Ortho Tri-Cyclen for Acne User Reviews

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

"I am never one to post reviews anywhere, but I just had to for this drug for anyone out there who is still battling with acne. I’m in my mid-20s and suffered from acne for almost 3 years. I’ve tried everything and spent $$$ just to get rid of it. Birth control pills were prescribed by my derma, but the first brand that he gave me (Alesse) made me depressed and way too emotional, so I had to ditch that one. Tried to switch to another one, but I’ve suffered way too many side effects and tried two more before I landed on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I’m on my 3rd month of using it, and I have zero acne, not a whitehead on my face right now. I’ve had a breakout in my first month of using it, mostly around my chin and jaw area, but after that batch cleared up, I haven’t worried about acne anymore. Best one I’ve tried and will be on this pill for as long as I can!"

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2012

"28-year-old, healthy/active nurse. I have always had minor acne since college, but nothing like what I had a year ago last summer (2011). I blame it on YAZ for messing up my hormones. Painful cystic acne covered my jawline and forehead. I'm talking about 20 cysts at a time. I tried every OTC wash, organic products, and eliminated caffeine, sugar, and dairy, you name it. Nothing worked. Even though I did not want to go on the pill, I had to. I used ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN (not the generic) for almost 7 months, and finally, it's almost clear. It was bad the first few months, but I stuck with it. Give it time. PS: The generic is not the same as the real thing. Different fillers cause different reactions!"

• oli...
• August 25, 2014

"So my acne before was mild, but I was told it would start clearing my acne in the third month. I am finishing my third month, and my skin is much, much worse than it was. I am left with red markings/scars everywhere all over my face, and I am at my wit's end. I am torn between continuing or giving up."

• Sno...
• May 1, 2014

"I recently got married, so my husband and I started discussing different birth control methods and decided on the pill. I have suffered from acne since I was 13, and when I found Ortho Tri-Cyclen, approved to treat acne, I thought it would be a good pill for me to try. My experience on Ortho so far has been positive. I have been on the pill for three months (my third pack) and have had no negative side effects. I have been happier, haven't gained any noticeable weight, no mood swings, way lighter/shorter periods, no pregnancy, and larger breasts. I'm a bit disappointed because my acne has only slightly improved but hasn't worsened. Maybe if I remain on the pill longer, my acne will completely disappear. Overall, I'm happy and will remain on Ortho Tri-Cyclen."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2012

"I've been taking this birth control for about 7 months and have no real complaints. It cleared up my skin fairly well. I still break out a little but not as badly as I did before. It regulated my period and shortened it, and while I still get cramps, I no longer get back cramps or ones that physically make me sick. This birth control made my depression and mood swings, which I was already having, slightly worse, but nothing a higher dose anti-depressant didn't fix. My breasts were very tender for a few months, and I gained a cup size. I gained a little weight at first until I realized the pill was making me hungry, but with exercise and a balanced diet, I'm back to my original weight. Overall, I say it's worth a try."

• Rev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2017

"After experiencing moderate to severe acne breakouts for all 4 of my high school years, my doctor prescribed me Lornya, AKA Yaz or Gianvi. Being on Lornya actually made my acne breakouts worse. I waited it out to see if it was an adjustment period, but after 10 months, I had a conversation with my doctor. She was ready to put me on Accutane, but my mom didn't want to settle for that, so she did some research. I tried Ortho Tri-Cyclen. After 3 months, my swollen lesions slowly disappeared. It honestly was a miracle. I never believed I could be confident without makeup, but this pill changed my life! Going on this medication was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I would highly recommend it to anyone who struggles with acne."

• Hap...
• October 3, 2013

"I was prescribed this birth control because I have moderate to severe acne. I doubted this birth control was strong enough to battle it because I have tried everything non-prescription in the pharmacy to treat it over 4 years. I noticed it reduced my oil production on my face but really did nothing overall for my acne in the first 6 months. Then slowly, my acne started to disappear. I didn't even notice it was vanishing until 8 months in. Then I stopped using harsh chemicals to help get rid of them. After that, I had tons of blazing red acne scars and redness galore. Now, as I'm 12 months in, the redness is reducing and the acne scars are starting to fade. I recommend this if you want a birth control pill acne solver 2 in 1 and are willing to wait for results."

• rev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2013

"I was put on Ortho Tri-Cyclen because I have been struggling with bad acne for a few years and my dermatologist asked if my periods are regular, and they are not because they come a few days late every time. So she told me in order to fix your acne I need for your hormones to be normal and all. I was put on this medication, and this medication worked really, really well. My oily skin was GONE, and my acne was also completely GONE. I couldn't believe it. BUT one month into taking this pill, I noticed my hair thinning. I thought it was stress. At the end of the 3rd month of taking this pill, I realized it wasn't stress, it's the side effect of the pill. So I stopped taking this pill."

