I couldn't even stand up through some of it. Eventually, the nauseousness passed, and if it did happen, it wasn't as horrible or frequent. I did notice immediate acne as well (I almost never break out, and I had big cystic-looking acne on my chin, which was lame with my upcoming wedding). I had NO weight gain, but I did lose my sex drive. When I say that, I mean I really didn't feel the same at all."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I have very bad hormonal acne and have been on Spironolactone for that issue. When I started this birth control, everything seemed fine, but when I started the 2nd pack, everything went downhill. I broke out very badly every single day and night. I bled every time my boyfriend and I became intimate. I got very, very depressed. Luckily, my boyfriend is understanding. He couldn't believe how different I was. I couldn't take it anymore and quit halfway through the 3rd pack. It was good at preventing pregnancy."

• Anonymous
• September 19, 2011

For Birth Control "I just got through my first pack of Ortho Cyclen and have noticed a few side effects: increased sensitivity, vaginal dryness, spotting, and acne. I had really clear skin and never had any acne problems before starting this pill (except the occasional pimple around that time of the month), but now it seems as though my face breaks out every few days. As for the vaginal dryness, I never had any problems with that before either. Now, sex is really painful unless I make sure to use lube. Hopefully, these side effects go away once my body adjusts."

• Anonymous
• March 24, 2010

"I haven't been on the pill in a very long time. I recently went on Ortho Cyclen, and it has worked wonderfully. I'm not moody, I haven't had acne breakouts, it's regulating my period, which is always a plus. I used to have severe cramps during my period, and I haven't been experiencing that as well. I am very happy with it."

• Kri...
• December 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I got on the pill to help with acne and cramps. I originally got on Sprintec, which to my understanding is the generic form of Ortho Cyclen. My pharmacy started giving me Ortho Cyclen because it was free with my insurance, and Sprintec was not. However, when I got on Ortho Cyclen, I noticed a considerable weight gain, and my acne got really, really bad. It did not work well for me, so I got right back on Sprintec."

• Anonymous
• September 21, 2009

For Birth Control "I was switched to Ortho Cyclen when I began spotting on my old pill. I've been on it for about 2 months now and have had numerous side effects: acne, increased insomnia, increased headaches, nausea, vaginal dryness, and therefore painful intercourse, long period (lasted 9 days instead of the 7 you would think from the 'off' week). This is the first non-low dose BC pill I've taken. I'm not sure if it was just too much for me or if the drug itself just was not a good fit for me. The generic Sprintec is nicely priced, though, compared to Loestrin 24, which I used to take and has no generics yet. I'm hoping to switch back to my old pill - loved it!"

• Der...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2015

"Some pros: I grew two cup sizes, my flow is much lighter, but no change in how long my periods last. Regular bowel movements and no mood swings. Cons: during the first pack, I broke out like a preteen and now have to deal with (some) forehead and chin acne. Also experienced heavy, uncomfortable cramping, which eventually got better. Really sore breasts around the first week or two. I'm hungry all the time, so I'm eating a lot more, but no real change in weight."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2018

For Birth Control "The first day after taking my first pill, I was extremely ill, with severe nausea that interfered with my job and eventually led to vomiting. Every day after, I got slightly less nauseous, and eventually towards the end of the first pack, I didn’t feel sick anymore. I just ended my period and started my second pack. I take my pills at night to avoid feeling as sick. This morning, after taking my first pill from the second pack last night, I had the same reaction as the first pack-extreme nausea that actually woke me up and led to vomiting shortly after. I’ve also noticed I’ve been breaking out a lot in places I don’t usually break out, like my cheekbones, forehead, and cheeks. I also developed very sensitive breasts that ached throughout the whole first pack, I could barely touch them. My appetite has increased substantially, and I feel like I may be gaining weight already. I hope after the third pack I won’t feel sick anymore, and my breasts won’t hurt as much."

• Mcc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2018

For Birth Control "I took this pill for one year. Prior to Ortho Cyclen, I tried Apri (average), Lo Estrin (absolutely awful), Ortho Tricyclen (fine), and Generess (loved). I switched from Generess to Ortho Cyclen in an attempt to decrease the frequency of my migraines. For the first 6 months, I barely had any side effects at all from Ortho Cyclen. My periods were heavier on this pill than on Generess, however, my skin was clear, my mood was completely normal, and I had fewer migraines. Unfortunately, after about 6-7 months, I started experiencing cystic acne on Ortho Cyclen. The acne flared at week 2 and again just before the inactive period pills. It is mostly cystic acne and hard to get rid of once it started. Between the cystic acne and heavy periods that last the full 7 days, I decided to switch back to Generess. Overall, this pill has pretty mild side effects. I just prefer a pill that is going to control period lightness, acne, or both. This pill did neither for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2015

For Endometriosis "This drug is horrible. My side effects are: 1. Anxiety 2. Depression 3. Acne 4. Weight gain 5. Back pain 6. Nausea 7. Easily angered and upset. It serves its purpose, but the side effects are unbearable."

• Meg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 15, 2018

For Birth Control "I got on Ortho Cyclen right when I had my daughter. My doctor gave me three samples to try out. I went back three months later, it seemed like everything was fine. Now it's been a year since I've been on the pill. I've gained seven pounds and still have horrible acne and crazy cravings, but I think I'm going to get off it because with me trying to lose weight, it's impossible to lose a pound. But I like it due to me not getting pregnant."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I had a bad experience with a birth control pill, Loestrin Fe, during my teens/early twenties and switched to an IUD for a couple of years. I decided, after having a baby and discontinuing breastfeeding, to give the pill another go and was recommended to try this brand. I have only been taking this pill for about 4 months, but so far so good. I had very bad periods all of a sudden postpartum, and now they are so light and barely noticeable. I also dealt with horrible acne during my pregnancy and postpartum. My skin has cleared up, and I feel like my hormones are finally getting under control. Also, it's keeping me from getting pregnant, so win-win-WIN!"

• kad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 17, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Cyclen for almost 2 years. It was good during the first year, since I’ve used it as a continuous pill, and it has been great to prevent pregnancy. Sadly, since last year, I’ve started having a lot of acne because of this pill. As soon as I’m not taking my pill, my skin becomes flawless in less than a week. On this, I am a lot more anxious and depressed - it seems to really disturb your emotions. I have an appointment to get a copper IUD inserted next week, and I can’t wait to be off hormones. Soon or later, it seems like every pill shows off their worst sides. Before this one, I tried Seasonale, which gave me the WORST headaches ever! I could not manage it, so I stayed on it for 5 months... You don’t have to go through all of this, please be careful of the side effects."

• Ama...
• October 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for almost two years. I had very little side effects in the beginning. For the last six months or so, my acne has worsened and I've been getting more frequent headaches. A little weight gain, but the acne has me reconsidering."