Tri-Lo-Sprintec and Cramps: What Users Say

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2018

For Birth Control "GOD, THIS BIRTH CONTROL IS AWESOME. As my first birth control pill ever, I can say this pill has been super good to me. Much lighter periods and no cramping. No pregnancy scares. No more acne except for the occasional pimple. My sex drive hasn’t changed. No nausea or headaches. I’ve been on it since the beginning of January, and I’m more than happy with my experience so far. :))) Don’t listen to all the bad reviews!! It may work phenomenally for you."

• kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to try Tri-Lo Sprintec after hearing its bad reviews. I had switched from pill to pill, trying to find the best one. I was using the pill to treat bad cramps and horrible acne. First, I was on Falmina (a generic of Aviane), which made me break out even more. Then I switched to Nikki, a generic of Yaz. It helped with skin but made me severely depressed, so I switched to Tri-Lo Sprintec... and never looked back. I’ve had fantastic skin ever since (even better than on Yaz!), haven’t gained any weight, and haven’t had any bad PMS or hormonal mood changes. I haven’t exhibited signs of depression as a result of the pill. I had minor headaches in the beginning, but they did not last long and don’t happen anymore. I absolutely love this pill. It’s improved my sex drive, mood, and skin substantially, and I am so thankful—I feel better on this pill than any other! LOVE THIS! Don’t listen to every single review—give it a try, it might be right for your body."

• 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."

• Abi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 45 and have been on this pill for two months. I'm in perimenopause, and my periods have been extremely heavy and lasting more than two weeks. My PMS has also become much worse, with severe cramping and mood swings. I went on this pill to lighten and hopefully stop my periods. It hasn't done that. I'm on week two of a heavy, painful period. My cramping is still severe. Since starting this pill, I'm nauseous all the time. My anxiety is through the roof, and I'm extremely angry all the time. It has not helped me at all. It has made things worse. I have a check-up with my doctor next month, and I'm going to change pills."

• 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."

• Div...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was prescribed Tri-Lo-Sprintec to help with my irregular periods. When I first took them, they seemed to be working. A few days later, I started experiencing abdominal cramps, was spotting in between, and pelvic pain. I took this birth control for two weeks when my stomach pain became severe, along with my pelvic pain, and I had to be rushed to the hospital. The hospital made sure I didn't have any cysts on my ovaries or that my stomach pain wasn't related to my appendix. Luckily, my reproductive organs are in good health, and the ER physician suggested I get off Tri-Lo-Sprintec and try something different. I know everyone's body is different when it comes to taking birth control, but I won't ever take this brand of birth control again."

• 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."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I started the original Tri-Sprintec a while back and had the worst stomach pains and was throwing up so much each night after I took it. I was scared to start Tri-Lo-Sprintec, and when I did, my cramps started to ease. I have to say overall, I am extremely happy with this product. I don't use the pill for birth control, I mainly use it because of bad menstrual cramps and very heavy bleeding. And so far, it's been very good. I do have some spotting between periods, but that's apparently normal for a little while."

• izz...
• June 17, 2021

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Sprintec has overall not been a bad experience for me. At first, I experienced a spike in acne and some pretty bad cramps on my period. After about 2 months, my acne got much better, and I pretty much only get like a pimple a month. My cramps aren’t great but aren’t terrible, but I take Advil the night before my period, and it’s just fine. My period starts like clockwork! It goes from every Wednesday of the placebos to that Saturday/sometimes Sunday. I've been on this pill for about 10 months, and it’s done great protecting me from pregnancy (knock on wood). This birth control is my only form of protection, and so I pretty much take it at the same exact time every day. I haven’t seen a huge change in mood, I was pretty emotional the first 2 months, but after that, I was good. I did have weight gain, but I was also in recovery from an ED, so I am not complaining. I gained about 3 cup sizes as well. I don’t have many complaints about Tri-Lo-Sprintec, and I really enjoy it!"

