Ortho Tri-Cyclen User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Shar
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been using this pill for approximately 2.5 years. I have never had any trouble with it, never gotten pregnant. Disclaimer: I DO take it everyday, hardly ever skip, and when I do forget, I double up the next day, so I think I've got myself covered. I did not experience weight gain (but I'm pretty physically active 5'3 120lbs). Cramps, well sometimes but not bad, no problems with acne, no mood swings (unless I'm ON my period, but that's a given). If you're young and seriously unprepared for the risk of having a child, I would recommend making sure your partner STILL uses a condom even if you're on birth control, trust me (3 Years and its worked for, knock on wood)."

• Pmano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2020

For Acne "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 life saver for me."

• Anony...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I took Ortho Tri-Cyclen from when I was 16-20 years old the first time, and I recently started taking it again 2 months ago. Both times, I experienced an increase in cup size (~2 cups), which was nice, but I think part of that is connected to weight gain. After I switched to a different birth control the first time, I dropped about 7 lbs. over the course of a few months. I then stopped the other birth control because I was having some bad side effects and dropped another 10 additional lbs., but on the downside my breast size decreased to an A (the size it was when I was 17 prior to taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen). Now that I have been taking it for two months, I have definitely not felt like myself and have been depressed & unable to concentrate, and have gained 7 lbs."

• Karen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2012

For Birth Control "First of all, I started taking birth control when I was 17. I started to regulate and lighten my period. I took Yaz for a year. No problems. After I turned 18, my insurance dropped me so I went to a women's clinic and was given six months of the Ortho. I have been taking it for four months now, and once this pack is gone, I'm done. The side effects are HORRIBLE. I have no drive for sex. I'm moody, I cry constantly. My period is heavy and unpredictable. It also lasts forever. I haven't gotten pregnant (we use condoms as well though), but that's the only plus. My relationship is at stake here because of a pill."

• newor...
• December 6, 2009

For Birth Control "I am currently on my second month on Ortho and it works great. The side effects I have had are: I lost a couple of pounds since starting it, my breasts are pretty sensitive, and I will get occasional headaches. Other than it worked great. I followed the exact instructions by starting the pill on the first Sunday of starting my period (my period began on a Sunday) and didn't have unprotected sex until the after the 7 days. I started my period on the 2nd green pill and it lasted for 3 days."

• kyano
• September 29, 2019

For Acne "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 don't know what to do. Everybody is different and their body reacts different but I am ready to give up tbh."

• Lc123
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2016

For Acne "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 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. 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."

• 8-year...
• August 13, 2009

For Birth Control "I used Ortho-tri cyclen for 8 years, and had very few side effects. I had 7-day periods, which was unwelcome but expected. I gained 15 lbs over the course of taking the pill, but that is probably due to getting older (16y-24y). I never had any emotional problems or problems with sex drive that some users report. Overall, I had a good experience with this pill."

• Jax
• February 13, 2014

For Birth Control "First time on birth control and I started with this one mainly because I had terrible cramps and period side effects. Doctor recommended Ortho Tri-Cyclen and I have been using it for 4 months now. Can't complain about the pill. My face has significantly become clearer. Still have pretty bad cramping though. My period now lasts about 4-5 days versus the 6-7. I Also had weight gain. Gained 15lbs in a matter of 3 mths. I am 5'8 and normally weigh 115 so for me it wasn't a big deal. I definitely felt my breast a lot heavier too. I rarely suffer from headaches and this pill made me get one almost every other day, which was annoying and uncomfy. Had to switch due to break through bleeding though, Either Azurette or Lutera. "

• Jaisj...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2015

For Birth Control "Best birth control!!! I have been on it for about a year and a half if not longer have no complaints I got on this because the depo shot was defiantly not working for me. Definitely glad I switched over - no random mood swings, cleared all acne within a month, no weight gain, over all it the best birth control I've been on"

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2011

For Birth Control "I used this as birth control and to regulate my menstrual cycle. I am usually an extremely happy, bubbly person. While Ortho Tri-cyclen did prevent unwanted pregnancies, it wreaked havoc on my life. I took it for three and a half months. I became extremely depressed for no reason. I mean DEPRESSED. I cried at least 3 times every single day, I felt listless and hopeless. The closest I came to feeling happy in the last month of using this drug was feeling nothing at all. Feeling empty was as good as I got. Usually I felt angry, sad, despairing. For NO reason. I alienated friends, family, and boyfriend. My mother made me stop taking these pills as she thought they were the cause, and like magic, I began to feel like my normal self within a week."

