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Sprintec and Nausea: What Users Say

Nausea: mentioned by 306 users (23.6%)

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
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "So I started Sprintec about 6 months ago to help clear up acne, and it worked. I was freaking out because I didn’t want to gain weight, but I really wanted to clear up my acne. The first two months were difficult. I was nauseous often, especially at night. I was very hungry the first month, but I got back to normal hunger levels after that. I gained some weight, mostly in my boobs. I would definitely say if you are hesitant about going on Sprintec for the weight gain, do not let that hold you back. Your body will normalize after a few weeks, I promise. Trust me, I did not want to gain weight, I have had an eating disorder in the past, but it is worth it. My skin is so clear now. Do not let the weight gain hold you back!"

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 13, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took Sprintec for 7 months, and after seeing these reviews after a MONTH of bleeding (brown blood for the most part), I am quitting this pill - my gyn tells me to keep taking it, but I refuse when this could risk my health. It hurts my vision, gives me cramps, induces nausea, and I'm hoping quitting will calm down my bleeding and reset my normal menstrual cycle. This will probably be the last birth control I ever take. For all the ladies wondering when the madness ends after quitting - I'll keep in touch and refresh this review when it stops and let you guys in on my quitting journey."

1 / 10
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  • AF2...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I started this birth control, Sprintec, just under two months ago. This is my first one. I have two days left this month, and I’m quitting. I have a history of stomach issues, and my periods definitely aren’t fun either. I threw up the first night I started Sprintec. I have not been myself since I started it. My stomach hurts, and I’m nauseous every day. I have really bad headaches almost every day, if not every day. I can’t sleep. My emotions are awful. I feel so depressed and anxious. I struggle to find the motivation to do anything or even live. I wanted my periods to be less painful. Now I look forward to them every month because I feel better when I’m on it than when I take the pill for the other 21 days. I desperately just want to be myself again. I don’t even know who I am anymore. I’m sure this is different for everyone, but I just can’t handle it anymore."

4 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Lyn...
  • September 6, 2020

For Birth Control "Okay, so I had to put a review for this pill just to offer some relief for other girls. In my experience, I had taken this pill before my period and read that you could only be protected if you started EXACTLY on your first day of your period. Yeah, it sounded stupid at the time, but basically, if you take it 5 days in a row, you're protected. It was my first time taking birth control and using it to have sex with my partner. I've had a lot of unprotected sex with my boyfriend, so the pill really works, but it's very easy to get sloppy or lazy taking the pill, which has resulted in 2 pregnancy scares. Now I'm more careful because I'm a uni student and still want my freedom. It's very important to really consider having unprotected sex because it can change your life in an instant. The best time to take this pill is in the evening because you'll avoid the nausea while sleeping in my experience. The bloating can get really bad sometimes, so that's annoying. As far as boob pain, it's mild."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 18, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been taking Sprintec for 3 years now. It has worked really well for me. Before this, I would get very moody, get menstrual migraines, have really bad cramps, and when I was 18, I started getting nauseous/sick every other month within the first couple of days of my period. Since taking Sprintec, I feel my mood has greatly improved. I no longer get sick/nauseous, my cramps have become more than tolerable, and I noticed no increased acne or weight gain. I haven't experienced any yeast infection/urinary tract problems with this. However, every girl will react differently to different birth controls. If it doesn't work for you, don't worry; just call your doctor and discuss some new options. Eventually, you will find something that works for you."

9 / 10
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  • Emi...
  • December 5, 2010

For Ovarian Cysts "So I've been reading other reviews for this, and I really think that people should wait until after the first month to decide if this is a horrible birth control because OF COURSE we're going to have the bad side effects the first few weeks! Our bodies are adapting to a new drug so just be patient! The first three weeks I had nausea, mild mood swings, loss of appetite, and EXTREMELY sore and swollen breasts. Since then I've been side effect-free. I've been on it for three months now, and I have to say it's amazing! I take it for PCOS, and because of my PCOS, I would be having periods every 6 months, and they would be KILLER! I would literally be in bed for days, but with this birth control, I have mild, short periods. It's fantastic. I definitely recommend it."

10 / 10
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  • Aut...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had a great experience with Sprintec, actually. I have been using this for about a year and have not felt the side effects I used to feel with other birth control pills. My mood is pretty regulated, I never got sore breasts, my appetite was normal throughout, and I have not felt nauseous once. I haven't gotten pregnant either, so I will continue use for as long as it's available and working in harmony with my body. 10/10."

