Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Acne: What Users Say (Page 5)

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm at the Dr. now to refill this birth control medication, and I couldn't remember the name, so I called my pharmacy and then Googled it since I was waiting. I can't believe the bad reviews, but everyone's body is different. I've been on this BC for 2 years now, starting my third. I used to break out, and I haven't had one pimple since starting this medication. I haven't gained any weight or experienced any type of emotional side effects. I love it and will continue using it."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2012

For Acne "I've been using this birth control for 3 months now, and I'm starting my 4th month now. I started taking the pill to hopefully help with my acne, and it seems to be working somewhat well until recently. When I started taking it, the acne I had improved a bit, but a few weeks ago my face basically blew up. I developed tons of it from just below my cheekbones, across my chin, and along my jawline, but my forehead stays clear. I initially thought that it was just a breakout to signal that my period was starting (I normally get a little more just before, even on the pill), but it didn't go away. It's terrible, and it's never been this bad before, even off the pill."

• bes...
• January 8, 2016

For Acne "First month on TriNessa, and I can say I have no complaints whatsoever. It makes my skin glow. I may get like up to 3 pimples max during the time of the month. I have struggled with acne for 5 years, and this is the best I've seen my skin in years."

• Sop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2019

For Acne "I was forced to switch over to Tri-Sprintec because they discontinued Tri-Nessa Lo. I have never had worse acne in my entire life. If I had read these reviews previously, I would not have taken it. The pharmacy said it was 'pretty much the same.' It is not, I should have been put on the Tri-LO-Sprintec. There are two different strengths of the Tri-pills, the low and the higher one. They changed me to the higher one. This medication has caused my depression and anxiety to spike in extremes. I have never experienced cystic acne until now. Full coverage makeup cannot hide the embarrassment I've been feeling in public for months. I've taken it for 3 months, and it's been 3 days since I officially stopped."

• pum...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, for about half a year now. My first 2-3 months on the pill gave me some headaches and nausea, but soon went away by the 3rd month. It makes my period last about 3-4 days, and my cramps are not as severe. It seems great to stop pregnancy, since it hasn’t gotten me pregnant, and I have sex very often. I do have 2 negatives, though. The first 2-3 months gave me bad breakouts, but since then it has been clearing up, and I only deal with pimples here and there. The main negative is how it controlled my hunger level. I’ll be extremely hungry but then barely eat when I get the chance. Some days this doesn’t happen, but I’ve been noticing I don’t eat as much as I used to. I do get very hungry, though, as I get closer to my period. If you’d like to know health-wise to help you, I am about 5'6" and weigh 140 pounds. I suffer from depression and anxiety. My mental illness does not seem to worsen on this, and I’ve been about the same weight. The only difference I have seen is slight breast growth."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I just finished my first pack. I was so afraid since this was the first birth control pill I have ever been on. I was majorly concerned with gaining weight, but from what I see, my appetite may have even decreased a little. I want to eat more often, but I cannot eat nearly as much as I used to. My breasts already have grown about half a cup size bigger, which I am okay with. Normally, right before my period, I would break out just a little, but this pill has eliminated almost all of my acne except for maybe one minor blemish here or there. I do feel a little more emotional, but nothing so drastic that it would affect my relationship with others or my mental state. Overall, I am in love with this pill, no true negative side effects for me."

• MHC...
• November 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control for about three weeks. It has given me a bit more acne than I normally have, but the biggest thing that has been a problem for me is the nauseous feeling that comes with it. I take my pill every night at 9 pm. Within an hour of doing so, I always feel like I could throw up. I haven't done that so far, but the feeling is so bad it makes me gag. I still feel nauseous the next day well into 4 or 5 pm. It seems to die off around then and then shows back up after I've taken the next pill. I have also experienced breast soreness, not too bad, but definitely enough to take notice of. Rather than the nausea feeling, it seems to be an okay birth control, so far, I'm not pregnant."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I just want to start this by saying not everyone's bodies are the same and different pills can react differently. I've been on Sprintec for two and a half years now, starting when I was a teenager, and I love it. I used to have extremely painful cramps during my period and 7- to 8-day long periods. Since starting Sprintec, my periods are much lighter, much shorter, and way less painful! My overall acne has improved, I do break out around my period, but I think that is normal. I did not gain weight from this pill. You only gain weight if you give in to cravings that changes in hormones can bring. Just be aware of what you are eating and how much. I did not notice any change in my cravings, however. I love this pill, and it has worked great."

