Tri-Lo-Sprintec and Bloating: What Users Say

• txg...
• July 30, 2019

For Birth Control "60 days of awfulness. I was on Orth Tri-Cyclen Lo for 14 years before switching to Tri-Lo Sprintec. I don't believe it was an equivalent generic. I’m a strong, independent, hard-working, successful, and happy woman who is very driven — motivation was the first to go. I gained 12 lbs in 1 week. I was irritable, emotional, anxious about everything. I was depressed and had dark thoughts (which I knew was crazy) but couldn’t think straight enough to know I needed help. I had zero sex drive, felt bloated and horrible. Nothing mattered (relationship, career). I realized I wasn’t alone. After stopping Tri-Lo Sprintec, I started thinking clearly, the hazy brain fog was gone. I switched to Aviane - I'm 3 weeks in with zero side effects. I’m feeling myself again. Not everyone has extreme reactions to Tri-Lo Sprintec, but if you’re on here looking for answers - talk to your doctor. I have submitted this to the FDA and Teva as a formal complaint."

• csh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

For Birth Control "First of all, everybody is different, and people tend to write bad reviews rather than going out of their way to write good ones. If you want to try this pill, then you should, but I personally have mixed feelings about this birth control. I was on a different pill then switched over to Tri-Lo, which has been a better experience than my previous one. I do not experience nausea or horrible headaches. Since I've started birth control, I have gained 5-10 pounds, but I'm not sure if that is directly from birth control. I do get bloating mostly right before my period, but most women do anyway. I have always had a regular cycle, and this pill did not affect that and actually made my period much lighter with very few cramps. The only big complaint I have about this pill would be the depressive feelings and mood swings. I am not one to usually have terrible mood swings, but I definitely experience them on this pill (worse with PMS), as well as frequent tiredness and feeling unmotivated."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm currently 25 years old and have been taking Tri-Lo-Sprintec for two months. It is the best birth control pill I've been on! I've been on Loryna and Lo-Esterin Fe previously, and I did not do well on those - bloating, weight gain, mood swings, etc. I was hesitant to try Tri-Lo-Sprintec, but will say it's been great! I'm using it primarily to keep regular menstrual cycles and eliminate horrible cramps I was having all throughout the month. The cramps are basically gone (one day of cramping on my period now), my skin has become more consistently clear (which has been a major issue since I was 10 years old), and my periods are regular. I have not experienced mood swings, bloating, or other unwanted side effects. Very mild nausea a few times is the only one I've noticed, and I believe the longer that I take the pill, it will diminish even further. I used to believe there was not a pill out there for me, but keep trying until you find one if that seems right for you!"

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2019

For Birth Control "Been on Tri-Lo-Sprintec for 4 months now since they stopped making TriNessa Lo. I HATE this birth control with a passion. I'm 31 and had acne like I was a teenager all along my jawline. The 2 weeks in the middle of my cycle, I'd be bloated so bad that I looked 6 months pregnant, and I have visible abs, mind you. The worst is immediately when I started taking this medication, I got the worst yeast infection I can remember and have gotten two others in those 4 months. I haven't had a yeast infection since 2008; I spent 4 months in Southeast Asia with perpetual swamp ass; still no vaginal health issues. Soon as I start taking this garbage? BAM! 3! My doctor and pharmacist insisted it was the same as my old birth control, but I can tell you that it's not. Steer clear of this garbage."

