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2.9 Overall Rating

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Ease of Use

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Most voted positive review

54 People found this comment helpful

Please watch out for these bulletin boards. I am a very sensitive person, health-obsessed and health food and everything, and I have had nothing but a good experience- no side effects to my surprise. Just relief. Also had in-depth conversations with doctors about generics vs. main brand and there is no difference. I have switched between Kariva and Viorele etc and no change. I love this drug.! Kee...

Most voted negative review

5 People found this comment helpful

The worst birth control I have ever used in my entire life. I used to take Azurrette and, like others, CVS switched it out for this new kind. I have been taking it for a little over three months and it is TERRIBLE. My first period on it lasted for over two weeks when normally it is just a few days long. It was so heavy and not at all what I was used to. I also experienced migraines and heavy mood ...

Shared reviews and ratings

queenbee | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
11/23/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was completely terrified of taking this after reading these reviews, I called my doctor in tears. She reassured me that I would be fine, and I decided to just take it. My first day I felt a little dizzy and lightheaded, and a little emotional, but those symptoms subsided the next day. I have been on this medication since August, and have had NONE of the awful side effects the other women have experienced. I feel completely normal, I haven't gained any weight, and my period is lighter and easier. I also haven't gotten pregnant. Give this drug a try. I'm very glad that I decided to go through with it.Read More Read Less

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CharCharlene | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
11/11/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

completely effective if used as directed ive used this for almost 6 months now and the purpose was to prevent pregnancy. My menstrual cycle is always on time when the green/orange pills week start. Other then that this is a great product.

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k | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
10/30/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was put on Birth Control because I was headed into college. During my periods before I would barely have any symptoms. Whereas now I tend to have headaches and terrible cramps.But during the first 2 months of college I realized I was EXTREMELY unhappy here. And after reading other reviews I have decided there is a possibility that it may be depression from the pill. Hope my review has helped everyone else that is looking for answers as well.

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KatherineB | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
10/27/2014
Condition: Absence of Menstrual Periods
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started taking Viorele to regulate my periods and clear up my cystic acne. It was successful in regulating my periods but gave me HORRIBLE cramps. I very rarely got cramps before taking this birth control. My acne cleared up but I broke out again during the last week of the BC pack while I was on my period. The reason I stopped taking this BC is mainly because of how depressed I felt. I am a generally happy and active person but while I was taking this BC I didn't even want to get out of bed. All I wanted to do all day was sit around and eat. I would be so depressed and emotionless and literally nothing could make me feel better. I gained about 8 lbs in the first month which may be from eating more than usual (with daily exercise). I constantly felt bloated, had terrible gas and constipation. Overall, I would not recommend this birth control pill to anyone. Read More Read Less

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Anonymous | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
10/5/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

As birth control it works since I've been taking it for a year and not gotten pregnant, however the side effects are terrible. My migraines have gotten so much worse. I used to get them a few times a year. Now its up to two or three every time I get my period. Also my sex drive completely gone. And it has done nothing to lighten or shorten my week long period. I will be switching to a different pill

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arosema1 | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
10/1/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

My doctor switched me to this BC after I stopped having my period on Minastrin. This BC brought on my period but made me an emotional wreck. I would classify my symptoms on this drug as clinical depression. I am usually a very sunny young lady and I cried more on the 3 months I took this bc than I have in years. My doctor has since put me back on Minastrin and I feel normal again.

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cnune | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
9/19/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I took Viorele for about 3 months. Did not notice too many changes. It did clear up my facial acne significantly, but I experienced a few painful acne spots appearing only my back-which I never had a problem with. I did not experience cramping during my period, but noticed pressure around my ovaries during the month. I did in fact loose weight with this one. I regularly has nausea the first 3-4 hours after taking the pill. Did not experience too many mood swings or headaches like others.

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JadeBK | 35-44 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
9/10/2014
Condition: Other
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This is by far the worst birth control pill I've ever tried. It gave me daily migraines, chest pains, anxiety, severe depression, memory problems, poor sleep, dizziness, strange vaginal discharge, sore boobs, and increased appetite. I couldn't function at all. But it did improve my complexion, making my skin less oily. I'm onto my next generic which is Kariva. Rite Aid doesn't carry it so I had to switch over to Walgreens where they'll place a special order for me. If you're not satisfied with the generic you're given, talk to your pharmacist about opting for another generic. We the consumers have the upper hand here.Read More Read Less

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gigi | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
9/3/2014
Condition: Other
Overall rating 2.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

My doctor put me on this to help prevent period migraines. Before I finished the second pack, I was in the ER with blood clots in both lungs and one near my heart. Don't neglect the warnings. I nearly died.

