Aviane symptoms and conditions

I loved alesse when i was on it i has no problems, but then the pharmacy gave me the generic alesse (aviane) and i have had every problem you can think of while on mainly headaches and very, very nausea.

I started taking Aviane on Sunday, and i have been on it for 4 day now. just in the 4 days i have become a NUT CASE. i warn every girl not take this birth control. I was fun, loving. optimistic person and after I took it, I have been very irritable, borderline depressed, and very sensitive. There is no good outcome to this birth control. Hopefully I'm not pregnant, stupid birth control!

I have only been on Aviane for a week and a half. Within the first couple days, I noticed some bloating, which annoyed me, but which I thought would eventually go away. It didn't. In fact, it keeps getting worse. My routine is the same; yoga each morning for an hour, plenty of walking, a healthy diet. But I have gained at least 10 or 12 pounds in this short period of time, and each day seem to balloon. On top of it, I am nauseated every day, as soon as I sit still for a moment. I've also had a noticeably reduced sex drive, anxiety, and have been easily provoked into feelings of anger and depression, so much that I've often taken myself out of the situation mentally, noticed my ridiculousness, and felt out of control in preventing my responses! I think it's not only affecting my relationship, but absolutely affecting my sense of self-control and self-esteem. I can't deal with this, and after reading most of these posts and learning that I'm not alone, I realize it doesn't necessarily get better, and often gets worse. Everyone is different, of course, but I think this brand, and maybe even method, is having a very negative impact on my life. Thank you all for sharing your experiences. It's been a huge help. I'm going to look into other methods and am looking forward to feeling like myself again!

I was not on Yasmin, I was on Aviane...if ANYONE on birth control ever comes down with a case of gastritis STOP YOUR PILL immediately! It is caused by the pill, I was on Aviane for 5 years ; apparently that was too long. I now use the nuvaring which is a lower dose or hormones and I love it.
I have never been so sick in my life; I was severely nauseous every single day of my life, never knowing it was because of the birth control pill. If you ever get sick after being on a birth control pill for too long, get off of it and go to a lower dose. Believe me .. do not waste your life being sick!

I think everyone has different reactions to different forms of birth control. I was on Alesse for 2 years with zero problems. Then one day my pharmacist offered me the generic form Aviane and told me it was the same. I decided to get it since its cheaper, but now I wish I hadn't. I had some of the same symptoms listed here on Aviane, like yeast infections, low sex drive and thinning hair. So I'm going back to Alesse which was always great for me. Everyone needs to listen to their bodies and make the best decision for themselves. Good luck!!!!!

I feel like such an idiot. I'm usually so careful about new things. When I was prescribed Alesse 3 years ago I researched all the side effects, but I never had a problem. About a year ago, my pharmacy offered me Aviane, and since the pharmacist told me it was exactly the same as Alesse I figured I might as well save a few bucks. I trusted the pharmacist, and never thought to research the side effects since I believed it was the same. Now I know I was so wrong. I never connected the side effects until recently. I have noticed thinning hair around my temples for about 6 months, and it wasn't until I googled that expecting to find that its a normal part of aging (even though I'm only 25) that I came across so much about Aviane. Then reading everyone else's experiences, I realized I hadn't connected all the other side effects to this generic brand. I had rapid weight gain the first 3 months and have been unable to lose it no matter what I do. The depression, low sex drive, acne, and practically constant yeast infections I think now are all connected to Aviane. After reading this yesterday, I went straight to my pharmacy and switched back to Alesse. Even though it cost me $25 with my health plan (2 years ago it only cost $6 so I wonder if my plan pays less because of the cheaper alternative) I don't care, I just want to be healthy and sane again. Thanks for sharing your stories, they made me realize there was a problem and I can't wait to start my new pack tomorrow and see what happens.

*JENN*

I HAVE BEEN TAKING AVIANE FOR TWO MONTHS AND STARTED TO HAVE HORRIBLE PAINS IN MY RIGHT SIDE AND BACK.

THE PAIN STARTED UNDER MY RIB CAGE AND WRAPS AROUND TO MY BACK.... WHERE YOU LIVER AND GALL BLADDER ARE! i HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE IT, AND I DO BELIEVE IT IS CAUSED BY THE BIRTH CONTROL PILLS.

IT HAS COST ME A TON OF MONEY AND CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER, IM PI$$ED!!! NOT WHAT I WANTED!!!

SO BEWARE TAKING AVIANE!!!!!!!!!!!

I took Yasmin in the past and loved it. No side effects, no weight gain. This was the only birth control that I did NOT gain weight on (every single other one made me gain weight).

