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Errin and Spotting: What Users Say

Spotting: mentioned by 32 users (17.0%)

Based on user experiences from 188 Errin reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

bleeding 21.3%
cramps 18.6%
weight gain 17.6%
spotting 17.0%
acne 14.9%
nausea 12.2%
mood swings 10.1%
sore breasts 9.6%
headaches 9.0%
depression 8.5%

Reviews for Errin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Fir...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 11, 2020

For Endometriosis "Errin is a medical miracle. I have been off birth control for quite some time and have started this wonderful medication. My sex drive is up, I feel so much energy, I'm excited for my husband to come home. So far, no bleeding or spotting. And I have been urinating like crazy, so it looks like I am dropping a ton of water weight. I'm excited to see what next month holds as far as my period goes. Thank you for whomever made this drug. My husband and I love you."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • GSa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I tried this pill 2 different times. First time, I had brown spotting for over a month, so I stopped. I tried it again about a year later (currently on it), and I'm having a better experience. I spotted brown for only about a week when first starting, and I haven't had any issues with it since unless I'm taking it late. You need to be SUPER consistent with it (which you probably already know); if you can do this, then this is a great pill. I know it says within 3 hours, but any later than 10 minutes (for me), and I start spotting for a couple of days. But I get NO nausea or other big side effects that I can notice. And hey, I'm not pregnant yet. So I'd say it's doing its job."

9 / 10
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38 Report
  • Kri...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 6, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Okay, so I have been on this for a week now. My face hasn’t broken out more than usual. I have insanely irregular periods, and literally the day after starting this, my period ended, and it hasn’t started up again. Before, I would have maybe two days of no period, and then it would hit me like a freight train again. My body feels much better than it has in years! Again, I have only been on this for a week. I haven’t had any weight gain or random spotting... yet? Idk. Before I got put on this birth control, I literally bled, had intense cramps, mood swings, and migraines pretty much daily. I’m not saying it’s good for everyone, as everyone’s bodies are different. It has worked wonders for me. I will post another review as time goes on. I also haven’t had any issues with my hair falling out or being dull. It’s so nice to not be so damn hormonal every day. I feel so much better health-wise now. I think it’s honestly balancing out my chemicals, but I’m not a doctor."

8 / 10
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27 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Bri...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 8, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this pill for a year now. I went a while without a period, just constant spotting. Well, I can't tell if it's an extremely light period or just spotting. It's not enough blood for a tampon or pad, but a liner. I hate it because if I do want to have sex, I have to act like I have to pee right before just to make sure I'm not bleeding. I'm on my last pack, and then I'm done with it. I also was on this pill due to high blood pressure and horrible periods. I'll take my risks at not taking this anymore!"

3 / 10
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19 Report
  • sil...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 11, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Errin for two months. I'm in perimenopause, and it was recommended to control some abnormal bleeding. The first month was okay, but I basically bled all of month two, either spotting or very, very heavy. Stopped it a few days ago and still bleeding. I went to the doctor and had an exam - no other physical cause for the heavy bleeding. He agreed I should stop taking it, although he wanted me to try originally for three or four months. I don't see how - this was the worst bleeding ever. I'll take perimenopausal irregularity over this."

3 / 10
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13 Report

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  • ARJ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 30, 2019

For Endometriosis "I’ve been taking Errin birth control pill for about a month now. Overall, it’s been really good! I haven’t had the spotting everyone complains about, and I have not had any cramping either. I normally have really terrible periods, so I’m hoping this birth control can either stop them completely or lessen the pain. The first week or two, it gave me really bad headaches (not migraines, just headaches), but those went away after about week two. I haven’t noticed any weight gain either. I feel like the medicine maybe gives me slight mood swings, but I can recognize them pretty quickly. Unfortunately, I’m not seeing any improvement in my skin."

8 / 10
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9 Report
  • NY ...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 30, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Prescribed because fibroids and polyps (and probably pre-menopause) made the period flow unbearable. CONS: -If I don't take the pill at exactly the same time every day, I have 4 days of medium flow between cycles. Happened 3 times. Can't even be 20 minutes late or early. Felt like 3 periods in one month (every other week). -Cramps much worse than before. Still happen between cycles too. Often need Tylenol mid-sleep. -Clots huge unless I preemptively take Advil every few hours. -Breasts sensitive to the point of aching sometimes. -Period can be a week earlier or later than the previous one, so planning is impossible. PROS: -Actual period flow is slightly more manageable than before. -Spotting between cycles much less (sometimes not at all) unless I screw up my dose time. SUMMARY: If I take the pill on time with 100% accuracy, the period is slightly better. But my quality of life feels like it has declined due to the stress the side effects have added to it."

4 / 10
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7 Report
  • Ebo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 30, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I began taking Errin for a month, and I've had the worst experience ever with this birth control method. I have gained 20 pounds since taking it. There was spotting between my periods. I had extreme mood swings that were crazy ups and downs. I experienced headache, anxiety, and increased blood pressure. I don't recommend this b.c. to any woman who is thinking of trying the progestin-only pill. Yes, it is the mini pill, but I had a horrible experience. I will just deal with my adenomyosis and heavy periods w/o birth control. Never again!"

