Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Che...
• August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst ever. Mood swings. Depressed. Doesn't feel like I get enough sleep. I get angry then sad for no real reason. I am also noticing an increase in appetite, breakouts, no energy. This is the most horrible because one is not going to be able to function to lead a normal life. I'm so disappointed that it has caused irregular bleeding."

• Anonymous
• November 30, 2015

For Acne "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."

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

For Acne "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!"

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

For Acne "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!"

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

For Acne "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."

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

For Acne "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

For Acne "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."

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

For Acne "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."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2017

For Birth Control "First week, seriously nauseous... dizzy. Stayed on it and stuck with it. Acne. Worse than I've ever had. Long periods and cramps. Basically, enhanced everything I didn't want it to. I'd rather not be on anything. I've stuck with it for two years, but I can't handle the long periods, acne, hairy chest, and major weight gain. Like 20-pound weight gain. I work out and can't lose anything. Terrible headaches. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone."

• Jil...
• June 28, 2014

"I really don't like birth control. However, my boyfriend and I decided to do the responsible thing, and I got on it. I've been on it for nearly 2 months, and I've already gained 5 pounds. I've been the same weight for the past 3 years and haven't had any lifestyle/diet changes since I started the pill. I blame Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I also have broken out terribly-my skin has always been pretty good (with the occasional pimple here and there), but since I've started this pill... Yikes. Cyst-like acne all over my chin and cheeks. I went to my doctor to switch, so I'm going to try and find the right pill for me. I can't continue to gain weight and break out like this, that's all I know."

• Kae...
• April 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control since I was 15 (I am now 20), had terrible, terrible acne, bad periods, and vicious mood swings prior to the medication. After I started taking it, my acne disappeared within 3 days, my periods were so much better. I notice if I stop taking it, I gain a crazy amount of weight and my acne instantly comes back. My mood swings and depression may have gotten worse, but it was due to other mental illness stuff. I have PCOS, and this helps tremendously. I stopped taking it and took another one for a while, and it made things so much worse. I had to go back on this one to have regular periods and feel okay. The first week after the sugar pills is literal hell sometimes, mimics pregnancy to a T, but it gets better."

• Gan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for 6 months, it seemed to help slightly with my acne scarring, but I had a full-face breakout recently, and I have gained weight, which my body isn't used to. It kept my periods regular, which I have never had, and had very slight cramps. Other than the weight gain, I'd say it's a good pill. But I'm going to change to a different one to find the best for me."

• ABR...
• December 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm only three months into this pill, but so far it has been nothing but good for me. I do get headaches, but they do not interfere with my daily activities so I don't mind. I've also had some breakouts but normally near my period, which is usual for me even off the pill. No weight gain yet, normal moods, I haven't missed a pill yet. My first period was really brown and black in the beginning and a light orange at the end. I'm not sure if that is normal, but who knows. Also, some vaginal discharge but not enough to bug me. Overall, it's working great!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2018

For Birth Control "I didn’t get pregnant while taking this pill, but in the 5 1/2 months I took it, I gained 10 lbs, my skin got worse, and my cramps were worse. Just switched back to Yasmin generic today, that one works well with my body."

• Kol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 24, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for a few years now. I honestly haven’t had any major problems. Mild nausea occasionally and swollen breasts once every couple of months. No weight gain and little to no acne."

• ava...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I wrote my experience with this pill before, back when I started, and it actually worked. I've been on it for 6 months now, and let me tell you, I'm already going to the doctor to switch. Sure, no babies. That part was effective. But eventually, I ended up having cramps again (they had gone away when I first started), my acne flared up like nobody's business, my headaches are horrible and daily, and I've been suffering from depression. I never have any motivation, I burst out crying for no reason, and I get angry out of nowhere. This is very out of character for me. I'm disappointed, but hopefully, I will find a better option."

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

For Acne "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."

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

For Acne "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."

• Lin...
• June 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for 3 months. It's making me crazy. My periods have been 10x worse than they were before I got on the pill, and they were bad! I stay home from school every time I'm on it because I can't handle them, and I get horrible headaches while I'm on my period. My acne has been getting a bit worse, but I hear it gets better after 3 months? I am going to stick with it for another month and see how it goes, but let's just say it's hell right now."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2019

For Acne "These pills (Ortho Tri-Cyclen) caused me to break out!! I used it because my healthcare provider gave me the wrong medicine in my prescription. They refunded me for their mistake. Back to Tri-Cyclen Lo and no more break out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 1, 2016

For Acne "I started taking this because my cycle was every 23 days, and I heard that it could help with acne too. I never had bad acne, just one or two on my chin the week prior to my period. But after taking this, my acne is worse than it has ever been. I've been getting cystic acne all over my cheeks and chin. And the worst part is that they severely scarred my skin, and I never scarred before taking birth control. I've heard that in the first few months it can get worse before it gets better, but I'm on my 9th month, and it just continues to get worse. But I do like that it completely regulated my period to a 28-day cycle. I've decided to switch to a lower-hormone birth control to see if that will help the acne subside."

• Mel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I first went on this pill when I was 20 years old. Everything seemed to be fine. Periods were lighter, no mood swings, no weight gain. Acne was so-so. Skip ahead 2 years later and went on a trip and forgot to bring my birth control with me because I had my period at the time and the days just evaded me. So I waited until my next period to take it again. Once I got back on it, I had intense mood swings for no reason and tremendous weight gain that keeps continuing. I gained 30 pounds in 6 months since getting back on the pill. My eating habits haven't changed, and I've actually been more active, but pounds keep coming. It definitely affects sex drive, because the month I was off, it was high and then went low again after."

• nat...
• January 20, 2016

For Acne "So I have been on the pill for just over a month and have noticed my acne get a bit worse. Other than that, it's all positive. Absolutely no mood swings (if anything, it has made me more calm)... zero cramps and a lighter period. My boobs have increased at least a full cup size! Will give this a try for at least another 5 months, as I have heard that acne can get worse before it gets better :)"

• Stu...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2018

For Birth Control "My best friend and I were both switched to Tricyclen because it was a heavier dose of hormone and would help make our periods lighter and help with acne. My acne got worse on the pill, and I found myself emotional, but it was effective at preventing pregnancy as it was the only form of birth control my partner and I were using. My best friend was also on Tricyclen, and she recently found out she was pregnant. She was responsible with her pill and never missed a dose. I went with her to get the abortion, where the nurse told us the pill is only 91% effective. Nine out of every 100 women get pregnant while on Tricyclen. Those were numbers I did not know when I was prescribed it, and since learning that, I have switched to another form of birth control."

• Jul...
• September 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for a few years. My doctor put me on it because I get unbearable period pains. I will say, the pill helped regulate my period and lighten the flow, as well as making it a little less painful. BUT... I figured out that this pill wins the entire cause of my acne! I always had nice skin, and this pill made me have the WORST acne. Every inch of my face was covered in nasty clogged pores, it wasn’t even cystic acne. Just extremely bumpy, and I was always embarrassed. Anyways, I immediately changed pills as soon as I came across the idea, and within a month or two of changing pills, my face really calmed down. The pill was literally the only thing I changed in my life. My face will never be the same now, but at least I figured it out!"