Unfortunately, I have since changed insurance and my policy does not cover Yasmin or yaz. I have been on aviane for about 4 months and have gained at least 10 lbs. I hate it. I am actually going to stop taking the aviane and just pay the $50/month out-of-pocked for the Yasmin because I liked it so much.

Reading the posts it looks like different people react differently to Aviane. Ethnicity and genes may play a major role in how different women react.I was on some kind of birth control in 2005, not Aviane though. I developed acne, extreme hunger, a full cup size and 20lbs!!! I just started my second week of Aviane and I am really tired (but I am also anemic), my breast are getting larger(which my boyfriend loves), and I've been really hungry....that's it. I work out everyday and watch what I eat, so weight gain is not a problem. As far as my sex drive goes..its way better! I'm 20 so my drive was already high,but its definitely increasing(which my boyfriend loves) Overall I give it a 8/10, I would suggest another woman to try it.

~E. B. Detroit,MI

I am 20 years old and have been on Yasmin for PCOS/mood swings/irregular periods since I was about 16 or 17. This past December, I was out with friends when I suddenly had this awful, all-over terrible shaky feeling, thinking I was going to pass out, die, or vomit. I had pressure all over and my tongue felt thick in my mouth, lump in throat and had to go home immediately. I thought I was getting some kind of flu. Weird feelings kept continually happening to me every day since then and the symptoms change over time and last for different lengths. I've mostly experienced tightness/strain/pressure in my throat, lump of pressure caught there, almost numb pressure sensation under my tongue, jaw, and up into my ears, an ache/pressure in chest and sternum. I stopped taking Yasmin, switched to Aviane which made me nauseous constantly and have been off BC over a month now. I have been told it's anxiety constantly by two different doctors, gone to ER, had blood work, thyroid checked, ENT stuck scope down my throat, everything. I was given Klonopin which never seemed to do anything to me, was given meds for acid reflux which did nothing. Even after getting off BC my emotions have also gone haywire and I feel at an all-time low and this is ruining my life and my relationship with my boyfriend. I finally gave in and tried Xanax. The first two times I've taken it, I felt great for the rest of the evening and slept well. Today was the third day and I felt fine for about two or three hours and the pressure in my throat and under my jaw is back again. Does anyone think this could be anxiety or something else, or does it truly seem to be Yasmin?? I'm at my wits end and would like to go back on the pill for my emotions/periods if possible but I'm so afraid in case that caused my problems. I feel helpless and always in pain and discomfort.

I started taking Aviane approximately 3 weeks ago because of my irregular menstrual cycle. I'm only 17, and since I was relatively healthy, my family doctor told me that there would be no serious side-effects. About 2 weeks into the pills, I started to experience shortness of breath and a constant pressure on my chest, near my thyroid gland. A few days ago, I had gone numb on one side of my body and lost some circulation to my right arm. Just last night, I was admitted into the emergency room because I had trouble breathing, nausea, tightness in my chest, dry throat/hard to swallow, tremors, near blackouts, fatigue, dizziness, weakness in my limbs, and heart palpations. They took tests and said all of them came back negative, but they still want me to check up with my family doctor soon. Apparently it was an allergic reaction to the chemicals in Aviane, but since estrogen and progesterone are natural hormones found in the body, I wasn't so sure. I had a fever last night, and my body could not stop shaking. We've contacted a few nurses, and they suggest I might be experiencing some of the side-effects of Aviane as well as a possibility of a viral infection. I don't think the benefits of Aviane are really worth it. I've been spotting ever since I started; my appetite increased along with my weight (I'm a bit underweight though so it's not that much of a problem); and obvious mood swings. I doubt many people will react to Aviane the same way as me, but it's very possible. So make sure you talk to your doctor about any possible side-effects and make sure you really want to start taking them. I haven't tried any other brands of the Pill, but I don't think I'm going to be starting any again anytime soon.

I have been on Aviane for 4 years and i am 50. I have had zero side effects, and feel great. The debilitating cramps are gone.

I'm terrified to start my Aviane now, after reading this. I start mine next month and am having second thoughts ! I don't want to lose my sex drive, I don't want to lose my hair, I don't want severe acne and I don't want to be miserable, depressed or tired. Help me! Any suggestions instead? Or should I get switched to a different pill?

I haven't had ANY problems taking Aviane. I've been on it for almost 4 months now. I don't know why everyone else is having so many problems with it? Aviane has actually decreased my appetite of sweets, which has made me lose about 10lbs. My Period only last about 3 days, and it's way lighter than what it was w/o BC. Also, Aviane helped my face acne A LOT! I was on a different BC before this and it made me EXTREMELY crabby/mood swings and it didn't help with the bleeding..it made it worse. I'm satisfied with Aviane and recommend it to anyone.

