Kariva User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Rem...
• April 17, 2013

For Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) "I was on Kariva for about three years. I took it because I am prone to migraines. The pill was great for regulating and lessening my menstruation cycle, however, it did nothing to alleviate my migraines. I recently have switched to an IUD, which has done the same but no migraines."

• kjo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Kariva for less than 2 years, and I guess I never read the drug information because my sex drive is near nothing. I even get annoyed when sex is brought up. My period is only 3 days long, though, and no nausea or cramping to go with. But the fact that my body refuses sex now is getting ridiculous. My doctor suggested it for me because I am pretty moody, or my moods flipped a lot on everything else I tried. But Kariva was the last thing I could try. I'm breaking up with it. I miss being intimate with my boyfriend..."

• jwa...
• May 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Kariva for probably 3 years or less now, and it is my favorite BC. I have tried others with crazy emotional side effects and heavy bleeding. Kariva gets rid of my period about 99% of the time, and with that, it decreases sex drive. It got rid of my acne and constant hot flashes. I didn't gain any weight on it. In fact, I just came off of Kariva a few weeks ago due to a severe yeast infection, which I had no idea what was causing, and since then my hormones are insane from being off of it. I keep binge eating, have cramps, my vagina is almost tingling a lot, my face gets very flush and red, and my skin is super dry. I gained 6 lbs in that time and hadn't changed my eating patterns. I am going back on Kariva due to this."

• Gra...
• September 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I can't give this medication a 10 without being on it for a long time, but what I can say is that this medication was recommended to me by 2 different doctors who also take it themselves. Also, I can say that my side effects from my previous birth control are going away after taking Kariva. I had the worst mood swings and anxiety from Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I was always either angry and upset or hysterically crying for no good reason. From the first time I took Kariva, my mood dramatically improved. I actually feel friendly towards others for the first time in months."

• sam...
• September 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Kariva for almost 3 years, and I have never gotten any bad side effects. I originally went on birth control because I get really bad cramps before I get my period, during, and after. I've tried so many birth controls, and this one is definitely the best. Like someone else said, be careful at CVS because they will sometimes switch you to their preferred generic, Viorele, which is the worst one I have EVER been on. It gave me migraines every 3 days, it was so bad. I am a little mad because I got new insurance, and I have to pay more for Kariva, but it is worth it. It is definitely the best one out of this group!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Kariva for about 3 years now. I originally went on the pill for my severe cramps and heavy bleeding. After one month, my acne cleared up, my period got much shorter, and my cramps were less intense. However, I have gained 20 pounds and a full cup size since being on the pill. In addition, I have absolutely no sex drive and a lot of dryness. Though I have experienced anxiety before taking the pill, it has gotten much worse since being on it. My PMS is much more severe as well."

• Sah...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2018

For Birth Control "Was on Kariva for 3 months, would have stayed on it if it wasn't for the negative side effects I got from this pill. PROS: Breasts grew from a B cup to a C cup. No depression, feeling sad, or moody. Shorter, light periods, 4 days at the most. CONS: Extreme vaginal dryness, so extreme I couldn't climax at ALL for the entire 3 months. I had acne that broke out on my forehead, chin, chest, and back. I'm already really skinny and wanted to gain weight, instead, I lost about 8 lbs. Overall, just couldn't put up with the dryness down there, it ruined sex for me. After 3 months of taking it, I had my doctor switch me to a new pill."

• but...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I think it is important to note that birth control is different for everyone, but I was on Kariva for 5 days, and it was awful! I would wake up between 3-4 times in a night, have night sweats (which is not normal for me), my breasts were so tender, I was insanely bloated, and the worst part... I think a blood clot was forming in my calf. I did not think this was possible since I was only on it a few days, but then I read that clots normally form when first starting birth control. I was also very emotional/anxious/depressed. I will be switching birth controls."

• Mis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2017

For Birth Control "When I first switched my birth control from the generic version of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo to Kariva, it was an attempt to regulate my pH balance. Although the switch made no difference in that area, I noticed a significant change in my mood. In a good way! I had been taking the other birth control for so long, I thought it was just me that had crazy mood swings every month. Once I switched, the moods were gone. My mind was blown. I have also noticed a decrease in acne, which is always a plus. They've also just changed the bubble pack to release the pills more easily. I recommend."

