Ortho Cyclen User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Sta...
• October 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I have currently been on Ortho Cyclen for a few months now and am going back to my doctor soon to see if I can be prescribed something else. The good for me: very effective when taken correctly, and light periods with bearable cramping. The bad for me: terrible mood swings, bloating, very low libido, and nausea. If I didn't take this pill before bed and after a meal, I'd be sick to my stomach. I have experienced bloating, but haven't gained any weight. The low sex drive I have experienced on this has been very bad. Overall, it's free through my insurance and didn't get me pregnant, but the negative side effects are not worth it anymore!!"

• Mic...
• March 18, 2015

For Birth Control "When I first started taking this pill, I had severe nausea when I would start a pack. Now my nausea is gone, and I get occasional migraines. I've almost been on it for a year, and I do like it a lot. Great for preventing pregnancy, also causes breast tenderness towards the end of the pack."

• HAL...
• October 28, 2014

For Endometriosis "I have only been on this for a few weeks after switching from Lo Loestrin. So far, no mood changes, which has been great because that was one of my biggest issues! No cramping or abnormal bleeding. So far, I am extremely pleased with Ortho Cyclen."

• Anonymous
• June 3, 2011

For Birth Control "Started my very first pack in February, had heavy periods every 3 weeks for the first 3 months. But now, month 4, it's normal and not heavy at all, no cramps, and it's regular, which is great now since I am age 40."

• Vel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been using this birth control for 4 months now, I didn't have any side effects with this pill. My period is lighter, and with inactive pills, my period starts after 3 pills. Before this birth control, my doctor gave me a less estrogen birth control, and that was my first birth control, and I bled non-stop for a month. I did not want to continue, so my doctor recommended trying birth control with mid-level estrogen, it's Ortho Cyclen, and I highly recommend it."

• a-p...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Middle of 3rd month and: It has killed my appetite, definitely keeps me from overeating, partly due to mild nausea when I start my pack after placebos, but even when I'm not nauseous, it's hard for me to feel hungry. Not making me crazy or anything. Doesn't break me out. [never had acne anyway] The cons include the fact my period doesn't come on the placebos, even though it could take longer to adjust, and when it does come, it's slightly before the placebos, when it would normally come, and instead of a 5-7 day period like I normally have, it's lasted 10-13 days... Plus worse cramps and no lighter periods at all. The long periods might make it a deal breaker if it continues, but I hate to part with it because it has been so good to me other than that!"

• 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."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I LOVED this birth control! I was on it for 5 months before my doctor switched me to a cheaper alternative. My acne was nonexistent after about 3 weeks! My boobs grew from a 32A to a 34B in just a month, without weight gain in other regions of my body! I didn't experience mood swings, depression, anxiety, migraines, or anything of the sort. My period went from slightly heavy and lasting 7-8 days to being super light for 4-5. My normal cramping on the first day still happened, but that happened prior to my use of this medication. I can't say enough good things about this product, and I wish I could go back on it again!"

• 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!"

• Wut...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 3, 2016

For Birth Control "Ortho Cyclen made me so depressed I wanted to end it. I started it when I was young, and it was my first pill. Nobody told me how extreme the side effects can be, and I was on it for years, just thinking I was a horribly depressed person and that life wasn't worth living. If I wasn't so close with my family, I really think I would have put an end to myself. Turns out they gave me the wrong prescription and had originally intended to give me Tri-Cyclen. When they switched me over (after YEARS), the depression lifted. I don't know how much it prevented pregnancy (I would imagine well) because it turns out I'm sterile anyway. *sigh* But it ruined my quality of life so badly I wish I could do it all over again. They don't warn us enough."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I began taking generic Ortho Cyclen 5 months ago. The first month, I felt the same as before I took the medication. In months two and three, I had spotting, sore and swollen breasts, and I felt really bloated. I thought I should maybe switch to something else, but I was encouraged by my gynecologist to stick with it because those symptoms would most likely be temporary. She was right. I feel great now. Even better, I have suffered with hormonal cystic acne since I was a teen (I’m in my 30s), and my face is nearly flawless. For the first time in my entire life, I had someone stop and ask me my skin care routine because my skin looked “so good.” All in all, I am very pleased."

• Bab...
• February 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for 7 years now. It did its part. For that 7 years, it never failed me and I haven't gotten pregnant on it. The most undesirable side effect it had on me was the tremendous weight gain. I ran out of my pills 2 days ago, but I decided not to get any more because my boyfriend and I are trying to start a family."

• Sra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for over 10 years, and I really like it. Light periods, clear skin, no weight gain. My breast size did increase a bit, but other than that, I’ve had little to no side effects. Every body is different, so I recommend trying different options until you find something that works for you. I tried three other pills in college before I landed on Ortho Cyclen! I never suffered from depression or anxiety, so to be honest, I didn’t notice any effects there. So all in all, I think this has been a really great option for me, and I would recommend it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I took Ortho Cyclen for about 6 months and had the worst experience. It was the first time I took a birth control pill for my heavy and painful periods. The pill made me gain so much weight, feel nauseous every time I took it, vomit, faint, severe bloating, have tingly sensations in my arms, and painful cramps. I had these symptoms before the BC, but I think it made it worse and I was experiencing pain when I didn’t have my period. My chest grew a lot bigger as I was taking the pill. After I stopped taking the pill, my body felt so much better and I lost all the weight within 2 weeks of taking it."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I told my physician that I had an issue with heavy bleeding and very long periods, and this is what she prescribed me. I haven't been having sex, so I honestly don't know if it prevents it, but I can say this is the first BC that hasn't given me super bad side effects. I get zero headaches and slight nausea, and when I say slight, it comes and goes on some days but never stays and nothing I can't deal with. I can say though I eat A LOT. I'm 124, and before I started this BC, I ate a lot anyway, because hey, I'm a woman that loves food! It just makes me crave foods more. I also have sore boobs, but it's soreness that isn't unbearable. Also, I'm very, VERY emotional. I cry over shows on TV."