• say...
• April 12, 2014

"I have had acne since I was 12 (I'm 21 now), and this did not clear me up completely, but my acne is definitely better, they aren't as big or painful, less cystic acne. The first week it, I was very emotional and nauseous, but when it passed, everything was fine. I also did not gain weight, nor did my hair get thinner, or I don't notice because I have naturally thick, curly hair. I do recommend Ortho Tri-Cyclen."

• Bry...
• August 20, 2015

"I'm writing this because reading this same page is what ultimately convinced me to give birth control a try for my stubborn, cystic, hormonal acne. If you've tried everything in the book for acne like I have, (antibiotics, prescribed antibiotics, every OTC cream and wash on the market, DIY...) and it's been a relentlessly tiring experience-please try BCPs. After talking with my doctor, she said that after a week I should see a difference because that's when your body adjusts. After a week seeing not only no difference but seemingly worse cystic acne all around my chin (my number one problem area), I ended up back on here and countless other websites to refer to other people's experiences. And thank God I did-give it time! That's the key to this."

• Pma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2020

"I have now been on this birth control for 3 months. I originally started because I was experiencing very bad hormonal acne on my neck and jawline that was not going away with expensive skincare products or over-the-counter products. I had tried 2 other birth controls before settling on this one, they both made me extremely nauseous and groggy. I’m so glad I found this birth control. But you need to give it time. It won’t work immediately. You will experience acne purges, it’s not the birth control giving you acne, it’s your acne essentially purging itself out so you can have that clear skin. Besides helping my acne, my cramps are now bearable, which is amazing since I’ve always had super painful cramps. The only other side effect I’ve experienced was breast tenderness and breast growth, which I’m not complaining about. No weight gain! This pill has been a lifesaver for me."

• kya...
• September 29, 2019

"Started taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen for acne a month ago. During the time of the month, it caused me to break out in places I never have before and also caused me to have large cystic acne on my chin and jawline. They were all in clusters and on the right side of my face. The doctor says it will get worse before it gets better, but honestly, I don't know what to do. Everybody is different, and their body reacts differently, but I am ready to give up, tbh."

• ---...
• April 16, 2015

"I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen 21 for a month and a week. It does not make me moody or depressed, and nor did I gain weight. Those were my two biggest concerns before going on birth control. I am taking it for acne, and so far it just tamed my big pimples, but I still get small little bumps here and there. I spoke to my doctor, and I was told I need to wait at least two months to see results in acne. It helped me incredibly in terms of period cramps, I used to faint often on the first day of my period, throwing up and diarrhea. But now none of that, thanks to Tri-Cyclen. :) Strongly recommend! Beware, makes boobs a little sore, not too much."

• Lc1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2016

"I'm finishing my first pack of Ortho currently. I'm pretty disappointed so far. I'm breaking out worse, my acne is more inflamed, and my skin is looking more rough overall. Before starting this medication, my acne was mainly inflamed pustules with a pus-filled head covering my cheeks. Now I'm getting minor 'cysts' that are completely under the skin and very red and really hurt. My acne has never hurt before, and now it is, so that's a change. Also, I have more general whiteheads than before. I've also noticed my acne is increasing in my chin/jawline area, and beforehand, my acne was mainly concentrated in my cheeks. I'm disappointed so far and wondering if I should even continue."

• Ano...
• May 4, 2015

"I have been using Ortho Tri-Cyclen for about six months, and there has been a noticeable decrease in the amount of acne, particularly on my forehead and cheeks. There are still small, mostly unnoticeable bumps around my mouth and chin, but these are gradually decreasing as well (just taking a little longer). The one negative thing that I noticed was that previously, my acne would heal quickly without leaving a scar. Now it heals at the same rate but does leave red/pink scarring on my cheeks. I believe it will go away because it has been fading, but it will likely take a while. As far as my cycle is concerned, my periods have been very regular (something that is unusual for me) and light. I have not had any issues with mood swings."