• ren...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 4, 2020

For Birth Control "Kariva did improve my acne, but as far as anything else, I wouldn’t really recommend. Really put a toll on my emotions and made me have either bad bursts of crying randomly or just be angry for no reason. Didn’t really mess with my weight, though, but did lose all sex drive completely, which was awful as well."

• Boa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been extremely happy with this birth control. After about 3 years on this bc, I had to switch pharmacies, and my new pharmacy switched me to Viorele, which led to my absolute worst experience with birth control. I had headaches, felt fatigued, experienced a heavier period with more cramping, and gained weight. Finally, I realized that even though Kariva and Viorele should be the same, they, in fact, are not! Once I switched to a new pharmacy that would specifically fill Kariva, I lost 10 pounds in about 2 months, and all the other side effects from the Viorele disappeared. After a year of consistently being on Kariva, my pharmacy just switched to Pimtrea, which really upsets me that they can't be consistent with Kariva."

• Jac...
• March 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I took this birth control for four years (I started it at 15 because I was diagnosed with PCOS). Overall, it really helped me. It cleared my acne and gave me a predictable period. The fact that it cleared my acne was the most amazing thing for me. I went from layering on concealer to cover red, even purple zits on my face, to being confident in my skin. One thing I suggest if you take this medication is to read over ALL of the side effects. A little known one is constipation. I suffered from it the entire time I took this medication. Despite that one problem, this medication worked extremely well. :). Also, at age 19, I use it in conjunction with condoms to prevent pregnancy. (Take it at the same time every day and you're golden.)"

• Jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 12, 2019

For Birth Control "This Kariva birth control has completely ruined my mental state! I have not gotten pregnant or had any scares, but that is not worth what it has done to me emotionally. I am always on the verge of crying, I wake up mornings feeling depressed, and I have even developed anxiety and have anxiety attacks once a month when I have NEVER had anxiety in the past. It has put a strain on my relationship with my boyfriend because he is constantly having to tend to me emotionally as I am always susceptible to mood swings and upset. My period has not even improved other than the fact it is consistent, it is still five days and not even much lighter. Also, my cramps have not improved at all, they may have even gotten worse."

• Kan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Kariva for irregular periods after being on another pill. At first, it was fine because my periods were lighter, but after a few weeks, I started getting terrible cramps, bloating, and my acne got awful. It also completely changed my mood, and my sex drive is absolutely non-existent. Will definitely be switching."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2024

For Birth Control "Kariva has been amazing for me. After reading so many negative reviews, I was nervous to take the pill. I suffer from extremely heavy periods, breast tenderness, and awful cramping. I was prescribed Kariva and haven’t looked back. My breasts aren’t sore anymore when it gets close to time for my period. My period flow has been cut in half! As a 33-year-old woman, this is the first time since I have started my period that I feel as if I can breathe. I feel so much better. Give it a try."

• Anonymous
• January 17, 2010

For Birth Control "I was on Kariva for about 2 years straight (almost never missed a pill) after being on various other pills for 3 years before that. Kariva solved my cramp problem, and I did not experience any nausea or depression/mood swings like I had on other pills. I recently switched off of Kariva after missing a week of pills - I didn't even realize until then how low my libido had been! My doctor just switched me to Microgestin Fe 1/20. Obviously, everyone's bodies are different and will have different reactions, but I am happy to be off Kariva."

• Anonymous
• February 24, 2011

For Birth Control "I used Kariva for three months and have been off it now for two weeks due to insurance problems. It did not cause me any weight gain. My periods, which were usually 7-8 days, were down to 4-5 days, and the bleeding was lighter. Also, much less cramping and feelings of nausea during my period. I didn't notice until after I stopped taking the pills, but they definitely lower your sex drive. You will still enjoy sexual activity, but just not crave it as much as you usually would. Other than that, I haven't had any other problems with this pill. I used it as the only form of birth control, and it prevented pregnancy even in the first month."