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Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
8/10/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been taking this medication for about 8 months now with the hope of balancing out my SEVERE PMS. Mood swings don't really do whatever I was experiencing justice. I next to no energy, emotional outbursts,and terrible cramping. I must say this medication has made a huge difference with my energy and emotions. My periods last about 4 days (compared to 7 previously) and the cramping has decreased. The first three months I experienced nausea and breast tenderness but I thought it was worth it because other things were getting better (including my stubborn acne!) However, about 5 months in I noticed a significant decrease in my sex drive!!! It has turned into vaginal dryness and uncomfortable sexual intercourse. This is my biggest complaint. I am looking into switching for this reason alone. I can deal with nausea. Not painful sex. Read More Read Less

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Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
7/21/2014
Condition: Absence of Menstrual Periods
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was on Kariva for about three years and it was great, minimal to no problems, but my pharmacy switched me to the generic version Viorele without any notice. Immediately I developed the craziest mood swings. I have been on Viorele for at least five months and during this time, I was constantly close to tears, especially in the three days leading up to my period. The emotional swings were too much and I switched pharmacies. If you are experiencing this problem (my previous pharmacy was King Soops) try going to Target, they still carry it. Otherwise, I experienced minimal breakouts/acne, but the cramping got worse the day of my cycle, and as noted above, the hormone changes were wayyyyyy toooo much. As a side note, though Viorele is the generic version of Kariva, this means the drug only has to be about 85% similar. Read More Read Less

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Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
7/18/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This has been awful!!! I was previously on Kariva and all of a sudden was put on this pill without anyone notifying me about the switch. I had an AWFUL migraine a month into starting Viorele, which I've never had, then missed a period and starting having awful abdominal pain. I have seen my Dr. and have had an ultrasound done and everything because of my pain and I am convinced it is this pill. I am NOT pregnant. I have had headaches daily, been extrememly tired, have had difficuly breathing, and been dizzy numerous times. I have also gained 4 pounds in 6 weeks and I eat very healthy and exercise religiously. I am so glad I found this website so I know I am not crazy. This pill is awful and I will not take another. Kariva IS around and I have exchanged my last pack out for it. Read More Read Less

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brenda | 45-54 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
6/20/2014
Condition: Absence of Menstrual Periods
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
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Anonymous | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
6/18/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Horrible medication! I was taking Kariva and my pharmacy changed it to Viorele without letting me know. I have had the WORST cystic acne ever since I started taking it 3-6 months ago. I didn't make the connection until recently. I had great skin before; never a problem. Now it is miserable. I am hoping I can get back on Kariva.

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nope | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
6/2/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was on Kariva for a year and had no problems. Randomly my pharmacy switched me to Viorele (the generic version) and I didn't think anything of it. I've spent the last 8 months in hell. I'm so emotional (to the point where my boyfriend joked about putting our dog down because she was barking, and I started bawling uncontrollably) I had severe vaginal dryness, my boyfriend and I rarely make love anymore, and when we do it's painful as ever, and my periods are crazily unpredictable. I have an appt at the end of June and I'm getting switched back to Kariva! Or something other than this crap.Read More Read Less

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Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
5/28/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This is the WORST. I've only been on it for a week and I'm already emotionally unstable, which is very different from how I usually am. This is the generic brand for Kariva and I don't know why this is still being given to patients by the pharmacies. If you are given this by the pharmacy, ask for them to give you the original prescription or otherwise don't take it.

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anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
5/20/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was on Kariva for years when one day my pharmacy told me that Kariva was discontinued and that I would be given Viorele instead. I started on Viorele and within days started to experience nausea, dizziness, severe headaches, and significant weight gain. I am usually not sensitive to medication AT ALL. I continued the medication thinking it was just initial effects that would wear off. The longer I continued, the more weight I gained and the less I felt like myself. I only recently put two and two together to realize Viorele has been the cause of my issues. My realization came after reading other reviews of the product that were exactly what I was experiencing. I would HIGHLY advise against taking Viorele!!!!Read More Read Less

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Anonymous | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
5/9/2014
Condition: Disease of Ovaries with Cysts
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
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Frustrated | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
4/16/2014
Condition: Abnormally Long or Heavy Periods
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Walmart switched me from Mircette to Viorele. I have experienced EXTREME hair loss. My hairbrush gets cleaned out 3 times while I am getting ready for work. It is sickening! I have lost so much hair. I have acne, feel dizzy, feel like throwing up, stomach cramps, no interest in sex, melancholy and anxiety.

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Mags | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
4/4/2014
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was on kariva for 10 years and the pharmist switched me to viorele and it has been the worst experience of my life!! Weight gain, depression, bloating constantly, water retention, migraines, completely awful. I've called the doctor and he said it could be my birth control. I found out kariva was not discontinued !! I have stopped viorele and and getting kariva again-

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