Skip to main content

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Loryna, Syeda, Nikki, Gianvi, Lo-Zumandimine, Jasmiel, Zumandimine, Zarah, Yaela Melamisa …show all brand names

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol has an average rating of 5.5 out of 10 from a total of 2,853 reviews on Drugs.com. 41% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 37% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • ksh...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 19, 2013

For Acne "I've been on Yaz for over 6 months now, and it has been the only thing that cleared up my acne in the last 8 years. I had very severe cystic acne on my forehead, cheeks, and chin (basically all over my face). After taking Yaz for 3 months, my acne started to clear up dramatically. I can now go out without wearing 5 pounds of makeup!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
73 Report
  • Leg...
  • June 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I was very concerned after reading the reviews for this birth control. My doctor had me switch to this birth control after I had been experiencing bad side effects from Blisovi. I have to say that this has so far been the best experience I've had with any birth control. My skin has cleared up beautifully, and it has been glowing because of this. Not only that, but I have had the easiest periods with no cramping. I didn't experience any mood changes except for the first week on this pill as my body got used to it. It's important to remember that most people who do have great experiences with a drug wouldn't think to write a review on it. That being said, everyone's bodies are different. I recommend giving this pill a try."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
50 Report
  • Bec...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 17, 2020

For Acne "Writing this review after a year of struggle with acne that went on for about 10 months. I was 27 years old and had never struggled with acne at all in the past, I was always blessed with beautiful skin. Then, out of the blue, I started getting spots on my chest and face, quite badly. They were relentless and beginning to scar. I went to see a dermatologist and used antibiotics - lymecycline and tretinoin gel. This helped a lot... I was scared that if I came off them, then I would be back to square one. I also had the coil as a contraceptive and had read this may be a contributor to the problem. I got the coil taken out and asked for Yasmin. I came off the lymecycline and tretinoin, and the acne has not returned! My skin has just gotten better and better. You would never know I had a problem. My cycle is also better controlled, I used to get a lot of breakthrough bleeding on the coil. I am writing this review in hope it may help others!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • TPM...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 11, 2014

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was depressed. I had maybe one good week each month. Then I started taking Yaz because a friend told me it helped her, but she also said I had to be patient. I think it took three months, and then I noticed I was so much better! I took Prozac and didn't notice any changes, but Yaz saved my life. I'm not PMS-free, but I have more good days than bad ones. I read some of the comments, and I recognized the side effects experienced by another friend. It just didn't work for her. It actually made her worse (I think Yasmin worked for her, though). I wish they would keep researching, and as time goes by, we have even better options. It's not easy being a woman. And I hope Yaz works for you."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
66 Report
  • Ban...
  • April 1, 2020

For Acne "I was prescribed two different birth control pills since I first chose to go on it, and my experience with both was not great. I would experience spotting, severe anxiety and mood swings, and then very severe cystic acne. This past October, I switched to Nikki for the sake of my skin and anxiety, and I have never been so happy. My skin has been PERFECT since starting this pill, my hormones feel so balanced, and I could not be happier. I HIGHLY recommend Nikki for anyone experiencing difficulties with emotions, anxiety, or cystic acne."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Bos...
  • November 11, 2015

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I am 21 and have been taking the pill since the age of 16. Two years ago, I began to take Yaz after severe mood swings, depression, and overwhelming sadness and anger due to PMDD. Yaz has been a lifesaver for me! I don't have cramps, my period lasts 3 days at most and is very light (not even enough to warrant the use of a tampon), and my skin is perfectly clear, with the exception of 2 pimples a month around menstruation. But the absolute best part is my mood! I became ME again, a happy, easy-going person who doesn't pick fights with her boyfriend over burnt spaghetti noodles ;)"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
58 Report
  • dba...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for a year, then tried to switch to Nexplanon, so I wouldn't have to remember to take a pill every day - HUGE MISTAKE. At least for my body. I'm back on Ocella, and I'm BEYOND happy with it in comparison. Gives me the clearest skin, went from B cup to D cup without gaining weight elsewhere, and it's worked well as a birth control so far! Ladies - the scariest thing about birth control (besides all the nasty side effects) is you really won't know what works for you until you try it. Everyone's bodies are different and will react in different ways. I hope you find what is best for you :)"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the worst experience on this medication. The one and only thing that got me through was the strength of the Holy Spirit. I took this medication for 10 days, and I experienced crippling anxiety. Two months later, I am taking anxiety medication to get my body back to normal. If anybody is reading this and going through something similar, read the word of God."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
126 Report
  • KT3...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 14, 2021

