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Sprintec and Bleeding: What Users Say

Bleeding: mentioned by 169 users (13.0%)

Based on user experiences from 1,298 Sprintec reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

nausea 23.6%
mood swings 20.0%
acne 19.2%
cramps 18.0%
weight gain 17.0%
depression 16.8%
bleeding 13.0%
sexual dysfunction 10.2%
sore breasts 10.2%
headaches 9.3%

Reviews for Sprintec

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Rev...
  • January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "Everyone seems to only want to discuss the bad when reviewing different methods of birth control. Overall, my experience being on Sprintec for 4 months now has been significantly better than average. The only type of birth control I was on before was Depo, and Sprintec has been a dream in comparison. I love this birth control because I have absolutely no unexpected bleeding, significant weight gain, or complexion issues on this birth control. Since I started Sprintec, my acne-prone problematic skin cleared up in less than a month! No more quarterly trips to the dermatologist now that I am on the pill. Most importantly, I don't have to worry about pregnancy. I have not noticed myself being overly emotional or unusually depressed while on any type of birth control. My only complaint is stomach issues for the first 7 days upon starting and craving at the beginning of the cycle. I would definitely recommend this birth control for pregnancy prevention and acne treatment."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 19, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was put on this pill to regulate my period, but I was on my period when the doctor gave it to me. I have not stopped bleeding for 3 weeks straight. I started the pill a week ago, and I find it gets worse - the cramps, the bleeding, and blood clots. I'm emotionally drained, tired all the time, and feel sick. I've been on birth control to stop bleeding before, and it worked within 2 to 3 days. I don't know when I'm going to stop bleeding, hopefully soon. I'm getting so tired of it. I just want to feel normal again."

1 / 10
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80 Report
  • Jan...
  • February 26, 2020

For Ovarian Cysts "I am finding through more and more reading of reviews is that a lot of these higher estrogen, progestogen pills ruin lives. This pill absolutely destroyed my mental health. I had dark thoughts, I was aggressive and severely depressed. I gained back 10 pounds that I spent the last few months losing within the first month of this pill. I bled for three weeks straight and had super dry, itchy skin. Plus, it made sex unbearably painful, which I have never experienced before. I was practically manic depressive and extremely anxious with migraines and didn't have the energy. I do not recommend this at all, and I am really considering stopping birth control altogether as I am about to start Apri, and they say the same side effects happen. If you are trying this and have any symptoms, especially emotional and the weight, and pain down there from dryness and sex being unbearable, STOP ASAP and try something new. Please take care and don't ignore side effects."

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Wel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 13, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This pill worked perfectly for me for the first month. Now it’s nothing but bleeding constantly, and I’ve been on it for about 6 months. So basically, 5 months of bleeding because of this pill and blood during intercourse when I get a day break from the bleeding. DO NOT RECOMMEND!"

1 / 10
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31 Report
  • Jhe...
  • July 18, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have always suffered from heavy bleeding since I was 16, and now I’m 39. I was put on Mirena IUD but had to have it replaced since it fell out twice. Was put on Sprintec about 8 months ago and have been spotting nonstop straight like a stuck pig in a butcher shop ever since. There have been times where I have had to change my Super + tampon and overnight pad all at once within 15 mins because I bled so bad and almost fainted. I also have fibroids. I have not been able to keep my appointments with my gynecologist and have to keep canceling my ultrasound/consultation for a hysterectomy due to the bleeding. And on top of this, my new doctor said I should never have been put on Sprintec in the first place due to my high blood pressure. I hope this helps someone because I came here crying and fed up because I have no one else to relate to. Good luck, ladies!"

1 / 10
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  • lan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Alright, so when I was prescribed this, I was so scared to take it after reading some reviews. I just got on Accutane a couple months before going on Sprintec and was scared it would mess up my skin, but it actually helped so much with my skin. Another reason why I was prescribed it was before this, I got the copper IUD, worst decision of my life, and didn't stop bleeding for 4 months after I got it removed. I was still bleeding, then 1 week after being on Sprintec, the bleeding completely stopped. Don't be scared off from taking this medicine, everything works different for people. I also suffer from an eating disorder and was terrified to gain weight. It's been 5 months of me on this pill, and I haven't gained a pound. The only thing I have noticed is that my boobs and butt got way bigger, and my boobs are always kinda sore, but I'll take that over constantly bleeding all the time."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • tli...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 7, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doc prescribed Sprintec and said to use with the 'skip method,' where I skip inactive pills for a few months and only get 4 periods a year. Sprintec gave me horrible mood swings and anxiety attacks during the first few months. I was a nervous wreck, and my husband hated me. I hated myself. After that, it was good for a while. But now I've been spotting on and off for 3 weeks, with cramping and times of heavier bleeding. My sex life also is non-existent."

