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Ortho Tri-Cyclen User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Ortho Tri-Cyclen has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 263 reviews on Drugs.com. 39% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Ortho Tri-Cyclen

  • Study
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 16, 2018

For Birth Control "My best friend and I were both switched to tricylcen 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. 9 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."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • AZ Chic
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 15, 2019

For Ovarian Cysts "I've been on Ortho Tri Cyclen for about 20 years. Works great. I called Janssen manufacture to confirmed it is no longer being manufactured. :-( I have been switched to Tri Spintec. This medication is AWFUL. I have filed a complaint with CVS Caremark stating this is NOT a generic to Ortho Tri Cyclen. Per Janssen Manufacturing there is NO generic for Ortho Tri Cyclen. Tri Spintec has induced, extensive bleeding, cramps, headaches, hot flashes, mood swings and the list goes on. Do Not recommend. CVS Caremark recommended Leena and Ortho Novum777, they aren't even close to being generics as they have different progestins in them. There has to be a replacement. If one is found can someone let me know? Thank you!"

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • Ash
  • April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I was prescribed this as my first ever birth control, because I had horrible 14 day long periods. It got to the point where i'd end up dizzy & hyperventilating. So my doc gave me this, so far everything has been normal except my boobs don't feel the same. I've only been on the pill for about three weeks but my bras are all too tight now and the girls feel super heavy. Coming from a 16 year old who's had B cup for a while, this was a surprise. I haven't had any mood swings out of the regular and my acne is nonexistent."

9 / 10
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9 Report
  • Canad...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 27, 2017

For Acne "Ortho tri cycles 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. 7 months ago I switched from Alesse to and it's made an incredible difference. The first 4 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"

9 / 10
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8 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 30, 2015

For Acne "I have delt 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 on 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 everyday. I'm going to continue using it and hope for the best. I really hope this works for me."

3 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Savan...
  • November 21, 2015

For Acne "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, proactive you name it. I wouldn't take pics, I was so ashamed. Hard enough bein a teen! Long story short, I researched And found that ortho tri cyclen was affective. I requested it before they were gonna put me on Accutane (noooo!) & 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 of 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"

10 / 10
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9 Report
  • Ccano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 24, 2019

For Acne "I started taking this pill a little over 3 weeks ago for my acne because since October I’ve been breaking 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 breast was 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 breaks 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"

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • shayla...
  • March 13, 2011

For Birth Control "Have been taking this for not even a month and I have been super emotional, its crazy because I'm usually layed back. I want sex more now but I guess you can say I experience a little cramping sharp pains every now and then. Overall its okay."

4 / 10
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12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 21, 2009

For Birth Control "I was taking this pill for a month and I started getting very moody, tired and then I started getting very depressed. I was depress to the point that I used to start crying suddenly without no reason. I am usually a very happy and positive person. "

1 / 10
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13 Report
  • Lex
  • January 31, 2016

For Acne "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 Tricyclen 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 break out like 2 months in and I got super frustated 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."

9 / 10
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8 Report
  • ECano
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 31, 2018

For Birth Control "Cleared up my acne. Increased sex drive. Increased sugar cravings. Worked perfectly for contraception. Regulated my period. No problem getting pregnant after going off. Possibly contributed to developing dry eye syndrome."

7 / 10
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  • Sweet...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 30, 2018

For Acne "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 was 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 and I've had minuscule pimples on my chin which go away quick and aren't noticeable. I workout lot s so no change in weight or boobs and regular periods so far. Super happy and finally experiencing clear skin!"

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 11, 2016

For Acne "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 moodswings. 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 dont want to sacrifice my sanity."

4 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 18, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for over a year. It did what it had to do which was to prevent pregnancy. During the use of the birth control, I had mild spotting in between periods as well as some cramping. But I became very depressed and emotional. Anything would set me off. I would be happy one moment then I would start crying. Now I've been off for two months and my family and friends can tell the difference."

6 / 10
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10 Report
  • Olive
  • October 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 24, been on it for 1 year. I have gone from 112lbs to 127lbs but have pretty clear skin other than during my period and the week after. Periods come the same day same time each month and are not too heavy. My biggest problem with this pill is my absolute lack in sex drive. Planned parenthood gave me the Nuvaring to try. Hoping it doesn't mess me up!"

