Nexplanon and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in Aug 2018. Honestly, the worst birth control experience I’ve had. I have month-long periods (with only 3 weeks in between cycles), complete with cramping, bloating, and irritability for the entire duration. My anxiety and depression have skyrocketed, along with suicidal thoughts. I get severe migraines now (never had in the past), my sex drive is completely gone, and I’ve been getting horrible acne on my face and back (also didn’t have in the past). I feel constant fatigue. I gained 20 lbs in the first 6 months of having it and can’t seem to lose the weight no matter how hard I try. And on top of all, recently I’ve started getting shooting pain around the site of my implant, and my whole arm feels numb and weak when that happens. I’m getting it removed in 2 weeks because I cannot continue with all of these side effects."

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

For Birth Control "Had Nexplanon for 6 weeks in 2015. Worst decision of my life. 1st week, arm sore at insertion, became painful, and then couldn't use that arm. Shooting pain, couldn't sleep on left side, and strength gone. Awful mood swings, hair thinned, plus 15 lbs in 2 weeks, bled horribly, large clots, always tired, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and no energy. All new symptoms. Became depersonalized and felt outside of my body looking in. One minute was intense emotions: sadness or rage, then emptiness. Horrible thoughts or blankness... don't wish that on anyone. Went to the ER twice to get checked for extreme bleeding, barely left the house. The tech looked for a sac, couldn't explain my 8-9 weeks pregnant thickened uterine lining. Said it was very strange. My doctor wanted me to keep it longer, but I was falling asleep, even sitting up, worried my 3-year-old and 7-month-old would get hurt, seriously concerned for their safety. Also got some acne. Removal day, I felt better, and in 1 week almost back to normal."

• Ell...
• January 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I was very hesitant about birth control and couldn’t decide which form would be best for me. I put it off for years. I struggle with acne, occasional persistent pimples here and there, and wanted to make sure that the birth control I chose wouldn’t worsen it. My physician assured me that it wouldn’t make it worse, my periods would be light if I even got them, and weight gain was not common. I’ve had the implant for only 5 weeks, and I’ve made an appointment to get it removed next week. I have not stopped bleeding since I got it inserted, and I have had the worst acne I’ve ever experienced. I’ve never had body acne, and I have 10-15 pimples on each shoulder. Hormonal acne on my chin, jawline, and cheeks, just awful. I’ve been the same weight from sophomore year of high school until junior year of college. I don’t gain weight, but I have gained FIFTEEN POUNDS in 5 weeks while even eating healthier. I’ve been bloated constantly."

• Ell...
• January 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I was very hesitant about birth control and couldn’t decide which form would be best for me. I put it off for years. I struggle with acne, occasional persistent pimples here and there, and wanted to make sure that the birth control I chose wouldn’t worsen it. My physician assured me that it wouldn’t make it worse, my periods would be light if I even got them, and weight gain was not common. I’ve had the implant for only 5 weeks, and I’ve made an appointment to get it removed next week. I have not stopped bleeding since I got it inserted, and I have had the worst acne I’ve ever experienced. I’ve never had body acne, and I have 10-15 pimples on each shoulder. Hormonal acne on my chin, jawline, and cheeks, just awful. I’ve been the same weight from sophomore year of high school until junior year of college. I don’t gain weight, but I have gained FIFTEEN POUNDS in 5 weeks while even eating healthier. I’ve been bloated constantly."

• Ema...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "DO NOT get this. Since May, I have had probably 4 weeks where I’ve not bled. My skin wasn’t ever perfect, but it is now horrific (cystic acne) - which has scarred my face. Uncontrollable extreme mood swings - depression, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. Awful lower back pain, literally a 7-month period with how you feel, craving food/bloating. I will be having this removed, but seriously - save yourself the pain. I completely rushed the decision to have Nexplanon and just read about how it works/possible side effects (which sounded minor/like the pill), however, I wish I had read people’s personal experiences rather than facts about the contraceptive. This obviously is a fantastic contraceptive because you would not have sex if you bled like I have for the past 7 months. 10/10 would NOT recommend - don’t do it, girls!!!"

• Hai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the implant for about a year and four months and got it removed today. The implant made my acne severely worse, increased my appetite to the point of gaining a significant amount of weight, and seriously messed with my psyche. I’ve noticed over the last year and four months that I’ve become a lot more anxious and depressed. I never made the connection until recently that those were side effects of this. Additionally, my liver enzymes came back off the chart, which I found out is a side effect of Nexplanon. I would not use this method of birth control again."

• Ash...
• December 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I never write reviews, but I felt I would share my experience with Nexplanon after reading some of y'all's. So I got it put in June 2020, and at first I loved it! I had a full period up until the end of September, it was just spotting, and I haven't had a period or even a spot of blood since. Here it is December, and my hair is coming out in handfuls every time I wash it. I’m breaking out like something serious, I have gained 17 lbs and look like I’m pregnant, literally! Help!"

