Ortho Tri-Cyclen for Acne User Reviews (Page 2)

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2017

"Ortho Tri-Cyclen saved my face! I've dealt with cystic acne flare-ups for years. I experienced HUGE cysts that would distort my face. I've tried EVERYTHING to rid myself of them (even did a round of Accutane 10 years ago), but they persistently return. Seven months ago, I switched from Alesse, and it's made an incredible difference. The first four months were really rough (I broke out A LOT but noticed the cysts were actually coming to a head and draining for the first time ever). I almost gave up out of frustration, but I'm glad I stuck it out. My face has been totally manageable, just the small NORMAL occasional pimple around my period. No weight gain, no mood swings, no adverse effects. Also, loving the shorter, lighter, less painful periods."

• Cca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2019

"I started taking this pill a little over 3 weeks ago for my acne because since October I’ve been breaking out with cystic acne on my chin and around my jawline. I started taking this, and the first two weeks my acne got worse, and I was nauseous, my breasts were tender, and I felt pregnant, and I almost gave up. It was very discouraging, but I decided to stick it out, and my face has cleared up 95%. I’ve had no breakouts, and I was getting at least 2 bumps a week. I’m not sick anymore, and now I’m just trying to get rid of the acne spots. I’ve been on this pill before, and it has ALWAYS worked, you just have to give it time and make sure to use a face cleanser and make sure to exfoliate a couple of times a week. Out of 10, I give it a 10."

• ell...
• March 21, 2016

"I never had acne problems, just a few hormonal breakouts once a month. I had taken another type of pill for 6 years before switching to Tri-Cyclen at the suggestion of my doctor. This has given me terrible, TERRIBLE acne. There has not been one other change in my life, with the exception of switching birth control. I'm in my late twenties, and I am now suffering with terrible acne. I see that most people have positive results, but if you are like me, I want you to know you aren't alone, and some of us just got a crappy deal here. I have decided to stop taking the pill and see what happens to my skin. I will consider another option going forward."

• Ngo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2019

"I started Ortho Tri-Cyclen 2 months ago, and my heavy acne goes away quickly. I tried mostly all acne medications: doxycycline, tetracycline, isotretinoin, but these antibiotics are more harmful. I decided to use Ortho Tri-Cyclen after having a miscarriage, to prevent pregnancy and to clear up my acne. And it works! Recommend. Bought it for CAD$10.50 at Planned Parenthood."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 11, 2016

"I went on the pill for my acne, and I have to say that for that, it could not be any better. I used to have horrible cystic acne, and it was constant, but after starting the pill, my face is consistently clear. The downside, crazy mood swings. I literally burst into tears for no reason all the time, and I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, which I never had before I started the pill. I can go from having the best day of my life to not moving from bed for two days in an instant, and that scares me, so I will be choosing not to take the pill anymore, as even though I love having clear skin, I don't want to sacrifice my sanity."

• Swe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2018

"I'm a 21 yo female, always struggled with huge cystic acne breakouts. I'm talking mountains on my chin since I was 16. Tried Differin and made it worse, Loestrin and Brevicon were horrible. The first week on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, my skin cleared up faster, and in the first month, I had no breakouts. In my second month, I've had minuscule pimples on my chin, which go away quick and aren't noticeable. I work out a lot, so no change in weight or boobs, and regular periods so far. Super happy and finally experiencing clear skin!"

• Sav...
• November 21, 2015

"At around 14, I went from beautiful ice white skin to a horrible battle zone on my face. My forehead and chin were covered in severe acne. I tried everything: Murad, Proactiv, you name it. I wouldn't take pics, I was so ashamed. Hard enough being a teen! Long story short, I researched and found that Ortho Tri-Cyclen was effective. I requested it before they were going to put me on Accutane (noooo!), and within 3 months, my skin was CLEAR and still is. I was 17, now I'm 22. Sometimes you have to research for yourself and be your own advocate with doctors. If not, I would have been put on Accutane. The first week you will be a little nauseated on the pill, but it goes away, and your periods are only 3 days long with no cramps! Life saver."

• mad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 1, 2019

"Ortho Tri-Cyclen did wonders for my severe acne! Although it took about 6 months to fully clear up. Just be patient before you decide it doesn’t work. Unrelated to acne, it gave me way lighter periods."

