Sprintec and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)
Reviews for Sprintec
- a27...
- September 5, 2019
For Birth Control "So I started this Sprintec pill about a month and a half ago. While it has done a good job at doing its job, stopping me from getting pregnant, I haven’t had the greatest experience. I had spotting about a week before my period actually started, which I didn’t really have a problem with, although it was annoying. I have had more acne than usual, and I’ve always had a pretty clear face. Recently, I’m having a lot of bumps show up on my forehead and cheeks where I usually wouldn’t ever get them. My biggest problem would be my mood. I am a pretty sensitive/emotional person as it is, but this has made it so much worse. I don’t recognize myself at times, and I’m heavily crying almost every day, sometimes twice a day. I’m apologizing to my boyfriend all the time for bawling my eyes out over him doing something that was just a joke, etc. I’ve been getting mad a lot easier as well, and I’m irritable all the time. I'm not going to stay on this much longer. I can’t stand not being myself and being so emotional."
- Dan...
- May 15, 2020
For Ovarian Cysts "I got on Sprintec to try to fix acne and stop getting ovarian cysts. I haven't had an ovarian cyst for either month, and I've had at least one for 7 months in a row before starting this. At first, my back and chest broke out, which wasn't normal, and my face acne didn't get better or worse. My back and chest have been healing, and my face still is about the same, maybe a little better. My boobs hurt pretty bad for the whole first month but have felt better and almost back to normal now. I do feel nauseous, but I did before from ovarian cysts too, so I'm not sure if that's because of the birth control. I have felt hungry a lot from this, I think, but I haven't gained weight from it. I haven't had mood swings out of the ordinary. The biggest complaint I have about this is that my period cramps usually happened the first day or two and then went away, and on Sprintec, it's hurt the whole time I've been on my period. I'm also not pregnant, so it's doing its job on that part. So, overall, not complaining!"
Frequently asked questions
- Opill OTC vs other birth control pills: What's the difference?
- Is this normal - spotting and stomach cramps from starting birth control pills?
- Mak...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 23, 2019
For Birth Control "Pros: get rid of heavy cramps, lightens your flow, and makes your breasts a little bigger. Cons: every month it seems like I have new symptoms. The first month, nausea and a loss of appetite, the second, I had really bad acne and a huge black spot on my face (I’m assuming this is from the pill, I always had great skin), and this month I’m extremely sensitive. I cried for a while this month without any real reason for me being sad."
- Wes...
- November 22, 2019
For Birth Control "Sprintec did its job of preventing pregnancy and had the added benefit of clearing my skin. For the 3 months I was on it, however, I experienced a 10 lb weight gain (I’ve had no issues keeping weight off in the past, but even with intense exercise every other day and calorie counting on the pill, my weight gradually rose without drastic lifestyle changes). I also experienced the worst mood swings of my life (anger, irritation) and had really dark thoughts almost every time I restarted the pills for the month and came off of them for my period week. My breasts were excruciatingly tender (even laying on my back hurt them) for the first 2 months, though this stopped during my 3rd month. My libido was non-existent within the first month of starting the pill. Since going off of the pills for good, I’ve lost 9 lbs in 2 weeks, which makes me think that most of the weight was water retention. My mood is back to normal, and my libido has come back, though so has my acne."
- Nea...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- May 7, 2014
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been taking Sprintec for years. When I lost my health insurance, it was cheap, and it was a mono-phase pill that I could take continuously, and it's been the best pill I've tried for cramps and lighter, shorter periods. I use it to control my polycystic ovarian syndrome (it's a low-androgen pill that helps control my PCOS-raised testosterone levels). If it impacts T levels too far, it can lower the sex drive too much for some people. For me, it removed the worst aspects of having naturally high T levels and put me into the 'normal' range, though, including 'balancing' my sex drive and clearing up my acne. I also use this pill continuously (4 periods/year) to minimize pre-menstrual and menstrual migraines - 'yay,' I get both types. No period = no hormonal migraines."
- Jus...
- March 6, 2017
For Birth Control "I used to have intense menstrual pains. I started taking Sprintec in 2012, so I've been on it for almost five years. I did not have an adverse reaction to it. The menstrual pains are almost completely gone. I notice when I do not get much exercise that month, I have minor cramps. My periods (usually spotting or light periods) start on Wednesday and usually are gone by Saturday. I've downgraded to panty liners. I always try to take my pills at 10:30 every night. Occasionally, I would be an hour or two late, and after I got into the habit of taking the pill every day, I stopped taking the white sugar pills. Acne actually cleared up, no weight gain, or depression."
- Zz1...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 3, 2018
For Birth Control "This is by far the best birth control I have ever been on. This pill improved my sexual function immensely. Before being on Sprintec, I would have a difficult time reaching orgasm, but now that I am on the pill, I can climax easily and frequently. Only downsides are slight increase in anxiety, acne, and weight. But overall, I would recommend. Like I said, the negatives are very slight."