• Noo...
• July 5, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "First month, I had pretty bad cramps, but that was a big reason I went on it, along with very irregular periods. After that month, though, I barely experience cramping, my periods are light and fairly short (4 days). I'm used to heavy cramps so bad I throw up and 6+ day periods. My skin is the clearest it's ever been. I did bloat very badly (7 pounds gained) around month 4, but now (month 5), all bloating is gone and I'm back to my original size. It hasn't taken away any PMS symptoms besides acne and cramps, but I'm okay with that. My breasts have grown a cup size (32 C to 32 D). So far, so good. Plus... no babies!"

• Gan...
• January 25, 2020

For Birth Control "Started my 3rd pack a week ago. It’s not perfect, but I’m fine with it so far. I was worried about the depression/anxiety/mood swings side effect because I’ve had depression before and still have anxiety. Luckily, my mood has not changed at all. I have experienced 3-4 days of spotting, it mostly happened within the 1st month. The worst thing is it made my boobs really sore. I think it lasted for at least half the time I was taking the first pack, and a few less days with the 2nd pack. So far, nothing for this 3rd month. I’m hoping my periods will get shorter, but that hasn't happened yet. My last period (2nd one I’ve had on the pill so far) seemed to be a little lighter, which was nice. I get bad back pain on my period for the first 4 days, and this time I only had back pain for 1 day! I also got the pill to help with my acne, but it's not helping. I’m gonna keep waiting to see if it helps, but I’m starting to lose hope. So there are pros and cons, but worth a try!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2020

For Birth Control "Do not take Mono-Linyah birth control! I’ve been taking it for a week, and I broke out really bad in the sense of huge cystic acne and dry, irritated skin! I’ve never had that before, and my face is so bad right now I’ve been crying for 2 days straight, whether that be hormonal crying or I’m just super upset about my face. I was put on this birth control by my gyno to fix my acne and hormones, meanwhile, it made it worse. They always say it has to get worse before it can get better, but I kid you not, I didn’t take my pill last night, and I woke up with already better looking, glowing skin. I have also been lightly spotting since I started this pill. Take at your own risk, please."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2020

For Acne "I was prescribed this Tri-Sprintec birth control for my acne. The first month was wonderful, it got rid of all my acne and evened out my skin tone, and for the first time in years, I had clear skin. I thought it would be like this for the next month, but I was wrong. I’m currently on the second round of pills, and my skin broke out horribly with extremely painful cystic acne around my chin, jaw, and nose area. It has been like this the entire month. I am about to finish this pack in a couple of days and hoping my skin calms down with the third round of pills. I spoke to my doctor, and she recommended finishing the third round of pills to see if my acne calms down to see whether or not to prescribe me to another brand."

• SGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Acne "Oh my goodness. I am in tears reading these reviews, finally finding out what’s wrong with me. I stopped breastfeeding about 3 months ago, and my skin started to break out from the hormone change, as expected. I called my OB to get back on what I assumed would be my regular BC, Trinessa, but I got this Tri-Sprintec. My face has never been this bad in my entire life. Painful, cystic acne. I’ve gained weight. My mood swings were terrible. I had anxiety through the ROOF. Whatever you do, DO NOT GET ON THIS PILL."

• Lok...
• July 4, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst pill ever. I had evasive thoughts. I would visualize how I killed people. I never had these types of thoughts before the pill. I was depressive and very angry. Gained eight pounds and acne problems became more severe. My doctor said that they are perfect pills for me, but I quit taking them because I was not myself. All my problems went away when I stopped this pill. Best decision of my life."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2012

For Acne "My gyno initially wrote a prescription refill for Ortho Tri-Cyclen (which I had been taking for years), but when I went to have the prescription refilled, the pharmacy did not have Ortho in stock. Therefore, they suggested the Tri-Sprintec. Just days after starting the pack, I experienced the WORST breakouts I have had as an adult, along with nausea, heart palpitations, and migraines. This is simply my experience with this pill - I know every female's body is different."

• bri...
• May 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for about 3 weeks, and it works great, and my period is regular. I have not been sick or had any negative side effects at all. But my acne has been clearing up, decreased appetite, and a little moody for the first four hours after I took the pill. I love this birth control since the ring made me really sick, gained weight, caused intense headaches, and made me bleed for two months straight at a time. I would recommend that you eat something before taking the pill to avoid headaches. Other than that, it isn't all bad for me. I think everyone needs to experience it for themselves instead of believing everything you hear or read because every experience is different. I had read over half of these reviews before I decided to take Sprintec."