• 564...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2016

"Took this for a year with no problems or side effects. It was amazing. I stopped taking any form of birth control for about two years. I took this again for a year, and that's where all the problems came from. I started breaking out more and more each month. I had a rash along my hairline, my jawline, my back, my cheeks. It was terrible. It clears up a little during the 'fake' pills week, but it's the worst acne I've ever had. I stopped taking it for two months, and my face cleared up, so I knew it was the pill. I'm looking to switch to something new ASAP."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 1, 2018

"I went on this BC because I was previously taking Lolo Estrin since that one made me feel like I was pregnant EVERY DAY. I have pretty acne-prone skin, but nothing horrible, mainly my forehead, but my cheeks were typically pretty clear with the exception of a few pimples every so often. Well, when I got off Lolo, I wanted something that could prevent pregnancy and clear up my skin... NOPE NOPE NOPE. This BC broke me out in places I NEVER had issues with before! Now I thought it was my body adjusting, so I gave it 6-7 months and still nothing! Broke me out so bad, constant red inflamed skin, it was horrible, and I was miserable. For my wedding day, my skin was so bad. As soon as I got off it, my skin cleared up a bit, but it just hasn’t been the same since taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Everyone is different, but it just didn’t work for me."

• Anonymous
• November 30, 2015

"I have dealt with acne since I was 15. Throughout high school, it was here and there. After high school, it got worse and worse. I am now 21 and just finishing my second month of being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and my acne has increased since using (which I was told and aware of). I was very hopeful, but I'm starting to get discouraged and starting to dread looking at my face every day. I'm going to continue using it and hope for the best. I really hope this works for me."

• Lex...
• January 31, 2016

"I've had issues with acne since around middle school and have literally tried everything from different topical creams to antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics were not a safe long-term fix, so I initially started taking Beyaz and was on that BC for about 4 months. My acne did not improve that significantly, so my dermo switched me to Ortho Tri-Cyclen about 3 months ago. I think that you should be aware that your acne will probably get a little worse before it gets better. I had a horrible breakout like 2 months in, and I got super frustrated, but now my acne is so much better on my face and chest, so I think it's working! I have also been taking spironolactone as well."

• mcl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

"After battling severe acne for around two years, I was prescribed Ortho Tri-Cyclen by my doctor as I was weary of trying Accutane (due to the side effects). When I first started this pill (mid-June), my face broke out the worst it had ever before. I was so upset and felt so defeated, but I continued to take it in hopes that the reviews of it working after a few months were true. Well, two months later, my face is the clearest it's been in SO long. I finally feel comfortable enough to go out without makeup. I went from having thirty zits covering my face to four or five. And even then, these are calming down. I can't wait to see the results from more months of taking the pill. There were some side effects (depression, anxiety, nausea), but they lasted about two weeks and for me were bearable as I would tell myself, 'it's just the medicine'. I also switched skin care products to Vivant Skin, which have also worked wonders."

• Mic...
• November 29, 2016

"I'm sure I'll have a different opinion on the pill months from now, but so far I've been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen just over a month. My dermatologist prescribed this to me for my acne. I've never had any problems with my skin until I was 23 (my age now). Since September, my left cheek was the worst I've seen! Cystic acne all in one cluster, but nowhere else! The weirdest thing. My doctor also prescribed me Minocycline to help with the acne and regulate my hormones (with b/c). So far, all the cysts have gone down and are now flat, but I am left with acne spots. I really hope they do not scar. I've also been putting on tretinoin cream to help with inflammation and scars. Does anyone have any suggestions on acne spots/lightening treatment? Thx!"

• Lea...
• June 15, 2017

"I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen from Seasonique because I started getting acne. This completely cleared up my skin in a matter of weeks. However, I ended up with breakthrough bleeding for 2 weeks, followed by a heavy period with painful cramps during the placebo week. It also got me extremely nauseous and dizzy. I'd rather have a little acne than have to deal with those side effects."

• 27 ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2016

"3rd month, 3rd post. I am happy to report that getting 1-2 pimples every single day has stopped! I am so happy. I originally started this pill to get less breakouts/no pregnancy. I went from getting 2-3 pimples before my cycle breakout to getting 2-3 every day the moment I started this pill. It has been very difficult, but I accepted that the pill is a shock to your system and it takes months for your body to adjust, so just stick it out. I am on my 2nd week of month 3, and I have only gotten ONE new pimple. All the red marks left on my face from the constant breakouts are almost completely gone. Not to mention, I have always considered myself very emotionally aware and stable, but this pill has mellowed me out to a whole new level. Love it!"

