Tri-lo-sprintec - Awful Side Effects!! (Top voted first)

Updated

Ladies, please do not take this awful pill!!
I would never take Tri-Lo-Sprintec (TLS) pill again!! Ever! As happened to many of you, one day showing up at the pharmacy I found out that my insurance would not cover OTC-Lo (which I have been taking for 5 years) and that I'd have to pay $75 instead of previously paying $0. The pharmacist assured me that the generic TLS is EXACTLY THE SAME as OTC-Lo. Stupid me, I didn't do my homework research and started taking TLS the next week. Almost right away, I started spotting. From day to day, I would experience sharp and dull pain in my lower stomach which I had never experienced on OTC-Lo; at first, I didnt even link it to the new pill. I also started experiencing bad mood swings. I had some on OTC-Lo before but now they became much worse, where out of nowhere I would start crying and screaming. I became negative and mean to people around me; even my friends noticed this awful change in me. I would think such feeling should be controlled by 28. Not on TLS!! Thanks to al of your reviews, I followed another woman's advice: I visited a local Planned Parenthood office (no appointment needed - nice!) I waited for my appointment for about an hour (though I arrived first!! Thanks to our greatest government..), paid $55 for a 'consultation' where I got my blood pressure measured only - afterall, I already knew the reason for my visit anyway so the 'consultation' didn't matter ; $25 per pack on OTC-Lo (so much better than $75 from my regular pharmacist) and got 12 month supply where every 4th pack was free!! Afterall, it was definitely worth going there - I ended up paying $280 for 12 packs including the 'consultation' instead of $900 for the same supply with my current insurance. Also, Planned Parenthood didn't even ask for my proof of employment or a copy of my paycheck. I definitely advise you, ladies, to do the same if you still want to stay on OTC-Lo. When I asked Planned Parenthood about the generic TLS, they said that other women have had bad reviews on TLS, and they listed some of the side effects that all of you have already described. Planned Parenthood doesn't carry generics. Thanks to all of your reviews, ladies! I'm so glad I followed your advice, now I'm back on my OTC-Lo with MUCH LOWER co-pay and no side effects. I was so stupid to start taking the generic TLS without doing my homework. Now I know I will never do that again. When confronted the pharmacist about the difference in both medications and side effects of TLS, he didn't say a word. So, please take my advice and make a difference for your own sake, ladies, watch your health, I wish best of luck to all of you!!

20 Replies

Earliest Newest Votes
17

A lot of this is fear-mongering. Your birth control will not immediately begin working and requires an adjustment period and that includes for preventing pregnancy. I've experienced absolutely none of the side effects on tri lo sprintec except for mild breast pain and a slightly longer period when I first began. It does its job. Read the side effect warnings before complaining, many of the severe (and very rare) reactions you've listed are also listed on the warning label and states that you should stop taking it when this happens. Please stop telling people that they could die if they start the pill because everyone gets different reactions.

Was this helpful? 6
9

This pill made me horribly sick. Head aches, leg pains, shortness of breath and I am a runner, spots on face, 15-20 lbs weight gain, moodiness, fatuigue, weird reacation to wine, night sweats, lumps in breasts...etc. The just keep coming on the longer I took it. The weight I knew was the pill and my dr kept saying you are getting older. I finally looked it up and women were reporting all of these. I NOW have BREAST CANCER and saw other women report this after taking this pill. To many pills out there to mess with this one!! This needs to be pulled off the market! I still have blurred vision even after being off of it.

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12

I have been off of tri spintec for 3 weeks and I am still having really bad anxiety and depression from it. I took this pill for a little less than a year and the symptoms kept getting worse. I finally linked it to this pill so now I am off bc all together and waiting to be myself again. It is getting better but I am still really emotional and cry easily. Be careful taking this and make sure you are watching for side effects. Very scary drug for those who have bad side effects. If anyone has had similar experiences please please please let me know how long it took them to feel normal again.

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2

I didn't connect my health problems to this generic pill until recently I was switched back to the name brand because generic is no longer available.
I have had a pain disorder for going on 10 years and have had side effects because of pain so I was thinking some of these changes were associated with the fact I have RSD. After reading this and being back on the regular Ortho-tri-cyclen-lo I have to say I now know it is a strong possibility this was due to the Tri-Lo-Sprintec.
I had heart palpitations that were so severe I was seen by a cardiologist. I was run through every test possible with nothing coming up. I also was experiencing anxiety and depression to the point I was put on an anti-depressant. The latest was finally being treated for the very severe malasma that developed on my face. The headaches I was experiencing I wrote off as just a part of life after seeing so many women have this problem I am very upset that we all were used a test dummies on a generic that may not be safe because insurance wanted to save money!!!

