Minastrin 24 Fe User Reviews & Ratings

• Sat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2014

For Birth Control "Unlike most of the individuals who posted reviews, I had not been previously taking Loestrin 24 Fe. (This is actually my first experience with hormonal birth control.) I am in my fifth month of taking Minastrin and have had zero side effects. In fact, it drastically reduced the length and severity of my periods (2 days of panty liners vs. 7 days of super tampons), I no longer suffer from cramps or bloating, and I actually lost 5-6 lbs. It seems like I probably needed my hormones regulated to begin with. Maybe it's the transition from one pill to another that is causing issues for so many? I feel fortunate ::knock on wood:: that things worked out very well in my case."

• Jam...
• September 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I've just recently started taking Minastrin. I haven't even made it through the first packet, and I'm noticing side effects. I've had severe back pain and mild mood swings. I want to cry all the time, and it's affecting my relationship. I get mad at my boyfriend for every single thing he does, and I was not like that at all before. I've been a very angry and depressed person since taking it."

• Tay...
• July 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I started taking Minastrin in November after Loestrin was discontinued. I was told it was the same pill, just a different name (I disagree). Like Loestrin, I take Minastrin every morning at 8 a.m. I have been taking Minastrin now for almost a year. I find I have cramps all the time, I get mad very easily, no sex drive whatsoever. I'm not sure if this is related, but I get hot and sweat very easily now. I have gained a good bit of weight in my thighs and lower stomach, again, not sure if that is related to Minastrin. When I go for my yearly exam, I will be looking at switching."

• aro...
• October 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I tried several different birth control medicines before my doctor prescribed Minastrin 24 Fe. On other pills (particularly Viorele), I felt very emotional and uncomfortable. While taking Minastrin, I feel like myself and I have had no weight gain. Minastrin has caused me to stop getting my period, but my doctor says that this is completely normal."

• Vic...
• June 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I've never been on birth control until now. I'm at the end of my first month of Minastrin, and it's been an awful experience! It caused so many relationship issues for me, due to the fact that it makes me an emotional mess! I cry all of the time and find myself angry and searching for something ridiculous to blame it on. My breasts got larger, and although I haven't noticed any weight gain, I have noticed headaches and nausea. I'm about to cry right now, and I have no idea why!"

• JAl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Minastrin for 6 months now. I went from very heavy, painful, long-lasting periods to none at all. I haven't had any side effects except breast tenderness once a month. I love this pill. They say give your body at least 3 months to adjust. So maybe just stick it out for a while and see what happens. As for me, I WILL be sticking with this pill."

• Mil...
• March 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I love this birth control. I had lots of problems in the past, but this one works for me. I can successfully skip periods without spotting. Miss the pill by an hour or so without spotting. It did take about 3 months for it all to level out for me. No acne. Breasts got a little bigger. I don't get cramps very often at all, and I haven't noticed a change in my sex drive. Everyone's body is different, but I think it's worth trying for at least 3 months before you decide."

• scu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm rating it a 10 for effectiveness because it does what it does. It's birth control. First month, some cramping (during period only), normal bleeding (yet lasted 10-13 days), no headaches, hormonal jawline acne cleared right up. Got my period irregularly still. Second month, no cramps, no headaches, hormonal acne still gone, somewhat still fighting steady acne, yet it's MUCH better, gained a few pounds, breasts got noticeably larger (especially for my boyfriend). Got my period on the first brown pill. I'm looking forward to month 3. Hope this helped."

• CG4...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for 3 years with no problems. I loved it. My periods lasted less than 2 days, cleared my skin, and I didn't gain weight. Then I was forced to switch to Minastrin, which is supposedly the same pill, but just chewable. It's been a terrible experience. I've had a chronic yeast infection straight through the 3 months I've been on it, and it won't respond to any prescription medication. I've also had severe cramps during my period and acne. There is no way this medication is the same, and I want Loestrin back."

• Lau...
• November 6, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the first BC I have been on and have been taking it for two years now. I have had no issues with it. While starting, I did have the normal spotting until my body was used to it. But after my first two periods, I was fine. I haven't experienced any mood swings or pain. If I miss my pill, I take it as soon as I can remember, and I am fine."

• Ken...
• September 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I was browsing the web looking for reviews for contraceptive options, due to the fact that it is hard for me to remember to take the pill every day. I have been on Loestrin/Minastrin for 6 years now, and I have loved it. I was put on this birth control my first day at the gyno as a test pack to see if the pill was right for me. I fell in love with the fact that you only had to have your period four days a month, so I was sold! The only time I wasn't on this pill was when my pharmacy accidentally prescribed me the generic brand, but it was an easy fix. For anyone who wants to try it, I encourage them to do so. It has been awesome for me. I never seemed to have any problems with it!"

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2015

For Birth Control "First and only birth control I've been on. Doctor recommended due to minimal side effects. She stated it is supposed to be a chewable pill, but that it could also be swallowed. (So that's what I've done.) I had a light, regular period before I got on it. Now I randomly get a period maybe every 2 or 3 months."