• Ban...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Trinessa Lo and got switched to Tri-Lo-Sprintec since Trinessa Lo has been discontinued. Honestly, what is this? Like some other reviews mentioned, I start to bleed around week 3 of the pack, before the placebo. And the blood is really bright red, it looks abnormal. I don't understand what's happening to my body with this pill. I definitely have been way more emotional than usual. The one month where I managed to not bleed until my actual placebo, I had the worst cramps in my life (I've never been a crampy type), and I just felt miserable. After month 4 of being on this mess, I'm looking for something else because this pill needs to be taken off the market. Low sex drive, unusual bleeding, hormones acting up - it's too much. Only thing, my acne has gotten better. But not worth it!"

• 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!"

• Lee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2017

For Birth Control "My skin cleared up within a few months! (I was also on Doxy and used clindamycin, though.) I dropped 15 pounds, and I never got the emotional side effects or anything. Although I never got cramps before, now I get some rough ones. They're not unbearable, but they hurt and need a heated blanket sometimes. I also have a longer/heavier period. Went from 3 days to 5/6. (I had a super light period, and I'd consider it pretty normal now, so it's not awful.) I'm also not currently pregnant."

• MCS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2016

For Birth Control "After being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for over a year, my pharmacy switched me to Tri-Lo-Sprintec, and as with others, I was 'assured' this was the same exact drug that I had been taking. Well, after the first pack, my face has been breaking out throughout the month. In my second month, my period was MUCH more painful (one of the reasons I went on BC to begin with), and I bled for almost a full week instead of my normal 4-5 days. By the third month, I noticed my anxiety and abdominal cramping at all times of my cycle flaring up. Mood swings galore and a period that lasted more than 7 days. :( Spoke with my PCP, and she agreed to switch back to brand name only, and I am hopeful that it will all resolve and that other ladies see these reviews too!"

• MCS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2016

For Birth Control "After being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for over a year, my pharmacy switched me to Tri-Lo-Sprintec, and as with others, I was 'assured' this was the same exact drug that I had been taking. Well, after the first pack, my face has been breaking out throughout the month. In my second month, my period was MUCH more painful (one of the reasons I went on BC to begin with), and I bled for almost a full week instead of my normal 4-5 days. By the third month, I noticed my anxiety and abdominal cramping at all times of my cycle flaring up. Mood swings galore and a period that lasted more than 7 days. :( Spoke with my PCP, and she agreed to switch back to brand name only, and I am hopeful that it will all resolve and that other ladies see these reviews too!"

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2013

For Birth Control "I don't have anything to complain about besides a big decrease in appetite, which is good and bad. It helps me eat healthier and eat the right portions, but I almost feel like I have to force myself to eat now, and I love food. So I've ended up shedding a few pounds, which I'm already tiny enough. But besides only a little spotting, my first period was shortened and minor cramping, it's working out fine for me! I was on Lo Estrin prior, and that made me feel a little moody and emotional and brought down my sex drive as well."

• Par...
• March 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I have tried different birth control pills, and this is my favorite so far. It regulated my period from everyday bleeding to a normal 3-4 days per month. I used to get really bad cramps to the point that I could not walk. I had to stay in bed for the first 2 days of my period, and this pill made them less painful. I have always dealt with anxiety, so nothing changed about it. Never gained weight, and it also took away my everyday headaches. Recently, my doctor decided to change them for Cryselle, which is giving me horrible cramps, nausea, and headaches with only 2 days of using it. I'm definitely going back to Tri-Lo-Sprintec."