For Birth Control "Was on Gianvi for about 2 years before CVS/Aetna switched me to Loryna. While I was taking Loryna, I was a raging lunatic the entire time. I am typically a very laid-back, easy-going person, very non-confrontational, but on this pill, I literally could not control myself. Every single thing made me so unreasonably mad. I knew at the time I was overreacting to everything, but I couldn't help it. I never felt so out of control in my entire life. Eventually led to me crying hysterically in CVS, begging for them to fix my prescription, telling the pharmacist she should be in prison for changing my meds, causing a scene and getting kicked out. After that, I stopped taking the pill and never returned to that CVS."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 21, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 20 years old. I've been on Yasmin for 3 years and have experienced horrible side effects. It's great for acne, weight loss, and actual birth control, but my mood swings are crazy. Before starting this pill, I was a very happy, positive person. After taking this pill, I've become crazy, anxious, depressed, upset, and stressed out over the tiniest things (causing major fights with my boyfriend) at all points in my cycle. This is a major side effect and shouldn't be ignored, it has completely changed my personality, and I won't be taking it again after this month is over."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
77 Report
  • Mer...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 12, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "There are a lot of negative reviews here, but I'm grateful to say I've had quite the opposite experience. I had bad PMDD, heavy periods, and tried other kinds of BC without success, but my doctor convinced me to try Yaz. It has been AMAZING! PMDD symptoms are gone, and I've actually stopped having periods almost altogether. My doc says this is normal and not to worry about it... so instead I'm celebrating not having monthly periods anymore! It obviously impacts different women very differently. I would recommend trying it to see if it's right for you and to follow up closely with your physician. If it's not right for you, STOP taking it... but if your experience ends up like mine, it's an incredible blessing :)"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report
  • tes...
  • February 7, 2014

For Acne "I was the one who posted below under 'testing it out.' Last I was here, I was nervous it wasn't going to work. WELL, let me tell you. Just hang in there for the first three months, friends, because your life is about to get better. Literally right after my third period of being on Yaz, I noticed an immediate difference. Acne has drastically reduced to the point of it basically being non-existent. My skin is finally starting to heal with the help of a dark spot corrector, and my confidence is through the roof. THANK YOU, YAZ!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
64 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Yaz for 2 weeks, and it completely changed my mood. I went on it to clear up my cystic acne due to my period. My skin has cleared up, but my mental health has severely deteriorated. I am extremely emotional and angry and have random outbursts, which I have never experienced before. I do not even recognize myself, and I am stopping this pill immediately."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • Bro...
  • August 13, 2021

For Acne "The only reason I went on Yaz was to help with my acne. I was getting a few cysts every month, lots of blackheads, a few pimples here and there. I am just about to finish my 2nd pack, and I just want to cry. My acne is so bad right now, really hoping by month 3 it all magically disappears. Did not experience any other side effects. Will update in a month or so."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Hap...
  • March 15, 2020

For Acne "I've been on Yaz for 6 years now, and it's been a lifesaver. Without birth control, I have periods that last 12 days, 5 of them with a heavy flow and very painful menstrual cramps. I also have a lot of acne (not cystic) if I don't take Yaz. All of these are symptoms of having too much testosterone/having a higher affinity for testosterone. Yaz is anti-androgenic, which means that it reduces the male hormones in your body/blocks their effect. I believe that Yaz won't help you if your acne is not caused by too much testosterone. It took 7 months for me to see any effect on my acne, and it stayed the same until it went away. The only side effect I had was sore boobs for about one month, but I've never had any problems with hormones affecting my mood, so you might want to bear that in mind. No weight gain either, but I don't bloat, and any 'fat gain' will be because you eat more. How Yaz affects you will depend, of course, because we're all different."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
38 Report
  • Ell...
  • April 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Trying Yasmin for the first time and honestly, I was freaked out by all the bad reviews on the web! But a review from someone (a nurse) said everyone's body is different so you can't rely on others, and besides, people usually feel the need to write reviews when things are bad, and don't bother when it's good. So, I'm gonna give it justice. I've tried it for 2 weeks, expecting all these depression, mood swings, nausea, weight gain, loss of sexual desire, and all other things people say happen to them... to happen, but NO, nothing changed at all! All those did not happen at all! I know I only tried it for 2 weeks, but this review is to tell you all ladies out there, just try it; if your body 'matches' with the pill (like mine I guess, I hope it will continue like this), it feels amazing because you have the safety without any side effects!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • Hel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 23, 2020