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I currently have the Nexplanon bar in my left arm and am finding it horrible physically, mentally, and emotionally. The first month I woke every night at 4 a.m. dripping in sweat (in winter) and experienced hot flushes every day randomly. I’ve bled every day for the last 2 months and in the last 2 weeks have broken out in pimples. I feel completely disconnected to myself as a woman, my usual cycle has been replaced by constant irregular bleeding that leaves me irritable and moody. I’m finding myself questioning every thought/feeling/reaction because I no longer know when my hormones/cycle are affecting my moods, which is taking its toll on my mental health. My anxiety has never been worse. I have zero sex drive or desire to be touched, which is taking a huge toll on my relationship. I feel there’s a complete lack of caution from GPs when prescribing this product. I’m having it removed ASAP."

• van...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Once I had Nexplanon put in, I bled for over 3 months. I also had side effects of horrible acne and skin issues, mood swings, and a smell down there."

• Per...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Do not put your bodies through this, ladies. It might sound good, but it made me bleed nonstop for 4 months long. It’s horrible. I gained 20 lbs. It increased my appetite. I just feel hungry all the time and never satisfied. I have had it for 10 months. Can’t wait to have it removed and have my natural cycles back. The side effects are not worth it. I also felt depressed all the time on Nexplanon, and it gives me random hot flushes and headaches. I’ve noticed I break out in acne since having it."

• 608...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m 19, and I got the Nexplanon implant on 3/7/19. I have been bleeding NONSTOP since then. Whether it’s huge blood clots, brown discharge, or light pink watery discharge, it has been nonstop. I’m always tired, even when I get a good amount of sleep. My acne is worse than it’s ever been. I could deal with the fatigue and acne if I could actually have pleasurable sex where I didn’t have to worry about disappointing my partner or getting blood on the sheets (I’m in a serious relationship). So many pairs of underwear have been ruined, and so much money spent on tampons since I have had to use one EVERY DAY. I tried giving it a year to get my body used to it, but we don’t work well together. Never got pregnant, though! I recommend trying it out and seeing if it works for you, but it definitely does not work for me! Only giving it a 1 because I didn’t get pregnant!"

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I went on Nexplanon as I was on the pill and having two periods a month. I CANNOT discourage the use of this enough. I have always had clear skin, even going through puberty, everyone would always come to me and ask how my skin was so clear and perfect. I went onto the implant, and it was the worst decision I have ever made. My skin completely changed, I had severe acne and even had boils on my face as a result. Despite having the implant now removed, my skin still has not gone back to normal, and I still have texture across my forehead. I’ve forked out so much money on clinical facials, but even they haven’t helped. My periods stopped for the first four months, and then for two months straight, I was on my period. I couldn’t take anymore, and so I got it removed. It is awful!!"

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon implant in December 2018, and it’s now February 2020, so just over a year. In these months, I’ve had so many problems. Acne/spots all over my body, whereas before Nexplanon, I was quite lucky and sometimes went months without ever having one spot. My periods stopped completely. I gained around 2 stone (even going to the gym didn’t seem to help), and I have an increased appetite. My moods are horrendous, I’m constantly angry. My sex drive has diminished to nothing, and when I do try to have sex, I am very dry. It’s also painful, and I have gained a cervical ectropion (not sure if it’s linked, but seems plausible) since having it in. I also get sharp pains at the insert site from time to time. The only positive I have for Nexplanon is that I haven’t been caught pregnant, so I suppose it’s doing its job in that sense. I wouldn’t recommend it if you struggle with mental health beforehand."

• Jos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2020

For Birth Control "When I had the Nexplanon implant, which was for a little over a year, I bled the ENTIRE time. It also caused my body extreme hormone issues to the degree that my body literally stopped creating the hormone cortisol. This caused me to get SEVERE acne for 3 years because I had no idea what was wrong with me. Thankfully, a holistic doctor figured out what was wrong with me, and I started taking low doses of cortisol to fix the issue. DO NOT PUT THIS IN YOUR BODY, IT IS POISON."

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "My experience with Nexplanon was absolutely awful. I never stopped bleeding. I was warned you would have a heavy flow, but then it would clear up. Mine just never stopped. I would have been willing to stick it out longer to see if the bleeding would stop if it also didn’t give me the WORST acne in my entire life. Horrific cystic acne popped up just 2 weeks after I had it put in, and it never cleared up. This acne was worse than anything I ever had as a teenager. Horrific acne coupled with bleeding that never ended... I got that thing removed as soon as my insurance would allow it (3 months). I’m now back on a daily pill, and after 1 month, I’m finally going back to normal. I’ll take a monthly period over that experience any day!"

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "My experience with Nexplanon was absolutely awful. I never stopped bleeding. I was warned you would have a heavy flow, but then it would clear up. Mine just never stopped. I would have been willing to stick it out longer to see if the bleeding would stop if it also didn’t give me the WORST acne in my entire life. Horrific cystic acne popped up just 2 weeks after I had it put in, and it never cleared up. This acne was worse than anything I ever had as a teenager. Horrific acne coupled with bleeding that never ended... I got that thing removed as soon as my insurance would allow it (3 months). I’m now back on a daily pill, and after 1 month, I’m finally going back to normal. I’ll take a monthly period over that experience any day!"

