OTC-lo...side effects?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2004
OTC-lo...side effects?
10
Sun, 05-09-2004 - 11:19pm
Hi everyone!

My gyno just started me on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I was wondering...has anyone been on it? What side effects did you experience? Is it true BC (or OTC-lo in particular) can clear up acne or increase breast size??..I hear different stories from everyone. THANKS!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Mon, 05-10-2004 - 9:45am
While on OTC Lo, I experienced acne, weight gain and loss of sex drive. The only good thing I experienced with it was a stable mood. Everybody is different! Give it a try and see how you do!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2003
Mon, 05-10-2004 - 11:13am
HI! my doctor switched me from regular otc to otc-lo about 2 months ago and i can tell you-- I had horrible cramps every day for 2 weeks with the first pack of pills as well as went from no acne to bad break out all over my face,shoulders, chest and back.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-05-2004
Mon, 05-10-2004 - 5:11pm
Like the other posters have said, side effects for everyone are different. But, for me, some more common one were acne break outs, slight loss of sex drive, dizziness, weight gain (including in my breasts), and increased appetite. This is my 4th month, and most of these side effects have stabilized. Some positive things have been very mild cramping (as opposed to awful cramping before), lighter periods, and a more stable mood. All in all, it seems to be working for me! Hope this helps!

SARA

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2004
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 10:33pm
Hello!

I'm 21 and i have been on OTC lo for my third month I loved everything about OTC lo, it cleared up my skin, no moodiness, less cramping, but the only weird thing was that I ended up getting really long periods. So my doc switched me to regular OTC. Hopefully it will prevent that aspect, but keep all the other positives :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2004
Sun, 05-16-2004 - 3:12am
I just started OTC Lo a couple weeks ago. I am breakout prone and this pill is making it worse than it is naturally. I am SO SO SO disappointed as I am looking for a new job and frankly my skin looks awful. I think I will go back on something with norethindrone, like Lo-Estrin, skin was ok on that. Norgestrel and Norgestimate make my skin ANGRY.

I am also feeling really tired and am fairly moody. My appetite is also up a little.

Sorry for the bad review. Good luck.

Avatar for rthrbswmng
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Sun, 05-16-2004 - 2:12pm
Hey! I've been on OTC lo for about 9 months now. I have no complaints! My face has been clearing up (not sure if its solely due to the pill or my retin-a though the other retin-a before the one im on now worked only temporarily). I had break through bleeding mainly the first and second month, but since then I haven't. My periods are lots lighter (which is amazing because they were light to start with), and I only have mild cramps some months. I did notice my breast size increase some, a whole cup size in some bras, others I still wear the same size. Hope that helps! ~Melissa

Melissa

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2003
Tue, 05-18-2004 - 10:14pm
Hey,

While On OTC Lo I had postive and negative effects. Positive being cleared up skin, and slight weight loss. Negative: depressed feelings, loss of sex drive, and dryness "downstairs." For the 1st pack I had some headaches, but nothing to bad. I also experience some more cramps during the 1st pack, but that squared away quickly.

My friend though has been on it for about a year and absolutely loves it and has no side effects!! It really depends on if it meshes well with your body chemistry. Try not to think about it too much and you should be ok!

Good Luck!

Hopes this helps!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-21-2004
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 1:31am
Basically Ive been taking it since Aug 2003 and Ive noticed less pain during my period ( i used to feel soo naseous and sick during my periods but now i feel great!), they are lighter and shortlived...(another YAY) the only bad thing is it takes me slightly longer to get wet down there and my libido is alittle lower..My acne has CLEARED UP BEAUTIFULLY, and my boobs get alittle bigger during parts of the month but not much. I have not changed weight but I notice my moods to be more stable and I have less PMS fits. I truly love this birth control because its done well for me so far!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 9:48am
Everyone on OTC Lo has different experiences, so you really just have to see how it works for you. I was on it for 4 months and had terrible BTB most of the time. My doctor switched me to OTC, which was good for a few months, but now I'm starting to get BTB during my last week of active pills. I have a doctor's appt in 6 weeks, so we'll see what I get to try out next... Any good suggestions out there?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-15-2004
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 12:15pm
I was on OTC Lo for a little over a year. I had some side effects that I didn't like, which is why I discontinued using it, such as weight gain, loss of libido, and moodiness. But also, it cleared up my skin, which I liked.

I think that the best advice for you is to try it out, you never know how a type of birth control is going to effect YOU until you try it. Every kind is different for everyone.

Good luck with your decision.