4 / 10
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  • Nan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 23, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I don’t really do this (write comments), but since I went through hell...I thought I’d share my experience. On my 3rd week of the pill, I started heavy bleeding and thought...OK, this could be breakthrough bleeding. But I began bleeding heavy - clots big as my palm. I became short of breath and felt a shock through my body and felt dizzy. I was going in circles. I got an appointment with OB/GYN right away. The doctor did an exam, everything was okay, but my pulse was 180! He sent me to the ER. They put me on IV fluids, exams, tons of blood work, and at the end, I received 2 bags of blood. They ruled it was the birth control that got everything so wacky due to all my labs and exams being okay. They advised NOT to take it again. I'm on meds now to help stop the bleeding and will have a follow-up with OB/GYN. I understand that the outcome of the medication is different for everyone. The reason I took this birth control was to regulate my periods. I would have heavy periods, but never this heavy. I hope this helps anyone looking into taking a birth control."

1 / 10
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25 Report
  • Anonymous
  • August 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Sprintec for 10 months and got pregnant. I took the pill at the same time every day. I experienced breakthrough bleeding the entire time I was on it. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. Horrible product."

1 / 10
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20 Report
  • jls...
  • December 22, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Sprintec sucks!!! The reason I got on the pill was so I could have sex and not get pregnant!! Well, it works because I can't have sex because I won't stop bleeding!!! I first started taking the pill in October, all was well. When I started taking the placebos, I started my period and it lasted for two weeks. It finally ended. I decided the next time to skip the placebos so I wouldn't bleed for two weeks. Well, I started to bleed anyway, and I've now been bleeding for probably close to a month now. It hasn't really helped with acne or anything either. IDK whether to continue to take the pill and hope for the best or stop taking it and maybe my bleeding will stop??? Ugh!!!"

2 / 10
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32 Report
  • xAc...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 28, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have done nothing but bleed while on the Sprintec pill. I have bled, and bled, and bled, to the point where I needed to use bladder leakage pants to help with the bleeding, as I would go through pads and tampons like crazy. I used a whole box of 18 tampons in one day. (Super and regular) they were both dripping. (TMI, I know) Honestly, this is the worst medicine I have ever taken for birth control. Would not recommend to anyone. I don't even take the sugar pills!"

2 / 10
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22 Report
  • Lil...
  • March 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm starting my last row of pills tomorrow (the placebos), and I still have a period. I have been bleeding for three weeks straight, and I'm going into the fourth. My doctor said that it could take three months. If I still have a period on my second pack, I'm leaving this brand. This is ridiculous."

5 / 10
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29 Report
  • Dee...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 3, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "When I started Sprintec, a couple of days later I started having side effects. I started being really short with my kids. Then I started going into panic mode every time they went anywhere, and they both are teenagers. And I had nothing to worry about. Then I started spotting, which I know was going to happen from reading the reviews. So I didn't mind that. But the panic attacks got worse, my chest started hurting, then I started bleeding and clotting non-stop, headaches, lightheadedness. My MD finally told me to stop taking them. I was bleeding so badly I was homebound for weeks. And I'm still bleeding some. Went from having no period to bleeding non-stop. Thank God I'm a nurse, or I would be in the hospital."

1 / 10
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34 Report
  • Spr...
  • August 22, 2011

For Birth Control "I'm on my third week of Sprintec 28 and haven't had a single negative side effect. I started using it on the first day of my period, which also happened to be a Sunday (lucky me). I love it! As long as there are no side effects and nothing changes, then I'm staying on this pill forever. The only thing I noticed is that there was still light bleeding even after my period ended, but nothing big. No headaches, nausea, vomiting, mood swings, cramps, stomach pain, breast tenderness/pain, or anything! It depends on the person, you can't just judge it based on the reviews because I was scared to try it. I read so many horrible reviews, but I gave it a shot, and I am pain-free."

9 / 10
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28 Report
  • Pat...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I have never been on birth control before, so this is my first time. I’ve been on Sprintec for about 2 months now, got it prescribed. My partner and I have a lot of unprotected sex, so we decided to get on birth control. The only side effects that I have experienced so far are frequent nausea and spotting. I’ve also noticed how clear my skin got. I can’t really say much about my sex drive because I have been so busy with school stuff and work, so has my boyfriend. Other than that, everything seems to be okay for now. My only issue is that I have skipped my period, and now I am experiencing breakthrough bleeding along with mild cramps. I don’t know if this is a good thing or not, but the bleeding only lasts for a couple of hours, then it stops. However, it’s been about 5 days now! My doctor said it would improve as I keep taking the pill, so I’ll be updating you guys on how it’s going so far."

8 / 10
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11 Report
  • sky...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 23, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Sprintec, this is the worst birth control ever. At first, I really liked it because this was my first experience with birth control. Until month two hit. Oh boy, I was bleeding for a month straight. Horrible. I wasn't even on my placebo week, and I bled everywhere with huge blood clots. Not to mention, when I wasn’t bleeding, I was still experiencing the worst cramps ever. After 8 hours of taking it, I would be so unbelievably nauseous. Don’t get me wrong, it worked for one of my friends, but not for me."

