Nexplanon and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Dag...
• July 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Implanon and then Nexplanon back to back. I had the first one 6 weeks after having my son back in 2011. With Implanon, I bled constantly for the whole 3 years. I’d have 3 weeks on, 1 week off on my “period,” and gained like 30 lbs. I got the Nexplanon inserted in Dec 2015. Within 3-4 months, I had gained 30-35 lbs. I kept it in because I was dead set on not getting pregnant, and after all, it works great on that. Over the next couple of years, I didn’t have not one period, which was great. But along with that came the 0 sex drive, headaches, acne, and continued weight gain. Overall, I’ve gained 65 lbs while on Nexplanon. No diet changes whatsoever. I finally got it removed 2 days ago, and my body is in turmoil. I’m having the worst anxiety I’ve ever experienced, and I honestly can’t wait for my hormones to even themselves out. Overall, Nexplanon does what it’s meant to do, but each person needs to decide for themselves if the side effects are worth it."

• Cla...
• October 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon inserted about 5 months ago. I stayed on my birth control pill for a month after to help my body adjust, and everything was going fine. I had 2 normal periods and, up until about a month ago, everything was running smoothly. My mom and boyfriend have noticed a big change in my attitude, noting that I'm becoming more 'bitchy.' Can't say I disagree with this, as I can tell I get more annoyed and on edge about literally everything. Not only have I been having attitude issues, but my acne is out of control right now. I've been on my period for 4 weeks now, and my acne continues to get worse. I believe I've also gained about 10 pounds since I got the birth control and am having a hard time losing it. Planning on getting it removed."

• Tir...
• February 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had the implant since May 2015, and a month after I gave birth to my 4th baby, I bled for 2 months straight with spotting for the 3rd month. I've gained 40 lbs, and no matter what I do, it won't come off. I've been exercising for 2 months now and eating clean, and not even 1 lb off. I get moody, I have face and neck acne, which I have never had, not even as a teen. I'm always sluggish with no motivation for anything. I don't feel myself 50% of the time. I get nausea at night and feel dizzy like crazy. The only positive is that I'm not pregnant. Just made my appointment for it to come out. Yaaayy, can't wait to feel myself and lose this weight ASAP. So not too good for me."

• M A...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 20, and I got Nexplanon 8 months ago. The first 6 months, I bled constantly (although it was light, it was still a huge pain in the ass), but I stuck it out because my GP said it would take 4-6 months for my body to fully adjust. I've gained about 30 lbs. I have terrible mood swings, I get angry very easily, and I also have a very low sex drive, so my relationship is suffering. Since the initial 4-6 month period, I've had terrible acne, which I've never suffered from before, and I've had discharge and regular spotting. At least it has been effective, since the weight gain, low sex drive, and acne have pretty much made me never want to have sex again, but I cannot wait to get it taken out of my arm... although I hear that's the worst bit!!"

• 05d...
• May 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Okay, so I got my birth control in July of 2013! The first week I had a cold as a side effect! After that, everything was going smooth! I got really light periods for a few months, and then it eventually went away! I weighed 127 when I got on the BC! After the first year, I was 144! And I am currently 161! This birth control has literally ruined my life! I was always very small with a fast metabolism! I play sports and work out, but the weight kept coming in! No matter how much I exercised or ate healthy! I began to notice cellulite on my stomach and legs! THIS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE BIRTH CONTROL! I can't shake the weight! My arms have increased in size! Other effects (acne, mood swings, depression, laziness)."

• mis...
• July 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I've always had irregular periods since I started at 13. I've also always had very heavy periods lasting around 5-7 days. I tried the birth control pill for 3 months about 2 years ago and wasn't able to take it regularly, so after about 9 months of being off of birth control, I was ready to try something a little more low maintenance! I had my Nexplanon inserted a year ago and was aware of the possible side effects, but I didn't expect to experience so many! Ever since I got the implant, I have had even HEAVIER periods lasting a solid 7-10 days each on average. I even had a period that lasted 21 days straight of heavy bleeding. In the last 5 months, I've had these heavy, 7-10 day periods 2-3 times a month. I've also gained nearly 20 lbs since getting it. My acne is worse, I've had mood swings, and I now have back/butt acne which I didn't have before. I just made an appointment to get the implant removed, and I'm so excited. Please be prepared to experience symptoms if you choose the Nexplanon."

• Kar...
• November 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I got it inserted in October 2014, no periods since. The only downfall is now would be the time of my second period, and I have horrible acne! Other than the acne, no other side effects, I can deal with the acne if it's only once a month."