• AJ6...
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Sprintec was the worst birth control! I'd been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for years, then switched to Trinessa Lo. Both of those worked great for me. No adverse side effects. Suddenly, this year I can't get either, so they provide me Tri-Lo-Sprintec, the generic that's supposed to be the same. No way! I have gained weight and am always bloated. Heck, for one of the months I thought I was pregnant because my stomach was huge! Moodiness, crying, furious, sadness - you name it! Worst of all, horrible acne! The other two pills actually helped my skin, this one made my skin much worse than not being on birth control at all! I gave it time to see if my body would adjust, it only got worse. So if you feel as though the symptoms are horrible and you want to stop - stop! I regret giving this time because it has ruined my skin. The only reason I'm leaving two stars is because it does prevent pregnancy - but if I feel so hideous, I don't want my husband touching me anyway!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 20, 2019

For Birth Control "First off, I can’t rate these pills a 1 because they did in fact prevent pregnancy. I took it for 3 years without a scare. BUT the side effects are crazy. I didn’t even notice I was having side effects until I stopped taking them. I’m 35, and I’ve been taking pills for 15 years, and I thought things were changing because I was getting older. NO, these pills made me gain 10 lbs, which isn’t much, but I’m only 5 feet tall. So it’s a lot. I always had a light short period (3 days using light tampons), but when I started taking these, my periods went to 6 days, and I had to use super tampons. The cramps and bloating were also crazy. I’d cramp even when I wasn’t on my period, and my stomach got so big the week before and the week of my period I looked 3 months pregnant. I thought I had fibroids because those were the symptoms, and when I stopped taking them, my body went back to normal. I’m so mad I took these for so long."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "After reading the reviews, I was afraid to take this pill because I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and it was great, then Trinessa Lo. I stopped taking the pill at all for a few months and was later given Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I’m done with the first month, and this is great compared to the Lo Loestrin Fe I had taken previously that gave me the worst side effects. The first night I took Tri-Lo-Sprintec, I woke up super nauseated in the middle of the night, but that was it. The first week I was slightly nauseated throughout the day, but taking it at night with food helped, and I don’t get nauseated anymore. Upon taking the pill, sometimes I do get slightly bloated for a little bit, but it goes away. I had crippling anxiety on the other two pills, but I have found this pill doesn’t give me that at all. I was dealing with post-birth-control acne on my forehead, and Tri-Lo-Sprintec cleared it right up within the first week. These reviews scared me half to death, but I’m glad I tried it!"

• Pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for the last two years. I absolutely love the pill; it got rid of my acne, and I never experienced negative side effects. That being said, I can't say the same for Tri-Lo Sprintec. Recently, my insurance only covers Sprintec. My doc switched me and assured me it's the same exact pill. I've been using it for a week. I'm beginning to break out on my face, which I could live with. What I can't live with is the relentless and extremely painful abdominal cramps and bloating I'm experiencing. These are the worst cramps I've had in my entire life. After doing research, I've found many women share a similar experience to mine. Also, Ortho and Sprintec aren't exactly the same. So, beware of switching to it."

• NOO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo all of my high school years. Never had acne, 3-day periods, no cramps, no bloating, and actually believed it was impossible to gain weight on it. Coming to college, the price of $110 was too much, so I went to the generic. 2 months in, I've gained 20 pounds, horrible cramps, and have horrible acne. Switching birth controls after this pack."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I was taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 5 years and loved it until I got switched to Trinessa Lo due to having to pay cash for it. I was nervous, but fortunately, the transition was unnoticeable, and I continued to take it for 5 years. In December 2018, my pharmacy switched me yet again to Tri-Lo Sprintec, and I did not know until I got home and couldn't return the 3-month supply. Let's just say, I was right to be nervous about the switch... I HATE IT!! It's been 2 months, and I have been eating everything in sight, which in turn makes me feel bloated all the time. I've never experienced such crazy mood swings, I feel depressed and not like myself at all. I was hoping to just suffer through the 3 months and then try to find Trinessa Lo again. After looking around the Internet, I just found out it's been discontinued. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo too!!! Now I don't know what to do because I'm afraid to try another BC and risk having worse side effects than I have right now."

• So...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2016

For Birth Control "Two months ago, my insurance informed me they no longer cover Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (that had no side effects) and would basically have to switch to the generic form, Tri-Lo-Sprintec. Being assured that it was the same thing and that keeping Ortho would cost about $150, I went ahead and took the generic. I could only make it through one and a half packs before I couldn't take the side effects anymore. I was gaining a lot of weight for no reason, constantly bloated, breaking out, fatigued, suddenly depressed for no reason, spotting, and even my period just starting for no reason! I finally finished my second pack today, but my period started a week ago. I told the pharmacy to switch me back, worst BC, not the same as Ortho Lo."