• Jaz...
• April 29, 2015

"I really like Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I experienced minimal side effects, and it has helped keep my skin clear! After the first pack, I had hardly any acne. In terms of my sex drive, it has stayed the same. I've always had a really high sex drive, so I'm glad it didn't affect it! I really like this birth control pill and would recommend it to anyone who suffers from mild/moderate acne."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2015

"This is my second time starting Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. This birth control is pretty much the only thing that works for my adult moderate/severe acne. The first time I took it, after about 3 months, my skin was vastly improved, and after 6 months, my skin was completely clear. Then, after 12 months, my pharmacist put me on the generic (Tricira Lo), which is a bad idea. My skin freaked out with cysts all over my chin and near my nose area. I'm on my second month of Tri-Cyclen and am waiting for my skin to clear up again :("

• Kam...
• September 2, 2016

"DO NOT TAKE THIS. I BROKE OUT 3 months straight and threw up on my period. I was in terrible pain! I never had bad cramps in my life until taking this! LOST ALL MY CONFIDENCE BECAUSE OF THE ACNE IT GAVE ME. I'M CURRENTLY SHAKING AND CRYING IN PAIN ON THE DAY OF MY BIRTHDAY BECAUSE I'M ON MY PERIOD. I'M DONE TAKING THIS. I GAVE IT THREE MONTHS LIKE THE DOCTOR SAID AND IT'S RUBBISH! I don't know what to do now. Thinking about getting help for depression and anxiety. Birth control is absolute rubbish!"

• Anonymous
• October 18, 2016

"This cleared up my acne entirely! It took about 5 to 6 months before seeing results, definitely worth the wait. It's been 10 months, and my face is CLEAR. I get a few pimples here and there, but other than that, no complaints."

• Lex...
• April 25, 2015

"I started back in October after suffering about 6 months with acne that just kept on getting worse. I had pus-filled pimples and small cysts. I didn't see major results until about 2 months in, and even then I was still getting one or two cysts. On my third month, I wasn't getting cysts and would only get small pimples. I suggest if you start the pill and don't see results immediately to just stick with it for at least 3 months. After my pimples went away, I got red hyperpigmentation (which a lot of people have been blaming on the pill; it's not, it's from the old pimples), so now I put a little bit of lemon on those parts to lighten them, and it's been working. As for my period, it lasts for 4 days now instead of 7, but I still bleed a lot."

• kay...
• January 5, 2017

"This is my very first time taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and I love it! I asked my doctor for a good birth control pill that worked with acne, cramps, and periods, so she suggested this! At first, I thought about switching because my acne got terrible (worse than ever), and I didn't have a period for 2 months. I gave my body some time on it, and it turns out this pill is amazing! I no longer deal with bad acne or acne at all! During my time of the month, I will get a couple of pimples, but nothing too dramatic! I'm also using Clinique acne solutions face wash, toner, moisturizer, and mask. IF YOU ARE WANTING TO SWITCH, PLEASE DON'T. Let your body get used to the pill before you act on it. I am on month 2, and periods last 2-3 days, and I hardly ever get acne!"

• lan...
• March 26, 2017

"I've had terrible acne for as long as I can remember, always around my chin and cheek area. I felt so horrible about myself and finally went to the doctor and was put on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. It definitely did not work right away, but I did enjoy the light periods. I'd say after three or four months, my acne started clearing beautifully, and I've been on the pill ever since. No weight gain or mood swings. I felt like my normal self. Although, maybe two months ago, I forgot to get a refill and it took a while to get it, so I obviously wasn't taking it for a week or two, and my acne went crazy again! I also started to experience mood swings and was very tired. (For anybody thinking about stopping)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2015

"I went on my first pack this month and am taking my third week right now and just experienced some major breakthrough bleeding (which I guess is normal, so we'll see how it keeps going), but as far as my acne, I used to have insane cysts on my cheeks and chin. Within one week, I had no cysts but just minor small pimples, which I'm totally fine with. So I'm on my third week, and I don't get the painful cysts anymore. I just had one or two small ones on my chin, but that's it! I would recommend it for acne, but the breakthrough bleeding scared me."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2018

"I am on my fourth month on the pill. I’m mainly taking it for acne. I’ve used Xulane before with no improvement on my chin acne. I must say, I’ve always tried to stay away from dairy or sugar, but I would always still break out on my chin, and it didn’t matter what day of the month. I always had acne on my chin. Starting off with the pill, I had about 8 painful zits on my chin. I noticed it beginning to clear after the second week. By the time I hit the sugar pills, I began breaking out again on my chin and oddly in between my brows. I continued on to the second month, always breaking out during period week. By the third month though, my chin has been clear. I did get 1-2 tiny pimples during the week of my period, but they weren’t painful like how they used to be. I’ve never seen my chin clear in almost 8 years. No weight gain, but I was a bit moody the first month. Can’t tell if that was due to my recent breakup or hormones."

• Sch...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 5, 2019

"I have been taking the name brand Ortho Tri-Cyclen since June 2000. Before that, I always had irregular, painful periods and acne vulgaris. The pill has done wonders for me. It is medically necessary for me, and even though I am 44, I still want to stay on it. I have not experienced any bad side effects, and my paps have been good for 19 years. I do not understand why this product is discontinued."