• Anonymous
• June 19, 2011

"I've been on Kariva for 2 months, and it has turned me into a completely different person. I'm always tired. I can sleep just fine, but I'm constantly tired. I never feel rested. I've noticed it's made me depressed. Everyone around me notices, also. I've had horrible headaches. My appetite has changed. I have blurred vision, dizziness. It's ridiculous. As far as spotting, I haven't experienced any of that. So, effectiveness has been pretty good."

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Kariva for 7 years now and have loved it! I used to have the worst periods ever, going through tampons and pads every hour, but now my periods are light and less painful. Sure, I get moody once a month, but I am a person, right? But everyone is different, and this pill has always worked for me."

• qq3...
• October 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I switched to Kariva from Apri. I have been on Apri for 6 months, and I have noticed that my hair started to fall out. However, it might be connected to other reasons, my hair is usually sensitive to stress, and I had particularly bad times 3-6 months ago. Anyway, I switched because of this and the water retention I have been experiencing. It definitely helped! I have lost approximately 5 pounds in the first 2 weeks with Kariva, and I do not lose my hair anymore. However, I have noticed PMS with the first pack of Kariva. I had it all the time before I started BC, it stopped with Apri, and now it seems to be back again."

• Cof...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on Kariva for about 2 years. Up until the last 3 months, everything was great. It made my period lighter and regular, only had slight cramps on the first day, skin clearer, boobs even grew from a small B to a small C. I decided to change to a different pill recently because I was experiencing emotional side effects. I have always struggled with anxiety, but I was very stressed out due to life circumstances but noticed heavy mood swings. I wanted to try switching my pill before I tried a psychiatric medicine. I would still recommend trying Kariva to everyone, it’s worth a shot, and I liked it for a long time!"

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

"Literally, the only good thing Kariva did was prevent pregnancy and clear up my acne. I'm 18, and it's the first birth control I've ever tried. Within the second week of taking it, I had a lower sex drive, I gained weight, and I couldn't get wet no matter what I did. Also, my periods were never bad to begin with, but on this pill, they were so heavy for 7 days. I had extreme cramping, was always tired, and had shooting pain through my anus every time I would sit down on the toilet. I've been off this for 3 weeks now, and everything is completely back to normal."

• Anonymous
• May 30, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on Kariva for 3 months, and then I decided to stop taking it altogether. I'd experience dizziness to the point where I'd have to sit down and also had an increase in constant headaches. The day that I decided to stop taking it, I had an extreme mood swing/panic attack. Some days while taking the pill, I didn't feel like myself emotionally. I originally got on the pill to help reduce my cramps because they were so painful. The pain of my cramps did lessen, but occasionally it was still as intense as it was before I was on the pill. I bled/spotted on the third week and had my actual period the fourth. So I ended up bleeding well over a week, which is more than my normal. I did not gain any weight, but my appetite increased."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2015

For Birth Control "Took brand Mircette for 2 months. Great for skin & body adjusted quickly to brand only. Had no immediate side effects, but the manufacturer never made enough. Was forced to generic. Estrogen placebos did nothing to help menstrual migraine/estrogen withdrawals, debilitating headaches. It was actually worse on this pill. Many trips to the ER. On brand, I didn't have the daily headaches. Sex was ridiculously painful on both, and the 3rd month on brand was unbearably dry in my vagina. Took Kariva & had the most debilitating migraine/daily headaches ever. All doctors denied the correlation. Had breakthrough bleeding/spotting, tampon amounts for 3 months & then anemic. Demanded to be removed off this! Get rid of your gyno if she doesn't believe you."

• Sta...
• July 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Kariva definitely had its ups and downs for me, but the downs were so horrible I had to go off. Pros: I never got pregnant. I stopped getting cystic acne on my chin, and my skin was way clearer than it had ever been before (other birth control had been ineffective in doing this). My sex drive was not decreased at all. Cons: My boobs went from a C to spilling out of a DD and tender. I gained 10 lbs, and NONE of my clothes fit anymore. My feet and ankles got so swollen that some of my shoes stopped fitting. For the first three months, I spotted like crazy. After that, my periods were regular and not too bad of flow, but other birth controls had made me have a 2-day 'barely there' period or not get a period at all, which was way better."