• Sha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the Nexplanon since May of 2012. I have not had one single period, no depression, no acne, no more headaches than before. (I have always had migraines). I haven’t gained any weight. I really haven’t experienced anything negative. In the first year or so of having it, I did kind of have pregnancy symptoms. Enough that I questioned if I could be pregnant and would take a test, but never a pregnancy, and after that year or so, that stopped. I honestly think it was just my body adjusting to the hormonal changes. I have an older teenager who has recently become sexually active and also has excessive heavy bleeding during her menstrual cycle. I have her an appointment the first week of December to have her a Nexplanon implant. I have no hesitations. I adore this miracle drug!!!!!"

• Cry...
• July 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I regret trying this method of birth control. I would give it negative stars if I could. I tried it for a year, and in that time, I gained 20 pounds, was left with acne scars, continuously had acne on my face and back, periods would last up to three weeks, I would go months without a period, major mood swings; including crying for no reason, being mad for no reason, feeling depressed, etc. I'm not exaggerating any of this; it was horrible, and I'm glad to have it out. The only thing I liked was not having to take something every morning, but I would rather do that now than have to deal with those side effects again."

• Cry...
• July 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I regret trying this method of birth control. I would give it negative stars if I could. I tried it for a year, and in that time, I gained 20 pounds, was left with acne scars, continuously had acne on my face and back, periods would last up to three weeks, I would go months without a period, major mood swings; including crying for no reason, being mad for no reason, feeling depressed, etc. I'm not exaggerating any of this; it was horrible, and I'm glad to have it out. The only thing I liked was not having to take something every morning, but I would rather do that now than have to deal with those side effects again."

• MsS...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2016

For Birth Control "Getting Nexplanon in and out was the easy part - really didn't hurt much more than a shot in the arm. I had mine put in this past February during my period. Once my period stopped, I spotted for about 3 weeks, nothing terrible. Then the rest of it hit. Mood swings worse than when I was pregnant, crying over little things, angry, just not me. Also felt like constant PMS - bloating, sore breasts, backache. Gained about 10 pounds. Also had worse acne than when I was a teen. The frequent headaches (migraines sometimes) were annoying. I had Nexplanon out 3 days now. I feel so much better and calmer. No headaches and no PMS."

• Kka...
• March 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon about a year and a half ago, and I cannot wait until I get it removed. I get frequent migraines, I am having problems fighting depression and major anxiety. I have acne all over my face, my shoulders, my back, and it's even started on my stomach area. I have my period for about 3 weeks every month, and it's not just spotting; it is extremely heavy, and I have cramps constantly. My sleeping habits are way out of whack; it's either I want to sleep all day or not at all. My appetite has skyrocketed, and I feel like I can never get enough to eat, and yet I've lost a TON of weight since getting it. I have absolutely no sex drive whatsoever. I would never in a million years recommend this to anyone. I hope this gave some insight."

• p19...
• June 26, 2019

For Birth Control "If you’re reading this because you’re trying to decide if you want this birth control - READ THROUGH ALL THE REVIEWS. I heard horror stories on Facebook and through friends about it traveling through their bodies and getting lost. Let me tell you, it’s very effective when preventing pregnancy. When I got it, no bruising and no pain. The first year, I loved it!! I had so many great things to say. Right around the mark of my first year, all the symptoms came at once. My sex drive - a 0. My acne started to break out, my boobs constantly hurt. Now the #1 complaint - WEIGHT GAIN. I was 115 pounds, size 0. I gained 35-40 pounds. I am now 153 pounds and a size 7-8. I’ve had it out a year this month, and the weight still lingers. My face became swollen and fat with fluid retention, and my mom constantly told me I looked toxic. Please read the reviews, I would never want somebody to go through what I did. I’m about to try the Kyleena IUD, wish me luck."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2014

For Birth Control "Absolutely love it. No period, no mood changes, no bleeding, no nothing but a little bit more acne, but could be from stress right now because I've been dealing with a lot. But my body got used to it within a month."

• Cas...
• December 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon for 3 years now. No weight gain. Acne is just as bad. My periods last weeks to months. And I bleed huge blood clots. (Sorry, TMI, but I thought I had a miscarriage once because of it.) I am an emotional wreck. Like it makes me cry over the littlest things. I overreact, and my depression and anxiety are horrible. It has done its job not to get me pregnant, but I hate it so much. And waking up with a headache every day is killing me."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm on my second Nexplanon, placed in last year. I developed thinning hair, severe breast tenderness with PMSing. My periods were far and few between, spotting and occasionally a period for 2 days, or I won't bleed at all for 2/3 months. My skin got a lot drier from being greasy and developed dandruff and a halt in my hair growth and fallout at the top of my head/widening hair part. My mood with depression and anxiety increased. I developed lower back pain and acne in places I never broke out before. This was all gradual with being on Nexplanon for almost 4 years. I was thinking it was work/stress related. I'm getting my second one removed and going cold turkey on birth control. Don't recommend. Listen to your body."