• 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."

• App...
• April 23, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had been having heavy periods for the last six months and wanted to get an IUD. However, thanks to a uterine polyp as well as the current global pandemic, I have not been able to get it. The doc prescribed me three months of Ortho Cyclen remotely as a temporary solution to control the heavy bleeding. I'm currently on my 4th week (period) and I'm not sure I'm going to go on to the second pack. During the first week, I had terrible nausea, and also gradual weight gain all month. I've also had trouble sleeping at night. In fact, I'm writing this review because I just stayed up ALL NIGHT, this time with an awful PMS headache that wouldn't go away with Motrin, and I've been feeling pretty ragey and depressed for the last 24 hours. My bleeding never really stopped after the last period, and I've been spotting every day all month. My period is somewhat lighter than before, but with all the other side effects, I'm not eager to continue. However, I'm not pregnant, either, and my skin is clear."

• Kel...
• May 24, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this medication to control bleeding. My skin is clear (I don't usually have acne anyway), my mood is fine and, even better, regulated. I haven't had many side effects on this pill... just one. A big one, I had breakthrough bleeding every time I turned around. I also wear contacts, and it caused some dry eye. All in all, I think it's a very good pill if your cycle remains regular. My insurance paid for the medication, so it was free."

• Anonymous
• September 19, 2015

For Birth Control "My first pack was a nightmare. Horrible nausea, zero sex drive, and I felt so bloated all the time. After my first pack, things went smoother. I've gained about 15 lbs in the 8 months I've been on it, but that may not be the pill's fault. The worst part is how this pill has changed the way my secretions smell. I tried everything to change this, thinking it was my diet. I'm now off the pill, and everything has gone right back to normal. I will probably stay off now for this reason."

• AAB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this pill last week as I have PCOS and horrible, irregular periods. I haven't been on birth control for over 6 years, which I believe was YAZ. I did not have these horrible side effects on. Every day since starting the pill, I have been nauseous and light-headed. About 3 days into my first week, I have had an increase in appetite and bad headaches that even Excedrin Migraine would not get rid of and has been consistent every day. I am tired every day, but I'm not able to get a good night's sleep. Oh, also, I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster... I'm almost tempted to stop taking the BC and just put up with the irregular periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 25, 2017

For Birth Control "Been taking this pill for quite a few years, and never had any sort of problems on it. About a year ago, looks like they changed their inactive ingredients dramatically, adding many new chemicals to the mix, including something called titanium dioxide. With this new 'formula,' I noticed extreme weight loss (especially on face, boobs, and butt), anxiety, mood swings, and just general malaise (all probably from the new preservatives they added in there). I really wish they hadn't changed it and would reduce the amount of preservatives/chemicals they have now added to it. Gonna change to something else at next dr's appointment. And to anyone thinking of trying this new 'Cyclen,' I would say DON'T. Horrible experience."

• Jud...
• September 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen for almost two years. I was put on it for acne but also to prevent pregnancy. It has cleared up my skin very much, and I am not pregnant. However, in recent months, something has changed. I get extremely nauseous and throw up hours after I take the pill (even if I eat before). I feel lightheaded and dizzy, my sex drive has definitely decreased, and I am losing weight. Pregnancy tests have come back negative, so it is definitely this pill. Everyone is different, but this pill has been making me so sick lately, so I will be switching."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I had switched to this pill after having adverse reactions to Paragard (bled EXTREMELY heavily for all but 5 days a month, anemia, nausea, horrible cramps, etc.) and Nuvaring (persistent yeast infections). I started on the Tri-Cyclen, then switched to just Cyclen in order to skip painful periods. I gained 50-60 lbs in the year and a half that I was on this medication, had trouble with my contacts, PMS-like mood swings, continued to have my periods, etc. Before I changed medication, I was feeling a sensation I could only describe as feeling like I had died and was still acting alive. I did not attribute any of these side effects until after I switched BC's and immediately saw improvement. This was the wrong pill for me, but not prego."

• LLU...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2017

For Birth Control "Prescribed after experiencing breakthrough bleeding on another oral contraceptive. I gave it a fair go - 4 or 5 months, and I can't seem to get adjusted. Mood swings are more severe, experienced a 10 lb weight gain, feeling considerably more anxious, extreme breast tenderness, among feeling nauseated a week prior to period start date. Of course, everyone experiences this differently, but that's my story. Will be discontinuing this on month end."

• Cut...
• November 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I just started my first pack, and I like it so far. I have noticed some spotting, but overall it's great. I was on Sprintec for a while, which I loved, then got switched to the Ortho, so I'm getting used to it."