• Schell
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 5, 2019

For Acne "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."

• -----...
• April 16, 2015

For Acne "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."

• Erinn
• January 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this birth-control after I had my son, and for a while I thought my post pregnancy hormones were to blame for my moodiness. After four months I realized this birth control was to blame! I am usually happy-go-lucky, and see the best in every situation. NOT on this pill. The smallest things upset me and I would get mad for no reason at all. A friend of mine had the same experience... The only reason I gave it any stars at all was because it did prevent pregnancy unlike the kind I took before!"

• Anon
• May 4, 2015

For Acne "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."

• ellie...
• February 21, 2012

For Birth Control "I started this pill and immediately had horrible mood swings. I thought I was losing my mind, I am not a crier and I cried almost everyday for a week. I had horrible cramping, nausea, weird sleeping patterns. Also, my anxiety increased, my breasts became severely sore and I started to sweat a lot more. I'm switching to Aviane now and hopefully it works better. The plus side to this pill though was my acne cleared up and I didn't gain any weight."

• Jazz
• April 29, 2015

For Acne "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."

• Kamsj...
• September 2, 2016

For Acne "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. IM CURRENTLY SHAKING AND CRYING IN PAIN ON THE DAY OF MY BIRTHDAY BECAUSE IM ON MY PERIOD. IM DONE TAKING THIS. I GAVE IT THREE MONTHS LIKE DOCTOR SAID AND ITS RUBBISH!!!! I don't know what to do know. Thinking about getting help for depression and anxiety. Birth control is absolute rubbish!"

• AnnaXx
• December 10, 2011

For Birth Control "This birth control is great, better than I was was on before and that was the NuvaRing. This pill is easy to take. Some cramping here and there before my period but I always get my period the third day of my iron pills. But there's a down side. I wear contacts, I prefer them so much more than my glasses but sometimes my contacts will start getting super blurry and I can't see at all. Sometimes I'll put in my contacts and leave the house, and while I'm driving my contacts start blurring up so I'll have to pull over and take them out and put on my glasses. That's the only downside of this pill if you wear contacts."

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been using this for a year while regularly having sex and never got pregnant. I think this is a great pill, it worked wonders for my sex drive as well. However, it does cause me to spot the week before my period most months and not all cramping is gone. Emotionally it has not affected me at all!"

• elh
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2015

For Birth Control "Cons: Experienced a significant increase in appetite, which led to lots of weight gain (I went from 115 lbs to 125 lbs after 6 months of use). I felt bloated all the time and I felt like I looked 4 months pregnant. Also, I had no sex drive at all. Breast tenderness/pain was a problem too Pros: I didn't get pregnant, my mood was pretty stable, my skin was clear, and periods were pretty light."

• Jay
• July 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I had an okay experience at first, the only positive thing was that my periods were lighter. The cramping was awful though. I constantly had a headache caused from the estrogen levels so they switched me to something not so high. I was on it for 3 months before they switched me to Aviane."

• Sarah...
• September 28, 2015

For Birth Control "At first I was quite terrified to start trip-cyclen based off of these reviews, however, my Doctor thought it would be a good fit for me. First of all, this birth control does as it promises-- no babies have been conceived! It seems that many users complain of weight gain, I have actually experienced weight loss. Starting tri-cyclen I weighed 148Pounds, currently I am 143. I have not experienced bloating, nausea or abdominal discomfort either.Tri-cyclen helped to make my periods lighter and relieve my cramps associated with my period which has been great. I have noticed that I receive more headaches than usual which I am associating with this medication, this is why this birth control is receiving a 9/10 for me. otherwise Love it so far"

• SJF
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 8, 2014

For Birth Control "I took it for a while mainly for acne and I wanted the IED but my OB suggested I try this as a birth control method as well as help with my acne after I had my first child. I must admit it did wonders on my periods and acne. I had lighter and shorter periods but my sex drive went DOWN. I also missed a weeks worth of the pill due to not picking it from the pharmacy so I waited till my next period to restart it and now I'm nauseated and cramping super bad, this is the second day back on it and my period ended just last week. I started my period again right after taking the pill the Sunday after my period ended and now I feel like POO. I know it will pass as I take it as I said above I had a great first experience besides having no sex drive."

• jess
• July 23, 2009

For Birth Control "I've only been taking this birth control for a month. I didn't know birth control could affect my mood so much. I was getting angry and upset for no reason. I would cry for no reason at the smallest things. Also with extreme tenderness to my breast and growth. I gained 5lbs and didn't sleep well. Right now I'm at the end of the cycle and finally feel like my old self."