Previfem and Acne: What Users Say

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2018

For Birth Control "Do NOT take this birth control. For the past 5 years, I’ve been switching my pills for different reasons. The last time I switched was because I wasn’t getting periods at all (I know, stupid reason to complain, right?). So they switched me to Prev, worst decision ever. They told me it helps clear up acne, but I already have little to no acne, and I was getting the worst breakouts of my life in spots I NEVER break out. Instead of not having a period, I bled for 3 and a half weeks straight and/or spotted almost every day. My MOOD swings on this pill were unbearable. I was so depressed and so anxious 24/7. 0 sex drive. I would randomly start cold sweating profusely (when I wasn’t even hot). I would wake up almost every day with a killer migraine that would last all day. I’ve been off this medication for a month now, and I have not had a migraine since, I feel like myself again. Man, PLEAAASE do yourself a favor and don’t take this pill!!!"

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2018

For Birth Control "Do NOT take this birth control. For the past 5 years, I’ve been switching my pills for different reasons. The last time I switched was because I wasn’t getting periods at all (I know, stupid reason to complain, right?). So they switched me to Prev, worst decision ever. They told me it helps clear up acne, but I already have little to no acne, and I was getting the worst breakouts of my life in spots I NEVER break out. Instead of not having a period, I bled for 3 and a half weeks straight and/or spotted almost every day. My MOOD swings on this pill were unbearable. I was so depressed and so anxious 24/7. 0 sex drive. I would randomly start cold sweating profusely (when I wasn’t even hot). I would wake up almost every day with a killer migraine that would last all day. I’ve been off this medication for a month now, and I have not had a migraine since, I feel like myself again. Man, PLEAAASE do yourself a favor and don’t take this pill!!!"

• Lam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2018

For Birth Control "My pharmacy switched me to Previfem, without asking or notifying me, from another brand of BC because the wholesaler didn’t have my brand in stock. The pharmacy said it’s essentially the same. However, it’s a generic, and this brand uses different inactive ingredients. My OB is mad and said I can take it, but there were specific reasons he has me on my original brand and asked to notify him if my pharmacy can’t fill my original brand. I have clear skin. I have always had clear skin. I now have acne all over my face, chest, and back. I’m with ridiculous bloating, gas, constipation, and mood swings. Nothing in my life has changed except the pills. I’m beyond pissed. Whenever I get back to my original brand, I’ll go through more changes."

• all...
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Previfem contraceptive pill for 2 plus years, and overall it worked great for me. I had terrible acne before taking this pill, and it went away almost completely after I started taking it. Over the 2 and a half years taking it, I only gained around 5 pounds (mostly due to unhealthy eating). I did get a little irritable around the time of my period, but nothing out of the ordinary. No spotting or irregular bleeding either while on this pill. The only reason I stopped taking it was because I was getting migraines, so I had to stop estrogen pills completely."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This pill is amazing. I was prescribed it for PCOS and as birth control. After having a terrible experience with the NuvaRing, I was nervous to try any other form of birth control. While the first 3 months were rough in terms of moodiness and mild acne, it all seemed to have leveled out, and I couldn't be happier. No decrease in libido (probably has increased, actually), no weight gain (I've actually lost 15 lbs since I started, but I've been dieting too), increased breast size (~1/2 cup), regular periods with significantly decreased flow and decreased cramping. Hardly any acne ever now, and my PMS seems ton better. Everyone is different, but this pill seems like magic to me!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This pill is amazing. I was prescribed it for PCOS and as birth control. After having a terrible experience with the NuvaRing, I was nervous to try any other form of birth control. While the first 3 months were rough in terms of moodiness and mild acne, it all seemed to have leveled out, and I couldn't be happier. No decrease in libido (probably has increased, actually), no weight gain (I've actually lost 15 lbs since I started, but I've been dieting too), increased breast size (~1/2 cup), regular periods with significantly decreased flow and decreased cramping. Hardly any acne ever now, and my PMS seems ton better. Everyone is different, but this pill seems like magic to me!"