10 / 10
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  • Ale...
  • January 27, 2020

For Birth Control "Got on Sprintec in 2018, and it was great for 6 months. My breast got bigger, I am a C cup, and I went into double D’s. But I got tired of the periods once a month, so I went and got an IUD (Liletta). My cup size went back to normal, had the IUD for 6 months, and got it removed because it felt weird not having a period. I just felt off without it. Now I’m back on Sprintec, and I’m having the same thing occur with my breasts. I enjoy having the bigger boobs, it’s just the soreness on the sides that comes with it. I did feel nausea every single day. Sprintec is a really good birth control, you don’t get pregnant, and you’re basically in control of it. Everyone’s body is completely different, so just because you read one review that gives a negative saying shows how it reacted to their bodies. Go talk to your doctor or nurse about it before choosing. It took me about 4 months to decide and do my research before I decided on getting something long-term until I’m ready to have kids."

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • Ash...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I love this birth control. I've been on it for almost five months. I've been on two other pills before. They made me have severe mood swings and horrible depression, so my doctor put me on this one. I love it. My breasts have gotten bigger as well, which is a HUGE plus for me. Also, the only thing I use is these pills, no condoms or anything else, and I have a very active sex life, and I haven't gotten pregnant, so it is doing a great job. It has given me a higher sex drive too. I have two problems with it, but the pros outweigh the negatives. Firstly, I get nausea when I start a new pack. It usually lasts 3-4 days. It also gives me heavy periods. Though, they only last 3-4 days."

9 / 10
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  • Sha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 21, 2020

For Birth Control "Do not take Sprintec. I've been on it for two weeks, and I'm quitting already. This medicine makes me extremely nauseous and gave me prolonged headaches. On top of that, it made my face break out horribly, and I've gained 7 pounds. No, just no. Take a hard pass on this one and try something else."

1 / 10
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  • Liz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 3, 2018

For Birth Control "So I read all the reviews here for the most part before getting my birth control by mail. I was really nervous and worried, but I still ended up taking them. I felt a little nausea in the morning after taking them at night, but nothing serious. I have PCOS and I started BC for that reason. I have started losing weight, and I think it's from the BC balancing my hormones since I have not gone on any diet or changed my routine. I recommend this BC. I am about 300 lbs and dropping, and I am also of Latin heritage. I hope this review helps someone."

9 / 10
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  • Hol...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 16, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This pill has been a godsend for me. I am 42 and have a six-year-old and a 3-year-old and have had hormonal issues since having them both: extremely heavy periods, horrible cramps, menstrual migraines, severe bloating and breast tenderness, heavy mid-cycle spotting, and cyclical insomnia. After one pack of these pills, I am sold. Lighter period, no cramps. No nausea, spotting, moodiness, and I am finally sleeping better. These have been the best pills I have taken during my reproductive years so far. I hope this helps some patients, as many of these reviews can be negative."

9 / 10
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  • Jul...
  • August 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 2 months ago by my OBGYN. Earlier this year, I began to experience a number of odd symptoms, such as: 1. Severe mood swings 2. Skipped periods 3. Extreme bloating 4. Mild acne 5. Diminished libido. I was put on Sprintec, and the first 2 weeks were HELL. I experienced nausea (lost 5 lbs). I couldn't keep anything down, it was out of control! Mood became worse. I was ready to call my doctor and ask her to put me on something else, but after the nausea subsided (around week 3), I decided to complete the 3-month trial period. Currently on Month 2, and after my first period, I felt better than ever! Mood, energy, and sex drive are at an all-time high. I will definitely stay on Sprintec."

10 / 10
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29 Report
  • msc...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I've tried a lot of birth control pills, and nothing has worked as well as Sprintec has for me. Three months in, and I feel great! The first few weeks, I did experience some nausea, but I have not had any other bad side effects. My skin looks amazing, and I am very acne-prone. My periods have gone from 10 days to 3 days. I do not have cramps on this pill. I highly recommend trying it if you have bad acne and long and heavy periods."

10 / 10
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  • Dia...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 23, 2019

For Birth Control "Just finished my second pack. For the first month, I had headaches and nausea consistently, so I started to take my pill with food and in the evenings. My period has been on time, completely painless (I had debilitating cramps previously), and very light both months. During the second pack, headaches and nausea subsided-and previously my skin was constantly breaking out, and I haven’t had a breakout in over a month, which is amazing! My boobs grew about a cup size, but I haven’t put on any additional weight (however, I do exercise regularly). I struggle with anxiety and depression in general, but have not noticed any changes or crazy mood swings, which is something I was worried about-if anything, I feel a bit more stable than usual due to the steady stream of hormones in my system."

