Tri-Lo-Sprintec and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Kat...
• May 15, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "When I went on this Tri-Lo-Sprintec pill for acne and painful periods, I was nervous. After reading the horrifying reviews and already having taken 2 previous brands of birth control that did not work well for me, I finally tried this. Tri-Lo-Sprintec has been a miracle. My stubborn, ever-present acne finally started to get under control, and I have the best skin I've ever had in my life--no joke. Also, I have less period pain and a lighter flow. I don't use it for birth control, so I'm not sure how well it works contraception-wise, but it's been great for acne and periods. I haven't experienced weight gain, headaches, or mood swings. It took my body a couple of weeks to get accustomed to it, but overall it's been wonderful and easy. I'd just like to stress that everyone's different, and each person has a birth control that works for them. No matter what the reviews say, don't be afraid to try--you may be glad you did. If I'd been psyched out by these reviews, I never would have had this amazing turnout. I love this pill!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Mal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Tri-Lo-Sprintec for a little over 6 months now. After trying the progestin-only pill, which caused side effects such as anxiety, depression, nausea, and headache, I then was switched to Sprintec, which caused abnormal bleeding for nearly three months. I love Tri-Lo-Sprintec! It took a while for my body to adjust. I had some weight gain. No other major side effects. It tremendously helps with irregular, heavy, painful periods and all other PMS symptoms. My mood is also much more stabilized on it. Everyone is different. Do not let the reviews from others scare you from trying this one. You'll eventually find one that works for you! This one just happened to be the one for me."

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

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Sprintec is an effective birth control, but awful side effects. Just like many reviewers, I have been on Ortho Tricyclen Lo and subsequently Trinessa Lo for years... and loved it. Both are manufactured by Janssen, and both have been discontinued. So I was defaulted to Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I hate this drug. It should not be considered an equivalent to the Janssen brands. I have been dealing with acne, weight gain, and zero libido. I gave it 3 months and do not see improvement. I'm hoping there is a better alternative to the Janssen brand after speaking with my doctor. Good luck, gals!"

• Mia...
• March 6, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking Ortho almost two decades ago because of my heavy and prolonged bleeding. I have never had any problems, noticeable side effects, or complications. I only had one period per month, and it didn't last more than 7 days. To my surprise, my coverage made me switch to the 'new' generic Tri-Lo-Sprintec, and the pharmacy assured me it is 'exactly the same.' It is not. I have never felt so depressed for no reason, anxious, angry, exhausted, disconnected... I don't feel like myself and feel like a crazy person. I'm having trouble focusing. I also have a weird rash on my chest and experienced sudden weight gain. I hate this pill, and it is definitely NOT the same as Ortho. Don't make the same mistake I did!"

• Mrs...
• September 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 10 years and loved it and had no side effects. I had to switch to Tri-Lo-Sprintec 2 years ago after my insurance wouldn't cover Ortho anymore. Since switching, I have gotten horrible acne, and I never had acne before, even as a teenager. I've also become very moody and have no sex drive. I've also gained between 5-10 pounds that I just can't get rid of. After reading other reviews on this pill, I was finally able to put the pieces together and realized the pill seems to be the culprit for my issues. Once I finish this pack, I'm getting off of it. Stay away from this birth control!"

• Dup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2016

For Birth Control "My insurance switched me to Tri-Lo-Sprintec about a month and a half ago without me knowing. I decided to give it a shot since it was free and I was paying $100/month for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo previously. On OTCL for 2 years, I had no negative side effects, which was a relief after trying everything under the sun (most recently Microgestin FE, which made me incredibly depressed). The 1.5 months since I have been on TLS, ALL of these negative side effects: irritability, depression, weight gain, depression, headaches, lethargy...you name it, I have it. I am SO upset that I finally found something that worked and insurance dictates what pill I should take. I'm speaking with my doctor to fix my Rx ASAP. Not staying on TLS no matter what."

• 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."

• 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!"

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2019

For Birth Control "After Ortho TriCyclen Lo was discontinued, I was switched to Tri-Lo-Sprintec birth control. I’ve used Ortho for almost 20 years and loved it so much. This generic pill is the worst! Nausea, headaches, inability to sleep, irritable, major fatigue, lots of weight gain, and the worst, seriously debilitating depression. This pill has messed me up so bad! I had to stop taking it just to feel normal again. 0/10 would never recommend this drug to anyone, not even an enemy."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I started this birth control pill despite the bad reviews. I was very scared thinking I’d have a bad experience. However, I’m glad I went ahead and tried it on my own. I was previously on Levonorgestrel, and I hated it. The first few weeks, I experienced spotting. But it stopped after the first month of taking it. I haven’t experienced weight gain or headaches as I did with the previous pill. My biggest concern was weight gain. But thankfully, I haven’t gained weight. I actually think I’ve lost weight because I’ve been eating healthier and exercising more. I even feel like my breasts have grown a cup size (yay!) Overall, I really like this pill."