• Jes...
• July 11, 2016

For Birth Control "Sure, it's effective as birth control because I have not gotten pregnant. HOWEVER... My periods have been heavier with bad cramps and acne. I also gained 8 lbs in a month, now I am extremely active and eat healthy, so this was unpleasant. The weight went away when I stopped taking it, but honestly, I've tried many birth control pills, and this is BY FAR the worst. Just say no."

• Kat...
• January 17, 2018

For Birth Control "My pharmacist changed my birth control from Tri-Sprintec to this and told me it was the same thing. I do not like this birth control at all. The first month I was on it broke me out so much, the second month I bled for 15 days straight, and the third month it made my mood TERRIBLE. The only reason I’m still on it is because they gave me a 3-month supply. After I finish this pack, I will be changing back to Tri-Sprintec."

• Sha...
• March 31, 2016

For Birth Control "Before I started taking this, I was on Gildess for about 2-3 years. My periods became so much lighter, and it just made my skin that much better! I did gain a lot of weight with Gildess in the beginning, but it soon shed off after a month or so. I ended up coming off of birth control (worst mistake of my life! I got post-birth control acne at its very worst!). Anywho, I went back to the doc, and she prescribed me Previfem... I've been on Previfem for a little under a year, and I flipping hate it!! First of all, weight gain wasn't a problem, but my acne is not under control at all. She said it was supposed to clear up my skin, and it has yet to do anything! The best thing about it is no babies. Do not use this!"

• CSa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I work at a pharmacy, and I get my prescriptions filled there as well. However, my pharmacists constantly switch me between Sprintec and Previfem, and I know they're virtually the same thing. However, yet again, every time I get put on Previfem, my breasts get very sore by the second week of the pack, I get more acne flare-ups, and tend to feel just unwell. It does its job, but I am just miserable on the stuff. I'm having trouble understanding why, if it's all the same ingredients, why is it making my body feel so different."

• Anonymous
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking Previfem about 4 months ago (I've been on it for about a month), and it was pretty awful. At the beginning, my acne got worse, and I wanted to eat everything. I actually thought that I was pregnant because of my mood swings and the fact that I gained 10 pounds. After the 2nd month, my acne totally cleared up, but I was still gaining weight. When I went to the doctor for a check-up, he noticed I was a bit heavier, and that's when I got off it. It also made my face really fat."

• Hay...
• September 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm not sure about this birth control quite yet. I was on Trinessa back in November or so, and it worked fantastically for me, cleared up my acne, no nausea or any other side effects. Then I got really sick and had to stop taking the pill for a month or two, and when I tried to get back on it, I had continuous discharge for over 5 months, so I decided to switch to the shot, but didn't like it, so here I am. When I started, I felt nauseous all the time, my boobs hurt, stomach pains and cramps, and worst of all my acne. I never used to get cystic acne, but now I get it all over my mouth, chin, forehead, and under my nose, I hate it. I keep reading reviews, and it's freaking me out. I'm not sure if I should continue taking this or not for 2 or 3 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 15, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took Previfem from August '16 to October '17 for heavy periods and bad cramping. The first month, it made me break out like crazy on my forehead, but that cleared up rather quickly into the second month. It made my periods much lighter and eliminated my cramping altogether. By the summer of 2017, I had a major shift in my lifestyle. I was no longer in college, where I was on the crew team for three years, and a new job had started up. With the shift in my lifestyle, my periods became incredibly heavy. Still no cramping, but I was bleeding through super plus tampons after 6 hours. I know it was due to the stressors in my life and my lack of exercise, but my doctor and I have decided to switch over to something that is better equipped for my lifestyle."

• Pip...
• May 14, 2013

For Birth Control "This birth control has increased acne and appetite, causing me to retain water. My breasts are also sore, and I find that I become nauseous no matter if I take it with food or not."