Desogen and Acne

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-24-2003
Desogen and Acne
1
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 1:32am
I just switched from YASMIN(WHICH I LOVED!!!) to Desogen back in September 2005. Yasmin was 40 bucks a month and just got too expensive for me. My doctor switched to me Desogen, within the first 2 months I got very little tiny bumps on my cheeks (up by my cheek bone) I didnt mind since it was so unnoticable and it never went into full acne. Its now March and I could just cry, I have acne all over my face, it hurts and its deep rooted acne. I have to use a lot of make up to cover it up. I havent had acne this bad since high school. Im almost 22!! I didnt have any acne problems on YASMIN. Im going back to my doctors office but this time I requested a different doctor to help me. I'll probably have to switch pills again. Has anyone had this problem and if so do you have any suggestions? Has anyone been on YASMIN and switched to a smiliar pill?
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-28-2005
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 12:57pm

Sorry you're dealing with this - I know how much acne in your 20's sucks!!

I haven't used either of the pills you've referred to, so I can't give you personal experience, but I have some advice anyway. Most birth control pills (like both brands you've tried) contain a combination of estrogen and progestin. All pills have the same type of estrogen - but in varying doses. However, they do not all have the same type of progestin. There is no generic alternative to Yasmin, which is why it is pricier. My guess is the change to the different progestin found in Desogen is causing your problem.

The good news is that there are certain types of progestins (and corresponding birth control pills) that can help reduce acne. One pill that I *have* tried (and LOVED!) was Ortho Tri-Cyclen (I believe it is now sold as Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo). I have also heard that the patch (ortho evra) is good for acne.

When you do switch, you'll have to give the new pill several months to work - so you're acne won't go away right away - but don't lose hope - if it's really being caused by the hormones you're taking - it will go away with time.

Good luck.