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2018

"I was previously on Trinessa prescribed by my dermatologist as my acne wasn’t fully cleared up. I just had a couple of bumps on my face, nothing crazy. The bad thing about Trinessa for me was that I was hormonal and depressed, and I was always tired. I hated it. Then I went to my gynecologist, and she switched me to Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and so far I’ve noticed that my mood swings and fatigue improve drastically, but as far as acne goes, it hasn’t changed much. I’ve only been on it for three weeks, the right side of my face is completely clear, but the left side has a slight breakout, but that is the side I sleep on, so that might have something to do with it. So far I’m not too upset at the results, but I’m only three weeks in, so I will be sure to keep everyone updated!"

• Mod...
• March 30, 2016

"This is my 3rd week on this BC pill! So far, I've been quite moody, but nothing that has gotten out of control. I've cried for no reason, but I'm naturally an emotional person, so this doesn't surprise me, haha. No weight gain, some headaches, and fatigue, but nothing intolerable. I had to take Tylenol like 2 or 3 times, and everything was fine. HOWEVER, I am having a mini cystic constellation on one side of my chin :( hoping this will be better and won't happen again. I also got a random cyst on my forehead. I normally only break out on my cheeks."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2016

"I switched from Yasmin to Tri-Cyclen because my acne was so bad. I'm 26 years old and have been on some type of birth control since I was 18. I have had the worst experience of my life being on Tri-Cyclen. I was on it for a few months until I started to have very severe panic attacks. I didn't know what it was until after a few months of going through this hell. I stopped the pills. As soon as I stopped them, I haven't had a bad panic attack like that since, and it's been 8 months."

• 27 ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2016

"I am only on my 3rd week, and I have gotten 2-3 pimples the week of my cycle since I was 13, with maybe a few more throughout the week if I was stressed. My acne has gotten very consistent, which I understand to be a normal response until your body adjusts to the hormones. I also understand that everyone reacts differently, but this BC is used a lot for treating acne and is my first time using BC. This has severely discouraged my confidence. I'm contemplating missing an important baby shower just to avoid people. I get a new pimple every single day, luckily, each one is gone within two days, but my chin and forehead are just rough. I'm just not used to not feeling confident. I sure hope it improves, or I will stop using altogether."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2016

"I'm a 14-year-old girl, and I'm on Ortho Tri-Cyclen (which is basically the same thing, just cheaper). It's been 2 months, and it's been the same, it hasn't gotten any better. I have tiny little pimples on my forehead, which has never happened before, and more breakouts on my cheeks. But I haven't given the medication enough time, I'm gonna give it 1-2 more months, like people/doctor are saying, and report back. Side note: drink a lot of water, work out, eat healthy, sleep well, and change pillowcases. Don't touch your face, stick to a routine, don't put 10,000 products on your face, try not to stress, and smile more. If you already do all of the above, then your acne is hormonal, and it's out of control like mine, which is why I started taking birth control."

• em1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 8, 2019

"This birth control, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, helped me clear up my acne so much. I had moderate to severe acne everywhere all throughout high school, and I noticed this pill really helped clear it up in about 4 to 5 months. I finally had clear skin. I never had any breakouts until I switched to a different BC. I'm planning to get back on Ortho ASAP."

• lyo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2018

"This is my 4th month on the medication, and I am so happy with the way my skin is looking now. I used to look in the mirror and tear up with how bad my acne was, and now I can leave the house without any makeup at all! My redness has completely calmed down, and I rarely get breakouts, if I do, it’s when I get my period. I won’t lie, the first month of side effects I was ready to give up. I had serious cramping even when I wasn’t on my period and a much heavier flow. But that has now gone away, and my periods have become regular (after years of getting them every 2 weeks), and my acne has cleared up a ton! Would definitely recommend :)"

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2018

"I went on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for acne after trying everything in the book to try and clear my skin. I absolutely love the outcome of being on the Ortho! My skin has never been this clear, and I am incredibly happy with my results!"

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

"Gave me cystic acne, and it was so frustrating because it is supposed to help with acne. I usually get one or two regular whiteheads that go away in like two days, but this one gave me horrible acne that wouldn't completely heal in like two weeks. If you want something that helps if you're having this problem, go on the patch (Xulane), it made my skin so nice, and my boobs grew a full cup size, lol! :) no lie."