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2019

For Birth Control "My experience with this birth control was the worst! Stopped it only after a month and a half, and my body took so long to get back to normal. I originally wanted birth control to help my bad period cramps, but after the changes/side effects, I was like I’d rather have the damn cramps than all of this. First off, it made me super bloated 24/7, it also made my left breast get really big while my right breast stayed normal small, I couldn’t even wear tight shirts or bikinis, it was so noticeable and bad I could only wear big t-shirts. It got to the point where I was staring at my body in the mirror crying because I hated what it was doing to my body. That night I threw my birth control in the trash, and that was the end of that. I know everyone’s body is different, but I do not recommend it."

• Gra...
• January 3, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have the Kyleena IUD, yet still experience awful periods—heavy flow, for 6-7 days with horrible cramps nonstop. I started Tri-Lo-Sprintec as recommended by my doctor, however, after 1 month of use, I am OVER IT. I have been constantly nauseous and visibly bloated, experiencing horrible abdominal pain, diarrhea, heavy/sore breasts, and abruptly waking up at 5 a.m. to projectile vomit!! I’m on birth control to prevent pregnancy, not FEEL pregnant!!! SHEESH."

• Kdu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2020

For Birth Control "Holy moly. This is the absolute worst birth control I have ever been on. I got on it to clear my acne, and it didn't even help with that. It made me bloated all the time, have extremely heavy periods, not to mention it made my anxiety 17,461,565 times worse. I felt like I was going crazy. I had horrible mood swings, especially around my period, my boyfriend thought I was a psycho bitch... which I was. It also lowered my libido extremely, and after 8 months, I decided I needed to change it. Idk why I waited so long. I've noticed what seems like an immediate change! I'm feeling less anxiety again, feeling a surge in my sex drive, and my anxiety has completely gone away. If you are experiencing these symptoms, do NOT wait to change! You will feel so much better, and no one needs to feel like that! (Only thing it did was keep me not pregnant, so obviously have to give it props for that, but honestly, don't get this birth control.)"

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Like the review ahead of me, I've also experienced the horrible side effects of Tri-Lo-Sprintec and think it should be discontinued. I was crying every day in my boss's office, sad, moody, and emotional for no reason and seriously depressed and didn't feel like me. I started my period 2 weeks early, and it lasted longer than usual, and I've never had cramps or bloating until now. I hate this pill and stopped taking it. I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo since I was 16 (almost 20 years) and then Trinessa Lo, which both worked fab for me for years. This new drug is awful. I gave it 3.5 months and tossed it. Asking about IUD at gyno now. Good luck to others. How do we get the old drug back?!?"

• liz...
• May 19, 2017

For Birth Control "So I was originally on Junel FE, but that was a horror show with all the mood swings, bleeding, acne, and just horrible nausea. I lost 11 pounds on that, so beware. Anyway, once I told my doctor, she prescribed this. The first pack caused some nausea, a small breakout, and just an odd feeling. Once I got that under my belt, I've had no problems! I'm on my fourth pack starting today, and it's been great. Clear face, light periods, and doesn't make me gain weight. However, I must say around the placebo week, I get so bloated, horrible cramps, and headaches... otherwise, it's been great. So the effectiveness of it, I haven't gotten pregnant yet, knock on wood. Just keep taking the pill at the correct time, and you'll be fine!"

• Bir...
• January 19, 2017

For Birth Control "This is hands down the worst birth control I've ever been on!! I've never been so bloated, exhausted, and miserable. I've gotten horrible pains in my ovaries, not to mention my stomach is a mess. I've also broken out like crazy! I've called my insurance company and I'm going to pay $50 a month to go back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen because I never want to feel like this again. This definitely isn't the same as Ortho Tri-Cyclen. If you have a choice, I suggest picking any other birth control besides Tri-Lo-Sprintec!"