• Too...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Nexplanon for a month, and I’ve been miserable. Since I’ve had it, I’ve had horrible acne outbreaks, my mood swings are very bad and very strong, and I’ve had my period nonstop since I’ve gotten it. I am switching birth controls because this is very negative towards my body. I don’t recommend this birth control."

• Kyr...
• November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "When I first got Nexplanon, it was great, stopped my cramping, slowed my period, and even helped my acne. But after the first 3 months of me having it, I started to get more acne than before, weight gain... and I mean a lot, worse cramps, and got the worst feelings about myself. I was thinking to myself, “maybe it needs more time.” No. Now, 6 months later, I’m still getting bad cramps, my period is heavy and not easy to deal with, lasts for 2 months, and I’m still gaining weight while looking like a mountain range formed on my face. To top it all off, after 7 months of having the implant, I found out I was pregnant for a couple of weeks (not doing it ONE job), so I consulted the doctor a week later, and he said that I had a miscarriage, which was really hard to hear. So I would not recommend this. If you’re a mother worried about her daughter, and she is interested in this, have her read this. No one should be put through this sort of physical and emotional pain ever."

• HSa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 19, 2019

For Birth Control "Worst birth control ever. Do not take. I have acne like a 13-year-old girl, I bleed for months straight. Also, once a month I get super nauseous, and I have never had that in my life until I started with the implant. I wish I had read these reviews before I got it! It’s terrible, but I have not gotten pregnant. But honestly, I would rather have a child than go through all this. Getting this taken out of my arm immediately."

• Lia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Horrible. Plain horrible. Horrible bleeding, never-ending hunger, tons of acne, can list on forever. NOT WORTH IT."

• Rud...
• September 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm going to make an appointment to get Nexplanon taken out. I've had it for almost two years now, and I have gained 30 lbs, have severe acne, my mood swings are ridiculous, and I have zero sex drive. Also, my arm where the implant is always itchy. Bothers me. I DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!"

• Ano...
• September 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I wanted to treat my roadblock - my period. My psych said the implant didn't affect mood, and most of her patients had it and were happy, I trusted that. I read about hormonal birth control worsening depression. My doc told me which had the least. I was going to get an IUD, but placement was too difficult for my shape. I tried twice. It's been 2 weeks on Nexplanon, and I have mood swings, irritability, face/chest/back acne, I can barely eat anything, 4 migraines in the past week after none for 2 years, putting me at risk of a stroke and more headaches, and I've been bleeding heavily for 14 days. I need to adjust to the hormones, but it could mean a big step back in remission from anxiety and depression, and functionality took years to reach. My doc, ob/gyn, and psych all made it sound like the side effects were rare or minimal. Irregular bleeding would be spotting here and there, not weeks on end. They said give it a few months, but that could be too long. I'm risking relapse."

• Ano...
• September 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I wanted to treat my roadblock - my period. My psych said the implant didn't affect mood, and most of her patients had it and were happy, I trusted that. I read about hormonal birth control worsening depression. My doc told me which had the least. I was going to get an IUD, but placement was too difficult for my shape. I tried twice. It's been 2 weeks on Nexplanon, and I have mood swings, irritability, face/chest/back acne, I can barely eat anything, 4 migraines in the past week after none for 2 years, putting me at risk of a stroke and more headaches, and I've been bleeding heavily for 14 days. I need to adjust to the hormones, but it could mean a big step back in remission from anxiety and depression, and functionality took years to reach. My doc, ob/gyn, and psych all made it sound like the side effects were rare or minimal. Irregular bleeding would be spotting here and there, not weeks on end. They said give it a few months, but that could be too long. I'm risking relapse."

• Ano...
• September 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I wanted to treat my roadblock - my period. My psych said the implant didn't affect mood, and most of her patients had it and were happy, I trusted that. I read about hormonal birth control worsening depression. My doc told me which had the least. I was going to get an IUD, but placement was too difficult for my shape. I tried twice. It's been 2 weeks on Nexplanon, and I have mood swings, irritability, face/chest/back acne, I can barely eat anything, 4 migraines in the past week after none for 2 years, putting me at risk of a stroke and more headaches, and I've been bleeding heavily for 14 days. I need to adjust to the hormones, but it could mean a big step back in remission from anxiety and depression, and functionality took years to reach. My doc, ob/gyn, and psych all made it sound like the side effects were rare or minimal. Irregular bleeding would be spotting here and there, not weeks on end. They said give it a few months, but that could be too long. I'm risking relapse."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon for almost three months now, and I hate it! I have only gotten my period once since the insertion but have very strong menstrual cramps almost every day. The first month, I would get really bad headaches, however, they have gone away. I didn't have acne before, but I am breaking out so much. I get nausea every single day, especially after meals. I have occasional discharge and funky smells down there. I am getting this taken out ASAP and going back on the pill. It's tedious having to take the pill every day, but at least it doesn't break me out, and I get regular periods."