- Lea...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 22, 2019
For Birth Control "I just started this pill, and I am already having so many issues. I came online to see if anyone else was experiencing the same things, and thank goodness I found these comments so I knew I wasn’t alone. Since being on Sprintec, I have had horrible headaches and painful acne. And that’s just the beginning, I have also started gaining weight even though I just started the pill. I have had major car sickness, and the worst part is that I have had some spotting and some serious mood swings. I go from crying my eyes out one minute to so mad I could scream the next. It’s making me feel anxious, depressed, irritable, and just overall not like my usual self."
- B1L...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 29, 2013
For Birth Control "I will shortly finish my first pack of Sprintec and must say that this has been the best birth control I've yet to be on. No issues with sex drive, tiredness, weight gain other than my breasts, which have become a bit larger; however, really tender, but I don't mind and/or complain. My skin did break out at first but is slowly clearing up, and I didn't have much of an appetite 2 to 3 days in, that too is better. Other than the few minor changes, I will continue to use Sprintec!"
- Cas...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 17, 2016
For Birth Control "I've never taken birth control before because I've never been sexually active (and I'm still not). I started this a few months before my wedding, and it seemed totally fine at first. I read a ton of reviews that warned of major mood swings and irritability, but I never experienced that. I also read a ton of reviews that praised this pill for helping with flawless skin, but that is NOT the case for me. While my chest did grow and I didn't have mood swings or weight gain, I experienced some of the most painful and humiliating acne of my life while taking it. My forehead never breaks out, but for 3 constant months it's been a war zone, as are my cheeks, chin, and brow area. I'm switching to Yaz. Fingers crossed I clear up before the big day."
- Ela...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 5, 2019
For Birth Control "This is my first time taking birth control. The first couple of days, I was having bad diarrhea and stomach problems, but they subsided. My boobs have been very sore and tender, but it’s gotten better. My skin wasn’t too bad before, but I'd occasionally get cysts. I’ve been on the pill for almost a month, and so far I haven’t gotten any large pimples, but I am experiencing small breakouts lately. But that could be because I was nearing my period. I’m going to keep taking it because it’s supposed to help your skin around 2-3 months in! It is very effective! My boyfriend and I had lots of unprotected sex and no baby! I recommend this pill and stick with it!"
- kat...
- June 13, 2020
For Endometriosis "Remember everyone’s body reacts differently to birth control, so don’t let the reviews scare you from trying. I decided to take Sprintec after my friend was on it and had no problems. The first month I had bad nausea, and my cramps were worse than before. But after the second pack, the cramps were better, and I had less bleeding then. Besides the first couple of weeks, I experienced no mood changes. I have normally acne-prone skin and get breakouts before my period. But on the second month of Sprintec, I had the worst cystic acne I have ever had in my life. My face was completely covered in painful breakouts. I decided to stay on it until I completed my third pack to see if my body was adjusting to it. But after the third month, it continued to breakout. My doctor decided I should stop taking it. After stopping taking it, my skin drastically cleared up. It took three months off of it to 100% clear up my skin to normal. So if you have acne-prone skin or get breakouts around your period, I would not recommend this."
- kat...
- June 13, 2020
For Endometriosis "Remember everyone’s body reacts differently to birth control, so don’t let the reviews scare you from trying. I decided to take Sprintec after my friend was on it and had no problems. The first month I had bad nausea, and my cramps were worse than before. But after the second pack, the cramps were better, and I had less bleeding then. Besides the first couple of weeks, I experienced no mood changes. I have normally acne-prone skin and get breakouts before my period. But on the second month of Sprintec, I had the worst cystic acne I have ever had in my life. My face was completely covered in painful breakouts. I decided to stay on it until I completed my third pack to see if my body was adjusting to it. But after the third month, it continued to breakout. My doctor decided I should stop taking it. After stopping taking it, my skin drastically cleared up. It took three months off of it to 100% clear up my skin to normal. So if you have acne-prone skin or get breakouts around your period, I would not recommend this."
- Lin...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 10, 2019
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So I started Sprintec the second day of my period (the first day was mainly just spotting, and the second day was a Sunday). Anyways, I’ve only been taking it about 12 days now, and I’m exhausted. All the time. I mean I’m usually constantly tired, but I need a nap after going up the stairs. I also have been having brown bleeding for a week after my period. So it’s like I’ve been on my period two weeks. I usually have good skin, and now my face is starting to break out all over. My boobs are sore, but they're enhancing, so I’m taking that as a “beauty is pain.” Lol. I stay bloated a lot. I'm not too sure how to feel about it, honestly."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 9, 2015
For Birth Control "I have been taking Sprintec for about 3 weeks, haven't even started my period pills yet. So far, I am pleased with the results, I was getting the Depo shot before I switched to Sprintec. I switched because I never stopped bleeding on the Depo shot for almost a year, I bled. So far, no side effects, no weight gain, no headaches or nausea, and I actually think it is helping clear what little acne I had."