9 / 10
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  • Tab...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm about to start my third pill pack, and I love this birth control. Both months my period started the third day of the placebo pills. I have little to no side effects. Sometimes I feel a little nauseous, and my appetite has gone down. But the effectiveness is great! My boyfriend and I have had sex a few times without any other protection. The pill really does work, and I'm so thankful it's so reliable. I do take my pill right to the second at 1 o'clock every day. My experience with Sprintec is wonderful, and I plan to stick with it as my birth control."

10 / 10
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  • Mel...
  • July 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I was extremely scared to start taking this pill because of all of the reviews, but I saw one review that made me change my mind. The girl said, 'Everyone's body reacts differently. The only way to know how yours will react is to try it.' So I did, and now I feel the same as she did. This birth control is great. I only had symptoms the first 2 days, and that was only nausea and one time vomiting. After that, I never felt nauseous again. I've been on it for about a month now, and I've experienced some weight gain, but mostly in all the right areas (breasts, butt, and hips). Because of where the weight gain is, I suspect it's the pill because normally my weight fluctuates. If you're worried, just try it. The worst that could happen is you stop using it."

10 / 10
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28 Report
  • Aan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "Contrary to others, I have not had a negative experience on Sprintec. First time on birth control, and I have been on it for about four months now. The only changes I have noticed are some breast growth, about one cup difference. I have lost about 8 pounds (again, contrary to my expectations), but I am not sure if this is from the birth control, it seems to be correlated with when I started the pill. I am a very active person already, so that was kinda odd. Acne has not really improved, although I wish it would. In the beginning, I did have some nausea if I took my pill without food. I don’t know if increased depression is correlated to the pill, but it could be."

8 / 10
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  • 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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  • Kj1...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I decided to write this review because I read through reviews for Sprintec before going on it and was immediately nervous about taking it, as they were mostly negative. I started Sprintec because it’s cheap, and my doctor said it could help my skin. The first couple of months taking it, I definitely noticed that I was nauseous here and there, usually in the morning, but it was completely bearable. I also felt like it caused a lot of mood swings. I stuck with it, and by month 3, I wasn’t noticing any bad side effects anymore. My skin is clear, besides a few breakouts around my period. The only reason I decided to switch pills today is because recently I feel like the pill has been lowering my sex drive gradually. Other than that, Sprintec has worked awesome for me. Sticking it out for a while does make a difference. Many of the negative reviews I read were from people that have only been on it 1-3 months. Everyone’s different, give it a shot!"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • September 1, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for a month now and have not had a problem with weight gain, but for the first 2-3 weeks, my skin was terrible! It cleared up after that, however. I don't feel hungry as often because I almost constantly feel nauseous and have headaches. The most notable side effect is the cramps. Even though I'm not on my period, I have terrible cramps that make it feel like I am! Got to my first week of white pills and no period."

7 / 10
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35 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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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I am writing this review because when I initially was prescribed Sprintec and read these reviews, I was mortified about what I read. Everyone reacts differently, but since I've so far had a pleasant experience, I think it's important to know that for some, it is not horrible. My periods have been shorter and lighter, my PMS has improved, and my hormonal cystic acne is completely gone (a struggle I've had since college 5 years ago). My only complaint is that my first month I felt extremely bloated. However, by the end of month 2, I feel like my body has finally adjusted. I am back to waking up with “morning skinny.” :) And a positive/negative I could leave (depending) is that my boobs definitely grew. All in all, I was expecting the worst but was pleasantly surprised. I would say in the beginning I had very slight nausea, but I found taking this pill at night (I take it at 7 pm) definitely helped."

8 / 10
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  • Pew...
  • December 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Sprintec for 5 years now. Overall, pretty good. No pregnancies, keeps acne at bay, periods only last ~4 days when it used to be heavy flow for 7 days without birth control (plus, can predict what time it will come; mine starts between 3-7 pm every first day of period). My breasts also went up 1.5 cup sizes. The only downside for me would be extreme mood swings (mad, sad, crying for no reason... but only towards my husband lol!) during period, breast tenderness (near and during period time), occasional nausea. After 5 months of use, I tried to skip the series of white pills and went straight into the next pack in hopes of not getting my period for that month... went terribly. Bled/spotted for the next 30 days."

8 / 10
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23 Report
  • TT3...
  • November 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec 28 for about 3 months now and love it! It was prescribed by my doctor to ease my menstrual cramps, and it did that and so much more. I had little acne here and there, now my skin is flawless. I have almost no cramps during my period, which is huge from before because I used to sit in pain for hours. My breasts are larger, and the pills are cheap! Also, no pregnancy, so overall 10/10! The only con I can think of is slight nausea after taking the pill, but it doesn't last very long, and I take my pill at bedtime, so I'm asleep when the nausea occurs anyway. Great pill."

10 / 10
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23 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.