• kat...
• November 11, 2013

For Birth Control "Like with everyone else, was switched to this medication unknowingly. I receive my birth control in a 6-month supply, and this last bulk included 2 Minastrin packs. I used Loestrin for a good 2 years and had absolutely NO side effects. I'm halfway through my second pack of Minastrin, and I've been bleeding 2-3 days every other week (which isn't a huge deal, more annoying than anything), horrible lower back pain that will not cease, I've cried 4 times just in the past few days over nonsense, and have been in a generally depressed state. I made sure there were no other stressors that could've triggered this ridiculous emotional roller coaster and finally connected the dots and realized these symptoms presented after starting Minastrin."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2014

For Birth Control "Was on for 4 months or so... It was okay. I didn't have any of the 'common' side effects, and my mood was good. My period was light with minimal cramps and PMS. But-- I lost my libido completely and felt that I gained more weight on my thighs (and cellulite) despite eating healthy and working out-- never had this problem previously. I am having the IUD Skyla put in tomorrow. My doctor said that this should be 'it'. Minastrin may work for other women, but the no sex drive and weight gain was enough for me to throw in the towel."

• Ktk...
• January 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 18. This is the first pill I've been on. I've been taking it for 4 months every day at the same time, no missed pill. The first month I was very moody, anything set me off. I'm fine now, but considering swapping because each month when 'ovulation' would occur, I bleed. It's constant spotting for almost a week at a time. Of course, I was on antibiotics at one point. But other than that 1 month, I've bled. I'm tired of the spotting, but they said to give it a few months. Not sure what to do. Breasts did get larger. Just don't like the spotting at all."

• bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2014

For Birth Control "This is my second month of using the pill, and I'm in love with it. No headaches, no weight gain, periods are lighter, some emotional stuff, but I mean, I can fix that, and so can anyone else; but just like anything else, everyone's body will react differently to it."

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I had severe cramping and bled for 21 days. My period before this birth control was only 4 days. I have taken myself off. The 21-day period, the heavy clots, the nausea, and irritable state just was not worth it."

• Ara...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Minastrin for over a year now. My very first form of birth control. The first 2 months were tough to get through, with spotting, bloating, mood swings, etc. But after my body got adjusted to the birth control, everything has been perfect. My periods are lighter and last 4 days. My cramps are still present, but they aren't as bad. I don't have severe acne or weight gain. Anyone who has a bad experience, I say just give it time before you write it off as terrible birth control."

• Ama...
• June 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Minastrin for 5 months now. The first 3 were horrible. I had every possible side effect: bloating, mood swings, sore chest, acne, spotting, you name it! About my fourth month, my body got adjusted, and I now love it. No spotting, mood swings, and my acne has subsided. For those who are just now on it, push through."

• Gla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control I've ever taken, and I've had a few mood swings, at the same time, I'm still a teenager, and hormones are flying everywhere, so it doesn't truly bother me. I used to have terrible periods where I would have to miss school for a few days at a time, and immediately the medicine fixed it. My period only occurs on the placebo days and is very light, with minor cramps that a few period relief pills help. Last month, I did feel very sick during my placebo days, and I'm sure it's because I was taking it but not eating. I was told that would happen, so I advise you to always eat before taking it. I also had terrible acne, and it has cleared up immensely. Overall, it's great for me."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I am on my fourth month with this pill, and it works great. The only side effect I have seen is very mild blemishes, which does bother me because before starting use of the medication, I rarely ever got pimples. My periods are once a month but only last about two days and are fairly light. I am so far pleased."

• Hea...
• October 7, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Minastrin 24 Fe for 2 months now. I wasn't on any birth control previously. I have not noticed any weight gain...if anything, I've noticed a decrease in my appetite. I do have slight headaches daily, but not anything Tylenol can't fix, and they are slowly subsiding. They were pretty brutal in the first month. The biggest side effect I've noticed is how emotional I am! I used to NEVER cry, and now if my boyfriend even looks at me the wrong way, I start crying! It's ridiculous. Sometimes I feel like I'm about to cry, and I have absolutely no idea why! Also, my periods are lighter and shorter, but I still have a little spotting. The doctor told me this would happen. I'll keep taking it for now."

• MGG...
• August 31, 2015

For Birth Control "If I could give this pill less than a '1', I would. I was switched to this pill by my OBGYN after I was told that the Loestrin 24 FE I was previously taking was now Minastrin 24 FE. I was on the Loestrin for over 4 years with zero problems and zero side effects. Then the lovely Minastrin came into my life, and I immediately began to bloat and put on weight like I never had before. I have always been fairly lean for my height because I eat strict paleo and do CrossFit approximately 4-5 times per week. Even with keeping all of my same habits, I have gained 10 lbs. The weight gain, on top of the bloating, is more than enough for me to stop taking this pill because I would rather deal with the pain of endometriosis than deal with this weight gain."

• tri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I was switched to Minastrin from Loestrin, just like everyone else. But unlike most, I am doing great on it! I was taking Loestrin for over 2 years and loved it. Minastrin has been the same for me, no unusual side effects at all. No acne, which I had when I was a teenager and still use Proactiv for. No unusual headaches or bleeding, etc. I rated it an 8 only because I don't like chewing it, it's gross tasting, but works good for me, so I'm sticking with it."

• Msk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I have taken Loestrin 24 Fe for the last four years. Because of its discontinuation, I was told by my doctor to begin taking the chewable contraceptive Minastrin 24 Fe instead. After taking this pill for 3 months, I have found myself irritated and miserable over the smallest inconveniences. The acne that I had treated and somewhat cured is now back and annoying as ever. I am switching pills ASAP. I want Loestrin back!"