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10

I love the Tri Lo pill. I wish it would come back asap! I see the horrible reviews that some ladies are giving it, but it really doesnt affect people the same way. I actually lost weight on the pill and never felt bloated or gross the week of my period. I never had mood swings and it kept my headaches and cramps to a bare minimum. I did have a bad experience on another pill, so when I was switched to Tri Lo it was such a relief. You just have to try and see which is best for you.

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11

when you switch birth controls, even if it's just brand to generic, you have to wait a month for it to become effective, it isn't going to work right away!

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4

Kmh, I got the same thing. Though the pharmacist just told me she didn't know why. I'm curious to know the truth as to why TLS isn't on the market anymore.

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6

I was told by my doctor that the Tri lo sprintec was taken off the market because of patent reasons. That O.T Lo has right for another 2 yrs...and they were suing the company that is distributing the generic...i dunno if that is right but that is what i was told!

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1

And I, however, have taken Tri Lo Sprintec without any problems, whatsoever.

Side effects do not hit everyone universally, some people my experience a few, some may experience all of them and some might have none. Everyone's body is different.

Everything you experienced is a normal side effect for birth control pills, when you are adjusting to new ones.

I am very sorry you has these problems, but not everyone has and some people have had even worse ones. That is just the way medications work.

https:/­/­rxchat.com/­wiki/­Tri+Lo+Sprintec/­

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

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3

Does anyone know why tri-lo-sprintec got taken off the market? just curious. my pharmacist first said it was recalled, which freaked me out a bit. then he back tracked and said the company that made tri-lo-sprintec went out of business.. I feel like I'm getting the run around. Does anyone know of the real reason?

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5

I'm wondering why I'm still taking it if it is off the market? I got it about this time last month?

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7

im still on tri sprintec....does anyone else get really irritable at the last week of a pack?i keep seein things about it being off the market but this is my first month being on this pill?

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8

When my insurance forced me to generic Tri Lo Sprintec from the OTC Lo I got pregnant that month. I have been taking birth control for over 15 years and never missed a pill. This was a very scary experience. Has anyone else herd of this happening with the Tri Lo Sprintec?!

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13

I have been on the pill for 5 years and this past year I have been sick right after I take it and have to lay down. My sex drive is non existent and I'm in my 20s. I have low energy and always feel tired. Going off the pill next month

Was this helpful? 0
18

I lost my appetite going on three and a half months now...melasma around one of my eyes...weird cramps....weird fatigue..im afraid to just stop taking it but i think it is probably for the best....

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19

Re: kmh (# 3) Expand Referenced Message

Because of patent issues with the original formula not because of health or safety.

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20

Re: brianna (# 6) Expand Referenced Message

I would like to sue .any lawyer I was given prescription for one month .I had stroke n fighting for my life .my tubes are tied n only reason I got prescription was because I had long menstrual cycles. please direct me

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15

Is there two kinds of sprintec. I constantly have breakthrough bleedings akl year long. Should I be concerned?

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14

I've been on this pill for five years. I've recently had horrible numbness & tingling sensations , fatigue, loss of appetite, bad headaches, leg pain etc. after reading online I just stopped taking it hoping it stops soon! I feel like I'm going crazy but it seems as if these situations are very similar to mine.
This isn't even worth the pros of the bc!

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16

if anyone knows what is right from them STAY AWAY FROM THIS PILL. ive almost died, I dont really know but last summer i was experiencing very very bad period pains when ive never had period pains, I had irregular periods for the first time in my life, not to mention those horrible mood swings.. my husband was on the road working with nascar and I only wanted him. I was admitted into the e.r. when the e.r. physician said there was no sign of anything but "stress" cramps where I was giving a shot of torodol and sent on my way.. which was all fine and good until the month. I have been off of this for OVER a year and still suffer very horrible cramps, vomiting, cant hold any food down the first day. If i can find out how to sue this company I would. My life will never be the same.. I miss work on the first day of my period EVERY MONTH.. this birth control took my freedom away.

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