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Ari...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I started using Errin about a month ago, and it’s been the worst! I’ve gained so much weight, spotting, and my discharge started having a weird smell while taking Errin. Literally, after I take my medicine, I get so hungry. Don't really recommend."

6 / 10
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8 Report
  • aqu...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 24, 2020

For Birth Control "Started Errin due to migraines from combination pills. Errin gave me cystic acne that does not respond to any treatment, which is very annoying, but I’m dealing with it because this is the only BC I can tolerate. Starting in May, I had a period at the beginning of the month and the end of the month, both 5 days long. (Pretty normal) No period the whole month of July or August, then 2 in September. One lasting 5 days and the other lasting 8. No period in October, and one in November. They consist of heavy clotting and very dark blood. The cramps are very uncomfortable. I also have constant breakthrough spotting, which is enough to fill liners. Very inconvenient, but this is what I’ll continue with."

5 / 10
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7 Report
  • Dan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 14, 2019

For Birth Control "After a nightmare experience with an IUD, my doctor put me on ERRIN 0.35 strength birth control pills. I’ve been on it for two weeks now. It has improved my mood. I haven’t experienced any mood swings so far, I’ve had some spotting, but not heavy. I have been experiencing some headaches, cramping, nausea, loss of appetite, and exhaustion. I’m trying to hang in there because I do love the fact my mood has stabilized. The main thing I worry about is how tired I am. I feel very drained and bloated. I’m going to give it at least 3-6 months to prove to me, so I will be back with an update around then."

3 / 10
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9 Report
  • Car...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 23, 2019

For Birth Control "Positives: Does its job, no period, no cramps, minor mood swings. Negatives: Back acne, bloat, irregular (minor) spotting, dizziness (randomly). Side effects aren't bad compared to others, which is why I've stayed on this medicine for a while."

7 / 10
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9 Report
  • ACa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 9, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was extremely weary of starting Errin after seeing so many reviews online that were negative. After several ovarian cysts and abnormal bleeding over the years, both conditions which I tried every type of alternate medicine for, I finally decided to give birth control a try again (I was originally on it from 16 through 22, then took a 10-year break as it made me feel quite ill). The mini-pill seemed like the logical decision to avoid the nausea and long list of other side effects, even though I didn’t have the best skin to start with and also had spotting at least 2 weeks per month. I’m starting my 3rd month now and not only has my skin stayed the same, my spotting went down to 3 days this month! Periods are way lighter, breasts don’t stay sore for 10 days per month, hormonal headaches have disappeared. I’m kicking myself for not trying this sooner..."

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • ano...
  • November 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I have only been on this pill for 3 weeks now, but wanted to insert my experience because it seems pretty different than some of the other reviewers. I had light spotting for about a week and a half four days into taking the pill, then it completely stopped. I didn't experience any other side effects until the next week: dizziness, lightheadedness, and something I can only describe as a 'mental cloudiness.' These effects would normally last 15 hours after taking the pill (I take it at 9 PM). Nothing I do could help it--eating, drinking water, you name it. Feels kind of like I have morning sickness or something until 2 PM, but I would like to add that that is not consistently every day. I take my pill at the same time every day."

6 / 10
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10 Report
  • ner...
  • May 3, 2014

For Endometriosis "I've been on progestin-only birth control for about 3 years. I started on Ortho-Micronor, I had a period for about 3 months straight, but then my period stopped entirely. Then I moved, and I was given Camila (same thing, different brand), it kept in line with the 'no period' havingness. It was great. Moved again, I was given Errin. For about 2-3 months, I was okay, but I noticed some changes in my mood and some bloating. Then about 3 months in (February 2014), I had spotting. I thought maybe it would be normal after having NO period for 2 years, but then 2 weeks later, I had a full-on period. Since then, I've had maybe 3-4 periods in 2 months, extremely painful tenderness in my breasts."

4 / 10
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16 Report
  • Bec...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 25, 2020

For Birth Control "So far, it has been okay. A lot of spotting and minor headaches. Less acne and no hair loss. I used to have very heavy periods every 20 days. I am on Errin, and the first month I spotted every day, I did this on combo pills too. Now, I have a period and then spot a few days. The days I spot are also from taking it an hour late. I'm on my third month now, and I am hoping it regulates everything. I noticed my face looks less haggard, and I am 43."

7 / 10
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6 Report
  • Bri...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 8, 2022

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Been taking it for almost 3 months due to abnormal bleeding with no underlying causes. I've had a transplant, so the mini pill is my only option. I wouldn’t say Errin is awful for me yet since I’ve only been on it for such a short time. I can say though, I used to have severe cramps, but on Errin, they are very, very mild (so mild Tylenol does the trick). My periods do last longer (7 days), and the little brown spotting that occurs is a bit annoying. Hope my body responds well so I can stay on it."