• Sch...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this pill for two months. I got on this BC pill to regulate my cycles. I was having two cycles every month, so my doctor figured it would regulate them. And all this pill has seemed to do is make them 10 times worse. I have THE ABSOLUTE WORST DEADLY CRAMPS!!!!! Not literally deadly, but just imagine the cramps. Sometimes I’m at work, and I just have to sit down because it hurts so bad. One time I fell to my knees, it hurt so badly. Not to mention I still have 2 cycles every month. Nothing has changed with regulating the cycle! I always had anxiety, but it’s way worse now. My sex drive has gone out the window, literally!! I have no desire to have sex. And I get THE WORST headaches. And I hardly ever have an appetite. My experience was the worst, but I would never tell anyone not to try it. Because everyone’s body is different, and it may work for you, so good luck!!!"

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2010

For Birth Control "As far as effectiveness, I did not get pregnant while taking this medication. However, I experienced so many side effects I eventually stopped taking it and switched back to Ortho-Tri-Lo. I experienced problems with mood swings, irritability, anxiety (racing heart and anxious feelings for no reason), depression, cramps, spotting, headaches, decreased sex drive, weight gain, breast/nipple tenderness, and vaginal irritation. All of these are side effects I had never experienced with Ortho, so I switched back and have little to no side effects. It definitely was not worth the money saved because it made me feel like a crazy person, and I really did not have control over my emotions. I would experience all extremes, especially anger and crying."

• 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."

• Vic...
• November 30, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been using Tri-Sprintec Lo for about 2 weeks after switching from the NuvaRing. I have had many symptoms from it. I have been breaking out with acne on my chest and a few on my face, which I never had a problem with any acne before. I have had breast tenderness, occasional cramps, and a few headaches. I have also noticed that my hair has been shedding a lot more than usual and noticed that it is a bad side effect. I would rather have these symptoms than the ones I had with the NuvaRing. I was having something similar to hot flashes. I am going to call my doctor today and ask about it. I am going to try this one for about 2 months like I did the NuvaRing, and if it doesn't change, then I will try something else."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Tri-Lo-Sprintec for about 6 months now. This method was recommended by my gyno for normal contraception but also for my cystic acne that was out of control. I would constantly have 4-5 painful bumps on my face, and they would take weeks to go away. When I first started this pill, I immediately noticed extreme mood swings. So extreme that I could acknowledge when I was going to blow up because my face would get really warm, and I would just flip out on my boyfriend. On top of my mood swings, I cramped a lot, and my sex drive was non-existent. I'm still on this method and still have bad mood swings - I think I've gotten used to just being grumpy. On a good note, my cystic acne is gone, it took 3-4 months."

• ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2021

For Birth Control "It’s been almost two months since I was put on this birth control for my acne. The first month was amazing! No negative side effects at all, I actually lost weight instead of gaining. I’m on my second pack, once I started week three of this pack, it seems like everything has gone downhill. I'm having the worst cramps I’ve ever had, painkillers and heating pads are barely helping. I start my actual period in two weeks, right now, it’s breakthrough bleeding. It’s really heavy, it’s been almost a week, and neither of these are getting better. When pains do go away, it’s not permanent. They come in waves and it’s just so painful. Maybe this is normal, but my doctor never told me I’d cramp up like this. The only peace I get is when I wake up and for the first hour or so, it’s just slight pains. I definitely believe the birth control is causing this pain. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one going through this, it makes me feel a little relieved."

• Bra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2021

For Birth Control "When I first started this, I was terrified because of the experiences other girls had, but everybody is different. Considering this was my first ever birth control, I was mostly scared of weight gain and mood changes. None of that was the case! I come from a sex drive that is very low, but when I was on this, that completely changed. I also never had an ounce of weight gain, and my mood never changed a bit. My periods were very irregular to start with (11-15 day cycles with a 2-week gap in between for the first 4 months). That quickly subsided and became more regular. My cramps were very minimal, and let’s face it girls... period cramps make us want to crawl in a hole and cry. Since this is a hybrid type pack, you don’t have to take it on the dot every single day at the same time. There’s a little give in the timing, but still try to be consistent. I was on this for about a year, and I have nothing but good things to say!"

• 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."