• bec...
• January 14, 2015

For Birth Control "Overall, as a birth control, it did its job. My husband and I never used a backup birth control, and in the year and a half I was on it, I didn't get pregnant. The reason I'm only giving it an 8 is that around the time I was getting my period, I would go insane. Crying a lot... yelling, getting really angry for no reason. I had a low sex drive while I was taking it, but other than that, it got rid of my terrible cramps, and my acne cleared up a lot also. I just switched to Apri, so we will see how that goes."

• Nat...
• October 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I was so scared to go on this pill or any pill for that matter! Read terrible reviews. Did so much research, and they all seemed like a bad choice. Decided this seemed like the best bet. Been on it 17 days, and I love it. No weight gain, no acne, no hormonal mood swings. My only complaint is I am on day 8 of my period (when I wasn't on the pill, my period was 8 days long too). I thought this would make it shorter. I am hoping today is the last day, if it continues for longer, I will update my review. But so far, so good! I actually lost some weight taking this pill! Happy girl here."

• CMa...
• January 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I was so afraid to go on birth control because I always heard about weight gain and acne. I recently got on it just because I'm intimate with my boyfriend and wanted to be extremely safe, and I must say Sprintec is amazing. The only issue I had that really got to me was I was on my period the first month for two weeks. It made me really sick because of the amount of blood I lost, but I took it easy. I get the occasional breakout before my period, which is completely normal. Other than that, my skin is seriously so clear! I get the same symptoms before my period: sore breasts, acne, and occasional cravings. But surprisingly, this makes me not want to eat, and I've actually lost weight. Lastly, there's been no pregnancy scares or babies on the way."

• CMa...
• January 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I was so afraid to go on birth control because I always heard about weight gain and acne. I recently got on it just because I'm intimate with my boyfriend and wanted to be extremely safe, and I must say Sprintec is amazing. The only issue I had that really got to me was I was on my period the first month for two weeks. It made me really sick because of the amount of blood I lost, but I took it easy. I get the occasional breakout before my period, which is completely normal. Other than that, my skin is seriously so clear! I get the same symptoms before my period: sore breasts, acne, and occasional cravings. But surprisingly, this makes me not want to eat, and I've actually lost weight. Lastly, there's been no pregnancy scares or babies on the way."

• Anonymous
• November 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I took Sprintec for 4 months, and it was a fine and dandy birth control for pain with cramps, but I couldn't take the cystic acne it brought on. I never had acne before. The tenderness in the breasts was also quite bothersome. Other than that, good pill, but too much acne."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2012

For Acne "Overall, I've had good luck. I went on it to treat my acne. For the first 2 weeks, my skin on my face and back got so bad. Everything was inflamed to the point where sitting and leaning up against something was painful. Also, for the first month (my hormones were out of whack trying to adjust), I was having intense mood swings. I was annoyed and easily irritated by everything and had no patience, causing me to snap at times uncontrollably. When it got to this point, I wanted nothing more than to get off the medicine. But I'm so glad I stayed on it. After a month, things got better. My body adjusted. No more severe mood swings and my acne is clear. I occasionally get breakouts the week before my period. No pregnancy and no weight gain either. Definitely try it!"

• Anonymous
• July 1, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for three months now. I had minor acne before, and after the first few weeks, my skin was completely cleared up. The only issue I had was during the first month, I had problems sleeping. However, that is a common side effect of any birth control pill. I also got a yeast infection last month, and while oral contraceptives give you a higher risk of contracting a yeast infection, so do antibiotics. So I would recommend taking cranberry pills and acidophilus on a regular basis! But overall, I would recommend Sprintec. It does its job."

• Con...
• April 26, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Sprintec for 3-4 years when all of a sudden the pharmacy would call to say my script is ready for pick up and name something I never heard of, so I ignored it. I went 2 months without birth control, then I started this new pill on a Sunday. I'm on month 3 of taking Mili. I cry for days, anxiety at its worst, I'm constantly bloated to the point that a 7-month pregnant coworker and I were comparing hardness of our bellies, always thirsty, and this acne on my chin is so damn bad I want to dig my skin off. All of these things I assumed were just regular woman things, and my chin I blamed on the mask, but I've been wearing a mask for 2 years and this is recent. This pill is the worst. I accidentally found this thread while trying to search to see why I couldn't get the Sprintec anymore. Never did I imagine that so many others have been experiencing the exact same things from this pill. It's the worst. I am rating a 3 because, well, it prevents pregnancy..."