7 / 10
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4 Report
  • Nur...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I used to be on birth control for years to inhibit the growth of ovarian cysts. I stopped and was off pills for 6 years. Unfortunately, I am still very fertile, and as a single mom in a committed relationship, I did not want to have more children, especially since I will be 40 next year. I decided to try the mini-pill to avoid the effects of estrogen. This worked in that I didn’t get pregnant while on it, but it caused me pretty much every side effect. I developed acne on my face, my mood swings were crazy and very negative, my appetite greatly increased and I gained weight, I no longer had natural lubrication since my vagina became very dry, I noticed an obvious decrease in libido, and my breasts became very sore and tender the whole time on the pill. I did experience some very light spotting, but I wouldn’t have a problem with that if it weren’t for the other symptoms. Unfortunately, I’ll have to resort to another method of birth control. I had high hopes for this pill."

6 / 10
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8 Report
  • gre...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 29, 2016

For Endometriosis "Due to blood clot and diagnosis of autoimmune clotting disorder (anti-phospholipid syndrome), I had to be put on a non-estrogen birth control to help with my endometriosis. The pill has caused me to spot just about every single day, and I have been on it for over 6 months. It has not been able to control the cramps, and I have to have 800 mg ibuprofen on hand at all times. It has cut down on my 7-10 day very heavy period, but since I spot every day, not sure if it's really helped with the blood loss and anemia. When I started, I had just about every symptom of pregnancy, but I was not pregnant. This went away after about 1 month of use. Unfortunately, this is my only option at the moment, so I'm kind of stuck with this."

2 / 10
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10 Report
  • Jus...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 19, 2020

For Birth Control "So I’ve been on Errin for 4 months. I was on Trivora prior, but have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure at 26, so I was switched. Anyways, the first month was spotty, the second month I noticed if I didn’t take it the same EXACT time, down to the minute, I would spot. The third month was okay, still spotting here and there, but didn’t have a full period. This fourth month has been ridiculous, I have been spotting since the time I was supposed to get my period last month. I’m calling tomorrow to switch back, I’m over this. One star for Errin."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Kea...
  • June 3, 2017

For Birth Control "So, I'm 23 years old. I went to the doctor not only for birth control but for something to control my terrible menstrual cycle. I would bleed for 7 days straight, heavily at that. I was first put on Depo, which I absolutely adored! No periods, no terrible side effects like most people warn you about. Well, after 2 years, my doc tells me it's not good to be on Depo longer than 2 years, so I switched to a pill. I smoke, and at this point in my life, I am not ready to quit, so I take progestin-only pills. At first, starting Errin, I spotted for about 2 weeks, but I figured that was because of not having a period for nearly 2 years. Since then, I have a period every month, and while they only last about 4 days with moderate bleeding. Cramps are bad!!!"

7 / 10
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7 Report
  • New...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking this when I was breastfeeding. My milk production decreased, but I don't believe it's linked to the birth control. Now that I'm no longer breastfeeding, my period is lighter than normal, and I have random spotting. It isn't much at all though, so I really don't have complaints. I have yet to become pregnant again (thank the Lord), and I haven't had any major issues, so I like this medication."

6 / 10
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7 Report
  • DBa...
  • November 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Every woman's body is different, how it responds to birth control. Some have no issues, and some have every side effect possible. For me, this pill, Errin, is THE WORST. I was on a combination pill, and my gynecologist switched me, thinking it was causing my high blood pressure, as some pills can do. I was on it since Aug 2019 and recently just switched back to the previous one I was taking-thank goodness! This pill made me sick, such as nausea, severe bloat, weight gain, spotting, and never knowing if or WHEN I would even have a period, major cramps that I've never experienced ever before-even when I entered adolescence, swollen breasts, and fatigued constantly. I understand this works for some, but definitely NOT FOR ME! I'm so glad I switched back, and now I feel back to normal after less than a week of being off of it. This is especially not a good one to take if you're like me and want to know WHEN you'll have your period."

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • EmG...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 5, 2019

For Birth Control "Not sure how I feel about Errin. I’ve been taking it for 3 months, and I haven’t had my period, and I’m super paranoid that I’m pregnant. I’ve had irregular spotting, bloated, and cramps, but it does help with not giving me migraines."

5 / 10
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9 Report
  • Lys...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I switched to Errin due to bad side effects on combination BC. I didn’t get any breakthrough bleeding and only got periods when expected, lasting 6 days. One downside is having to take it within a 3-hour window, and missing results in spotting. However, I do think it was worth not having the mental side effects. Also, my skin got quite a bit worse. I broke out with whiteheads (no change in cystic pimples) a lot more, especially around my period. I am seeing a dermatologist to correct this. I’d also like to note, TMI, but I had noticeably less annoyingly thick discharge on Errin. Overall, if you think you might have an estrogen sensitivity, it’s worth trying. My libido went back to normal, don’t need naps, and I don’t experience mood swings anymore. I will say, you have to know yourself and whether you’d actually be diligent about taking it in the 3-hour window."

7 / 10
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2 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.