• jxw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I had to switch from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo to Tri-Lo-Sprintec due to my original being discontinued. The first 2 out of 4 weeks of each birth control pack is just fine. I didn't mind the weight gain, and my mood swings were similar to my other birth control. HOWEVER, this birth control will seriously mess up your health. I've been having constant migraines, and at one point thought I was having a heart attack. I talked to my doctor about my symptoms, and she agreed that it was best to get off this birth control. It gave me panic attack-like symptoms and is not worth preventing pregnancy. My period comes 3 days late anyway, so I spend those days panicking if I'm pregnant. Do yourself a favor and invest in something else."

• Pim...
• November 5, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for almost a year, and it’s been good. I don’t think my mood has changed a lot. I also haven’t gained weight or gotten acne! I was really worried about those two. The only problem is that I’m having two-week-long periods, and that’s been going on for about 5 months, and I don’t know if that’s normal. Has anyone else experienced this? Before the pill, I took the Depo shot and had irregular bleeding too."

• jbr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2018

For Birth Control "My pharmacy switched me without informing me from Trinessa to Tri-Lo-Sprintec. At first, I was very skeptical, and my mother warned me against taking it, but I have never had any bad experiences with other birth controls before, so I figured this would be the same. Immediately, I began to notice a change in my appetite as I would eat more than ever before, resulting in weight gain. I also had almost no sex drive or desire to do anything with my boyfriend. I felt like I could not be myself as hard as I tried. Once my boyfriend approached me about how I had not been myself whatsoever, I knew I had to stop taking it. It was upsetting because despite all these side effects, it is the first birth control that has ever cleared up my acne, which I have struggled with for years."

• 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
• 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."

• Gig...
• September 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Don't worry, ladies. I'm one of the apparent few who don't have a bad experience! I feel fine, no acne, no weight gain, no nausea. So if you're thinking about it, just give it a try, it works differently for everyone!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on other birth controls several years ago, but I stopped taking it when I had weight gain and more acne. I asked my doctor for one that could help with acne, and he prescribed Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I have been on it for around a year and I love it! It cleared up my skin and I rarely get any acne, and it decreases my appetite. I never had any major changes in period lengths or heaviness, if anything, it made me have more stomach cramps. Everyone finds their perfect birth control, and this one was mine! I suggest you try it if you’re on the fence!"

• 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."

• Red...
• August 18, 2019

For Birth Control "Worst pill I’ve ever taken. I wasn’t even told about the discontinuation of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and Benecard simply chose the Tri-Lo-Sprintec for me. I was taking it for about 9 months, and at 43, I’m waking up with at least 4-5 new pimples every day as the others clear up. The cysts in my breasts have swelled, and they are so painful. My breast doctor won’t aspirate them because I had an augmentation a couple of years ago. Another problem I was experiencing is some weight gain, which I’ve never had before since I was a teen, and I was getting my cycle up to a week early. I finally had it and just stopped taking it. I’ve read articles saying it’s supposed to be the exact same ingredients, but this can’t be the case with such side effects. I’ve been miserable."

• Mon...
• June 14, 2019

"I started using Tri-Lo-Sprintec in January. I’ve always had acne, but it wasn’t too bad like my sister’s. It bothered me, though, so I wanted to fix it. My sister resorted to Accutane, which I didn’t believe I needed. My doctor prescribed a less effective birth control (Ortho Tri-Cyclen), and it switches brand every few months to Tri-Lo-Sprintec and Tri-Lo-Marzia. In April, I switched from Tri-Lo-Sprintec to Tri-Lo-Marzia. The Tri-Lo-Sprintec was working fine and cleared up my acne about 95%, but I noticed I had gained about 3-4 pounds. After switching to Tri-Lo-Marzia, I lost that weight, but my weight also tends to fluctuate, so I’m not sure if it was because of the pills. In 2 days, I start my next 3 months on Tri-Lo-Sprintec again, and I’m not worried. I’ve never really experienced any odd side effects from this birth control series. I don’t particularly like the weight gain, but I don’t mind a few pounds, plus, the birth control part seems to work pretty well for me. I’m very satisfied with Tri-Lo-Sprintec."

• Soc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I am almost done with my first pack, which is a new formulation that came out late last year. I did take FE Microgestin 1/20 a few years ago and stopped because that made me lose my libido, gain weight, and just feel dead inside. I decided to give it a shot again and was given this as a generic alternative. I like this better than Microgestin, but I have been feeling extremely tired and unmotivated, experienced minor spotting during the third week of hormone pills, and my vision becomes blurry from time to time. Not sure if the blurry vision is normal, but I hope that these symptoms subside after my body gets more used to it. Will leave another review in a few months."

• 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!"