- Eni...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 16, 2018
For Birth Control "For birth control, it did its job. Never got pregnant with my boyfriend (we NEVER EVER used additional protection). However, it made me gain a lot of weight, made my face look swollen, gave me very bad back acne, and made me very dry down there. I developed a burning sensation in the vaginal area, which I thought was because of laser hair removal, but once I switched to a different brand (Microgestin), it went away!"
- Liz...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- March 9, 2017
For Birth Control "I started taking this to prevent pregnancy, since I have light, painless periods and no acne. Even after a year, I had acne breakouts every month, significant cramping on my periods, loss of appetite, nausea, and mood swings/suicidal thoughts during my PMS week. I decided to switch after I kept waking up in the middle of the night with severe stomach pain. I'm sure it works fine for some women, and it did prevent pregnancy, but the side effects weren't worth it."
- Sar...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 11, 2020
For Ovarian Cysts "I was diagnosed with PCOS very young. Been on many birth controls. Weight always fluctuating, period always out of whack... now acne. But now on Sprintec, weight is finally normal. Mental health is better. I feel fatigued and have cravings. My acne is awful. But that is it. So far my period has been NORMAL, and for someone that had bled for months on end, that is a blessing. So, for three months, this medication is alright."
- Abs...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- September 29, 2018
For Birth Control "I’ve been on this birth control for almost 9 years now (went on at 14, and now I’m 23). For 95% of that time, I had incredibly clear skin, never needed foundation, have never had a pregnancy scare, and always had moderate to light periods. Recently, with life being crazy, I started missing pills left and right, to the point where I’ve taken 3 pills at once just because I forgot for a few days (I suck). Since this has happened quite often in the last few months, my skin has been the worst it’s ever been. I’ve been getting painful cystic breakouts, pimples on my cheeks and chin, super oily skin around my nose and on my back. It’s been horrible. I believe this birth control works wonders for helping clear skin! Just make sure you take it every day and stay consistent! I’m getting back into the flow of taking it every day at around the right time, and my skin has already started clearing up again."
- Ser...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 17, 2018
For Birth Control "So I've taken Sprintec for the past four months. Before I started taking the pill, I would only get breakouts when stressed. Now I have almost constant breakouts with large, painful pimples. While I have lost weight, my appetite is really weird now, and some days I struggle to eat at all before I begin to feel sick. All this I can look past, except for the last four months I have experienced crazy mood swings, jealousy, and I get really upset. Now normally I'm a fairly happy, mild-tempered person, so this was all really weird for me. Definitely do your research before taking this. It wasn't for me, but it might be for you!!"
- cee...
- November 29, 2012
For Birth Control "I've been on Sprintec for 3 weeks now, I've got 3 blue pills left. I've been on 4 different kinds of birth control in the past, and I can honestly say that Sprintec has been my favorite! I have had no mood swings or weight gain, which is awesome. I had horrible weight gain with other birth controls. I have chronic migraines, and I haven't had any increase in them or any more acne than normal. I did have a very suppressed appetite at first, I was very hungry but would sit down to eat and just be nauseous at the thought. That only lasted a week and a half or so. My breasts have grown, which I'm not complaining about at all. All in all, I'm very pleased and would recommend Sprintec to anyone!"
- Jes...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 20, 2014
For Birth Control "I switched to Sprintec (because it was cheap) from Amethia after losing my insurance. I began experiencing acne breakouts on my face and very sudden mood swings, which I had not experienced on Amethia. I am no longer using Sprintec because the side effects are not worth it."
- Kel...
- January 17, 2011
For Birth Control "I've been using Sprintec for over a year now, and I honestly don't have too many complaints. For the first month, my breasts were tender, but it went away. My period comes exactly at the same time and day of the month. I don't usually miss a pill, but the few times I did, I ended up getting pretty sick at night for around 6 hours. I would throw up and have stomach pains; obviously, this could have been avoided. My sex drive has not decreased; if anything, it increased. I didn't have any skin breakout issues that I know were caused by Sprintec; my face is usually clear with the seldom pimple or two. It seems to be pretty effective in preventing pregnancy. I didn't experience any unusual mood swings or weight gain. Overall, I would recommend it."
- Ms ...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 13, 2016
For Birth Control "Just started, so what I'm experiencing may change after some time (I hope), but I began bleeding the next day of taking Sprintec, and I'm still bleeding now. Ok, fine, maybe because it's new, but I'm also nauseous EVERY DAY right after I eat or drink ANYTHING (it's helping me lose weight because I can't keep much down). Also, now I have acne like I've never had acne. I'm easily depressed, then I'm super happy, like it's confusing. This is not cool, but like I said, it is still new for me, so I'm going to give it time. My GYN says after 3 months it should be better."
See also:
More about Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate)
- Sprintec consumer information
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (1,305)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: contraceptives
For Birth Control "Coming from 1 year with a Mirena IUD and the side effect of intense acne, my experience 2 months in is phenomenal! My boobs have increased in size, my skin has absolutely NO active breakouts (just scarring now), I am happier, my skin is SO much less oily, and my sex drive has increased. I think my levels of estrogen were ridiculously low, and this dosage of hormones works well for my body!"