• CBo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 30, 2017

For Birth Control "This birth control worked well for me with minimal side effects. It did not give me acne, and my periods were short and light with minimal cramping. No hair loss, loss of sex drive, or nausea. My only symptoms were constant bloating, weight gain (15 lbs in 7 months), and a constant insatiable appetite. I can say that it helped stabilize my mood, I experienced no major mood swings or outbursts. My insurance recently switched me to Tri-Lo-Marzia, and while I’m enjoying this pill (weight loss, less of an appetite, no bloating), it is causing some major mood changes. I know there is a pill out there for me, but I don’t think either of these are it. If your pharmacy tells you these medications are the same, don’t listen."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2017

For Birth Control "Had Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for many years. Pharmacy switched to this generic prescription. Horrible spotting between periods, acne, bloating, hives, and missed period. Called doctor to switch back to my normal pill, Ortho."

• Kan...
• May 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Like many others, I switched to Tri-Lo-Sprintec birth control after Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo was discontinued. I had a previously bad experience with this, but I decided to give it another try since I really didn’t have any other options. Worst mistake ever! I have been on it this time for almost 4 months, and I stopped after the first week of my new pack because I just can’t take it anymore. My skin has not been affected by this medication, but the bloating and weight gain are awful! The only time I feel halfway normal is during the last week with the placebos, even with my period. Oh, and those have been much worse since taking these pills... heavier and cramping badly. After reading other reviews, I’m starting to wonder if they’ve been the cause of my headaches as well. I’m not sure what I’m going to do instead, but I don’t feel like myself anymore while taking these, so they are no longer an option for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I've only been using this birth control for about a month. I switched from Trinessa Lo because it was being discontinued. I was a little shaky taking it after looking at reviews, but I am so glad I did. It definitely has cleared up my face where I tend to get breakouts all over my face. It doesn't give me necessarily any side effects other than maybe a little bloating and food cravings, but I can control that. It doesn't make me emotional or angry like my last birth control. The only reason I'm not giving this a 10 is because it has only been three weeks."

• bca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

For Birth Control "Worst birth control pill I have ever taken in my life. Have a pregnancy scare basically every single month. Gives me cramps before my period even starts, and I was never like that before. Bloating is insane, there is only 1 week where my boobs do not feel sore, and I get very frequent headaches. I used to take another generic brand before this and never had these problems."

• Qui...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Ok—I’ve been on this pill for 6 weeks, and I thought it was just me. I’m nauseous every time I take it, I cramp like crazy, and I’m eating and gaining a ridiculous amount of weight, which leaves me feeling bloated and sluggish. No, I’m not blaming it all on the pill, but I took Tri-Cyclen Lo for years, and after my daughter, I went on the Nexplanon for 3 years. My original plan was to go natural and practice abstinence, but I chickened out. That’s the direction I’m headed now because this pill has my body all out of whack."

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2021

For Birth Control "This birth control was the worst I've taken. I used to get Microgestin Fe from Planned Parenthood, and it didn't make me bloated or cause any unwanted side effects other than occasional nausea. I switched to this one when I finally went through my insurance, and this made me so nauseated all the time and so, so, so bloated. I thought I was crazy with my mood swings, but I read other people had the same problems. I would cry at everything, and the last week before my period every month, I would have a complete breakdown one day, cry for hours on end, and be depressed. I also waited so long to change it, but reading all of this and how others reacted similarly, I knew I needed to."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 24, 2023

For Birth Control "This birth control worked well for me for about a year and a half. After I hit that mark, it was like my body did not agree with it anymore. I became extremely bloated and irritable, have mood swings, and have a very low tolerance for anything that annoyed me. I got a terrible headache like clockwork on the last day of the placebo pills. It may work for you, but I will be switching to something else. I did not have any pregnancy scares, so it worked in that aspect, but how it affected me mentally and physically was not worth it."