• COn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for 5 years. Getting it removed in a week. My twin sister started taking it and had immediate effects on her mood. Turns out I had the same reaction but never related it to the birth control. I had severe anxiety and depression not too long after it was put in. I highly suggest that you do not use this. I also have bad acne. Not sure if it is related, but looking at the other comments, it probably doesn't help. I cannot wait to get it removed."

• ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I had this inserted in February 2015. Two weeks later, my period began. There has not been a single day where I haven't bled. (It is now June 2015.) I've never really had an issue with acne, I'm now breaking out constantly. Constantly irritated aren't even the words. I always feel on edge and ready to punch someone. My sex drive is nonexistent. Sure, this thing works great at preventing me from becoming pregnant. Because I bleed profusely every day of my life, and sex doesn't even cross my mind. Before this, my periods were normal flow, maybe a few days long. I cannot even afford to keep buying all these feminine products. My doctor keeps trying to get me to wait it out, but I want it removed ASAP."

• Tab...
• October 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon put in about three weeks ago. At first, I had tender breasts and acne. I was like I can deal with that, but the dizziness and room spinning is insane! I feel sick to my stomach. It is awful. It is so bad I have missed work. I’m having it removed tomorrow. Hopefully, I’m able to drive myself to the doctor."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I got the implant at the beginning of June, and it's now October. After I got it, I had a period that lasted three days, stopped for two days, and came back for another three. Since then, I haven't had a period or spotted at all. At first, I felt like I had no sex drive at all, which I didn't know was a side effect, but now my sex drive is back. The only side effect I have really noticed is I get more acne, but I'd rather have acne than a baby!"

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I tried Nexplanon in 2012 after my second miscarriage. I didn't have a period until November, it was inserted in August, and they were so heavy it also caused slight lactation. Not like leaky or anything, just if I squeezed. Got it out in December because my periods were unbearable. My daughter was born in March 2014. In May 2014, I got it put back in to see if I reacted the same. Two weeks in, I had a super light two-week period and haven't had anything since: weight loss but no gain, a tiny bit of acne. Not sure if I'm moody due to the Nexplanon or my bipolar, but I honestly love it. I want sex all the time and my husband loves the fact I don't have to worry about missing a dose. I love it too. I highly recommend at least trying it."

• Anonymous
• May 12, 2014

For Birth Control "As far as birth control, it definitely does the job. Unfortunately, I have never had acne until I had it inserted, and it's horrible. I have been steadily gaining weight ever since, 15 lbs and counting in the last 10 months. Headaches and nausea make me think I am pregnant. Not to mention, I am extremely emotional, and my 'period' is irregular, much lighter, but I probably spot 20 days out of the month. I have only had it for 10 months."

• She...
• March 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon inserted in Dec 2015, and it's still there. They numbed the area before inserting it. The area was sore for a couple of days after having it inserted, but the pain wasn't too terrible. The bruise was ugly and large, but after it healed, I'm left with a tiny little scar at the point of insertion that's barely noticeable. My super painful period cramps stopped because I haven't had a period since I've had Nexplanon. I didn't experience mood swings or bad skin. I feel more even-keeled with my emotions since being on it, no PMS. All in all, a fantastic experience so far as opposed to my prior Mirena IUD birth control that became lodged into the side of my cervix and had to be surgically removed. I recommend Nexplanon!"

• Hda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the implant a bit ago, and have had ZERO negative side effects besides the awesome no more menstrual cycle! The reviews of endless spotting, weight gain, and acne have not been true for me at all. I put off getting the implant a long time from fear stemming from bad reviews, so I decided to throw my good experience in the hat for perspective! I'm one of the 1:3 who it stopped my period quickly after having it put in. The bruise on my arm was there for about a week, and my very mild hormonal acne cleared up about two weeks into having it. Most importantly, it has helped even out my energy throughout the month. I am a 24-year-old graduate student with a history of ovarian cysts and adult onset mild acne."

• Anonymous
• March 13, 2017

For Birth Control "Do not recommend at all. I got the Nexplanon when I was 18, and I'm almost 21 now. While it is great BC for keeping you unpregnant, I have not one ounce of motivation to get out of bed and do anything. I am always so tired. The acne is insane, and I have spots all over my shoulders, chest, and face that look like a rash and are extremely noticeable (especially fresh out of the shower or when hot), and the weight gain is crazy. I was about 110 pounds when I got on it, and I always had an extremely high metabolism, but after being on Nexplanon, I have a constant hunger that I cannot fill, and I am up to 140 pounds. I am very easily angered and moody, and overall, it is not worth it when it comes to being happy in your own skin. Getting it removed this week."