3 / 10
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11 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 30, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "UPDATE: My Dr. called me back on 12/17/19 and told me to continue taking the pill because the bleeding is normal and will eventually stop. She also recommended taking 1 ibuprofen a day to help with the bleeding. It didn't immediately stop it, but I did notice that each day I had less and less bleeding. It is now Dec. 30th, and I have not bled since Dec. 24th, thank goodness. So I will continue this pill. Other than the bleeding, I didn't experience any adverse reactions. I freaked out because I didn't know to expect bleeding. I am supposed to have my menstrual cycle this week (yes, it sucks that I finally got relief from bleeding, just to expect my period in a couple of days lol). So we'll see how painful my period is this time around, because that's the reason why I am taking this pill... Take care of yourselves, ladiesā£"

9 / 10
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16 Report
  • Dev...
  • April 14, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on this for 2 years, stopped it because I had been broken up with (didn't want babies). I no longer had a need for it. After stopping this, I ended up bleeding for 2 weeks at a time. Once a month, I had 1 week where I wasn't on my period, and I would soak an overnight pad in less than an hour. I had extreme cramps, skipped uni because I would have to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes to change my tampon and pad. I had fainting spells, sleeping in school because I couldn't stay awake. I came home from school at 4, slept until the next morning every day (due to the amount of blood loss). This birth control permanently ruined my natural mental cycle. I NEVER had this problem. I could not include the rest of my experience because only 1000 characters are allowed. I ended up in the hospital for 4 days, 2 blood transfusions, and heart failure. There was also cystic hormonal acne, suicidal thoughts, and depression. I can't stop it now, or else I would end up risking my life again because it permanently messed up my reproductive organs."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Sta...
  • November 5, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve been on this Sprintec birth control since May. Completely horrible. Breakthrough bleeding all the time, and recently my doctor told me to skip my placebo (which I’ve done once before and bled for 6 weeks because of it). Well, I spotted the first week I skipped, but now I’ve been on my period for 12 days. Wondering when it will stop. I’m done taking this medication."

1 / 10
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13 Report
  • Sta...
  • November 5, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve been on this Sprintec birth control since May. Completely horrible. Breakthrough bleeding all the time, and recently my doctor told me to skip my placebo (which I’ve done once before and bled for 6 weeks because of it). Well, I spotted the first week I skipped, but now I’ve been on my period for 12 days. Wondering when it will stop. I’m done taking this medication."

1 / 10
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13 Report
  • Beo...
  • January 7, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Everything seemed fine in the first few weeks of taking the pill, and then right before starting my second pack, I started bleeding heavily and having the most awful cramps. It was like I was 13 years old all over again (keep in mind, I’m 25). So now I’m almost finished with my second pack, and I’ve been bleeding heavily for like 2 1/2 weeks now. This birth control sucks. I do not recommend. I’m switching to another one as soon as I can."

2 / 10
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11 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 19, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I just started Sprintec. I'm on my 3rd week of pills. I have not stopped bleeding yet. After reading these reviews, I think I'm going to try another BC. I have heavy bleeding 3 days in a row with large clots. I thought the bleeding was almost over last week, but to my surprise, I just missed work because of heavy, heavy bleeding and clots. This can't be normal."

1 / 10
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19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 19, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I just started Sprintec. I'm on my 3rd week of pills. I have not stopped bleeding yet. After reading these reviews, I think I'm going to try another BC. I have heavy bleeding 3 days in a row with large clots. I thought the bleeding was almost over last week, but to my surprise, I just missed work because of heavy, heavy bleeding and clots. This can't be normal."

1 / 10
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19 Report
  • Liz...
  • April 9, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got on this pill because I had non-stop bleeding, and of course, before taking this, I read every single review, and almost every single review was bad. But I had no choice, I had to get on it because I was on the verge of becoming anemic. I also have acne, mild acne, but I wasn’t taking it to help my acne, if it would help, it would be a plus. So I’ve been on Sprintec for 4 weeks, and honestly, I have nothing bad to say. The only thing is that the first 2 weeks my skin did get really bad, but 1 week later my skin cleared up beautifully. Usually, my skin stays clear for like 3 days, then I’d start breaking out again, but my skin has been clear for like two weeks. I have no other side effects at all. For the purpose of it to help regulate my period, I stopped bleeding for a while, but I’m bleeding again, but the nurse said it might take a while to regulate, so I’m waiting on that."

9 / 10
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12 Report
  • sar...
  • June 13, 2013

For Birth Control "Can I say... awful cramps? Never in my life have I had cramps like these! I've only been on Sprintec for a month. My first period was this past weekend, and it was bad! I had to take muscle relaxers to get the pain to lessen, and those barely touched it. Also, I'm still bleeding four days into my new pill pack. I'm ready to be DONE with this ridiculously long period! My moods are insane. I'm emotional. One positive: my face is amazingly clear. That's it."

1 / 10
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19 Report

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