For Acne "I started Yasmin 6 months ago, and I love it. There have been no side effects for me, no mood swings or weight gain, which I liked. I initially went on it because I started to experience hormonal acne around my jawline and chin. This has pretty much cleared up now, with maybe a couple of spots around my pill-free week. Apart from that, I would highly recommend this pill despite the negative comments I’ve read about it. Definitely give it a go if you experience hormonal acne or you want a pill that doesn’t make you retain weight."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • Jas...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I found this forum because I googled 'can Yasmin cause depression.' I was an extremely sporty and energetic person, my house was always clean, and I had loads of time for my children. I have been on this pill for, I would say, 8 months now, and I am a shell of myself. I have been for blood tests to see why I feel exhausted, weak, and sick constantly. I have no control over my emotions, have lost interest in life in general, and have zero sex drive. I am off it after reading this thread and cannot believe a pill may have done this to me. If you feel any of these side effects, stop immediately!!!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 28, 2008

For Acne "I'm 31 years old. Had mild acne for years. Tried many OTC kits and prescription topicals. Naturopathic to Allopathic. I am a very healthy vegetarian, eat whole foods diet. Nothing helped. Most breakouts were under my chin or around my jaw. I was against the idea of taking a BCP for acne. I hated the idea of putting something artificial into my body. I am so happy that I gave in. My face was totally clear within 2 weeks. No negative side effects. I have finished 2 packs. Mild nausea and headaches the first week."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
83 Report
  • Mma...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 11, 2020

For Acne "I personally think everyone should try it! I was hesitant due to reviews, but I’ve been on it for a month, and after a year of struggling with hormonal acne, I think trying this was worth it. The first two weeks, I was a little more moody than usual and kind of nauseous, but that has gone away! My skin is clearing, but as I’ve only been on for a month, it’s not completely clear yet. I’m excited to see what a couple of months does for my skin! Birth control was my last resort, but I couldn’t get the hormonal acne to stop even after visiting the derm many times."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
33 Report
  • Fli...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 26, 2019

For Acne "The reason I am on this website is because I've almost finished my 3rd month of Yaz, and my skin is terrible, so I came here to see if others felt the same, and it seems so. I'm just not getting a break from pimples, it's really getting me down. I've read a lot here that the skin improves from here on out, so I will persevere. My moods have improved so much, I am more consistent and balanced. No PMS at all, very light periods too. If you're like me, hang in there a bit longer, I'm optimistic my skin will clear."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
37 Report
  • Sil...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 15, 2012

For Acne "I've suffered from acne-prone skin since I was about 10. And let me tell you, after years of suffering from low self-esteem and being made fun of, I am in love with Yasmin. I've tried Pro-Active and other face cleaners, but nothing worked. My face took a month or so to improve, it's not all completely gone, I do get pimples every so often. Yasmin has helped me with emotional issues as well. I'm not so moody, and I feel so great on it. I definitely recommend it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
68 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been taking Yaz for 3 months now, and I absolutely love it. I've lost weight without trying, and my periods have greatly decreased in heaviness and severity. I have not experienced any of the bad side effects like depression or tiredness, I wake up happy and ready to go. The only difference I've noticed that is not so great is that the first day of taking the placebo pill, I tend to be emotional, but that usually clears up by the second day. Also, if I miss a pill, I usually have stomach pain until I take it, which is actually a nice reminder to take it. I love Yaz though and cannot say enough good things about it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
80 Report
  • Eva...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 14, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been on Yaz for 6 months for PMDD. I knew the risks, but my PMDD was unbearable, so I thought nothing of it, and it helped so much with my symptoms. Anyway, the last few days I was getting chest pains, and my calves were throbbing. I didn’t think much of it until this morning when my right leg turned a purplish-red color. I called 999, and they took me to the hospital. I’m still in the hospital right now because they have found a blood clot. The doctor told me it was because of Yaz. I’m absolutely petrified. I have 4 children at home, and I’m not sure what will happen. Please, ladies, please think carefully before taking this pill. I know PMDD is devastating, but a blood clot is just not worth it. God bless you all."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • Mic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 31, 2014

For Birth Control "Thought: Everyone's body is different, but also be mindful and rational about external forces and behaviors causing issues, mainly with mood/relationship problems. After 2 years off from taking hormonal birth control, I'm about to reach the inert pill week and so far this is what I've experienced: tender breasts/nipples, but up 1 size; improved mood (history of mood swings, but they were mainly as a teenager, I am now 22); improved complexion; more intense clitoral sensation; mild vaginal dryness; minimal if no weight gain (attributed to increased appetite in general with hormonal birth control); maybe a mild decrease in libido; no bloating."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
62 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
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.