8 / 10
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9 Report
  • Emma
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 9, 2019

For Ovarian Cysts "This birth control has been a truly horrible experience for me. The only positive I can say is it cleared my skin after six months, but for the first three months I had eczema on my face, which I’ve never had before. DO NOT TAKE THIS IF YOU HAVE DRY SKIN. I was on the lower dose version of this birth control, but was having breakthrough so I switched to this. I still am having breakthrough bleeding. I’ve gained about 10lbs, and my breasts have enlarged so much its painful. I have always had anxiety, but never suffered from mood swings, and this birth control makes me feel like I’m suffering from bipolar. I am constantly angry, both my family and boyfriend have said I have been acting insane. I don’t feel like myself anymore, I feel like I completely lose my sanity the week before I receive my period. Every month I have had breakthrough bleeding and twice I didn’t receive my period at all."

1 / 10
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  • mcleev
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 23, 2019

For Acne "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 its been in SO long. I finally feel comfortable enough to go out without makeup. I went from have thirty zits covering my face to four-five. And even then, these are calming down. I can't wait to see the results from more months 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 VivantSkin which have also worked wonders."

8 / 10
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  • lea
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I first started using this birth control a month ago and it gave me really bad headaches and I never had acne before but since I have been on it I’ve gotten little bumps on my forehead and under my eyes. It also gives me really bad mood swings"

5 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 7, 2010

For Birth Control "I took Ortho Tri-cyclen for a few years when I was younger. During the first month I gained 5 lbs, but that was it. I did notice I was very emotional for the first couple of months and I was told by others that I got angry or upset easily. However, while taking Ortho Tri-cyclen, I never got pregnant. It helped decrease my acne, my period went from 5-6 days to 3-4 day, my period was also very light (almost no heavy days), and I almost never had cramps. I switched to Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo after and I was less moody and less emotional so I guess the decrease in estrogen was better for me and the pill was just as effective as the regular Ortho Tri-cyclen for me."

9 / 10
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  • 27 St...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 4, 2016

For Acne "3rd month, 3rd post I am happy to report that the getting 1-2 pimples every single day, HAS STOPPED! I am so happy. I originally started this pill to get less break outs/nopregnancy. I went from getting 2-3 pimples before my cycle break out to getting 2-3 EVERY day the moment I started this pill. Has been very difficult, but accepted that the pill is a shock to your syndrome and it takes months for your body to adjust, to just stick it out. I am on my 2nd wk 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/stable, but this pill has mellowed me out to a whole new level. Love it!"

3 / 10
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  • Meowm...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I went on this for 2 months to see if it would offset the breakthrough bleeding I had on ortho tri lo. I lost weight because this pill caused me to have terrible diahrrea. It was so bad it continued after I was off of it for 6 months. I had to see a GI dr because I thought I had IBS. This pill caused me to be nauseous, have acid reflux and zapped my sex drive. It caused vaginal dryness too. I would also get terrible migraines and I NEVER get migraines or headaches. I ended up going off of it because my body couldn't handle the side effects. Made me slightly melancholy and tired too. It did prevent pregnancy and no spotting. I also had a decreased appetite and weight loss so it wasn't the worst."

4 / 10
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  • migra...
  • November 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I tried bcp in college, but they aggravated my migraines. At age 23, my neurologist said that because most of my migraines occurred just before my period, OrthoTricylen would work for me. My migraines got BETTER, my already clear complexion become clearer, and my periods lightened. However, the first three months were tough. My breasts swelled from a 34C to a 34D+ (enough to buy a bigger bra), I was easily enraged, and I became a bit of a space cadet - but it all went away after the first 3 months. I also never got pregnant until after taking this pill. If you have migraines, talk to your neurologist about this pill."

9 / 10
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  • carly
  • October 17, 2008

For Birth Control "Ortho Tri Cyclen (in my opinion) seems to be the most effective birth control pill with the least amount of unwanted side effects. I have tried several generic forms as well as the Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo and experienced mild unwanted side effects such as cramping and spotting."

9 / 10
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  • Cher
  • 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, break outs, no energy. This is the most horrible bc because one is not going to be able to function to lead a normal life. I'm so disappointed that it has cause irregular bleeding. "

1 / 10
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  • Aunt...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I took this from age 16 to 27, when I got married. Now I'm 36, and my husband and I have tried for 10 years and I can't get pregnant. My periods have been torture since I quit taking it. It is nothing unusual for me hurt so bad within the first 48 hours of starting my period, I wind up passing out on my cold tile floor naked in a puddle of sweat. I've spent a fortune trying to get pregnant, or at least find some reason behind the crippling effects of my period, which comes every 18 to 21 days. Maybe ortho isn't to blame, but I can't help but wonder if my inability to have a child is related in some way."

1 / 10
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6 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.