I took Alesse 3 years ago with no problems, Aviane is horrible. I've been on it for a week, thought I'd tough it out. Forget it. Anxiety, increased heart rate, irritability, depression, negativity, intense nausea and heartburn, weight gain, increased hunger, insomnia, bloating, dry eyes...you name it. The only issue is that I can't find brand-name Alesse anymore, pharmacies say it hasn't been produced since 2007, is this true? Anyone know if or where it's available? Some of you are writing in 2008 and seem to be taking Alesse, any help is appreciated!

i have been on aviane/alesse for about a year. i have noticed any side effects really. i took it because i have endometriosis which is heavy irregular, painful and emotional periods. the pharmacy keeps switching me back and forth from aviane to alesse which is suppose to be the generic brand. but lately i have noticed that alesse makes my cramps come back and i lose weight, while aviane makes me gain weight but feel better. i have noticed with both i get angry, but briefly, and its a million times better than when i would faint cuz of the pain, and take so much Tylenol that i wud hallucinate. i recommend anyone sick of trying so many brands of birth control pills, and sick of finding different side effects with each try Chaste- Berry (tree). its natural and amazing, but WARNING..it does increase fertility. but it has really helped. the brand i use is VITEX by lorna handerhaeghe. but if you really want to keep with birth control stay with the same one for least six months if your side effects are not bad. they do go away once your body adjusts. also some side effects may be because you are missing some vitamins that you need. ask to get tested at your doctor or naturalist. you would be surprised. for those that live in dark and dreary winter climates, most of us miss some vitamin D. a lot of us miss calcium which makes it possible to absorb vitamins. you can get your medical insurance to pay for chaste berry if you get a letter from your doctor.i wish you all luck!

Wow, this site made me feel so much better. I was on ortho tri cyclen lo for 3 years with no problems. I had great skin, no cramps, no headaches, nothing.. but the price went up and my insurance changed and eventually I couldn't afford it. I went to my doctor and they put me on Aviane 28. I HATE THIS PILL. Tomorrow is my last pill and then I am done with this. I have been so INCREDIBLY TIRED that I can't even stand it. I've also been having awful headaches and minor problems with contacts and vision. I am so glad that I came to this site because I thought something was majorly wrong with me. I can't believe this pill is so bad! So many people have commented (not just on this site). I already went to my doctor and demanded to go back on Ortho, despite the cost (went to Planned Parenthood and got on one of their plans for people who have no income, aka a student like me so now my pills are free!). If you are thinking of trying this pill, I don't suggest it, it's really not worth it. Oh, and on top of it, I've had bad nausea too, something I can't seem to shake! Good luck everyone :)

Yeah I don't know why physicians just put us on this Aviane because its "cheaper" than Alysse. Mine told me it was basically the same thing but it's obviously not because I've been breaking out in zits like crazy ever since I went on it. I also got harsh mood swings, intense fits of anger (broken furniture can attest to this) and it comes completely randomly; one tiny thing can set me into a fit of rage. I had previously been using Alysse since I was 16 (I'm now 22) and it worked perfectly - didn't have harsh breakouts, my moods were normal, didn't gain weight. I've been taking Aviane for more than six months now and the zits (which are often huge and painful) haven't gone away :( I wash my face day and night, haven't changed my diet at all... So I can only assume it's because of hormonal changes - which only leaves Aviane.

I'm definitely switching back to Alysse - hell I'll pay the extra five dollars if it means a clear complexion and my/my boyfriend's sanity!!!

I have been on Aviane for about 6 months now, and hating it! I took Alesse for four years with not one problem. Same case as everyone else, I got switched to Aviane as it was "the same" and cheaper. I thought I was turning into a crazy person the last few months! I am very easily irritated, and snap at stupid things(never the case for me) I have TOTALLY lost my sex drive and have gained weight. My poor boyfriend has had no idea what to do with me and my irrational behavior and lack of desire. I am seeing my Dr. next week and asking to be put specifically back onto Alesse. Aviane is NOT the same as Alesse as is obvious by all these comments! Stick with what you know and don't let them switch you to generic versions of birth control!

Hi Ladies- I promised I would post to let you know how I am doing WITHOUT Aviene. I posted the Sept. 10 comment entitled Thanks ladies because I felt your posts have helped me.

I stopped taking the Aviene on a Thursday and all side effects stopped and no new ones occurred. All is well, I enjoy life without being a freak show.

In a DAY AND A HALF WITHOUT AVIANE MY HEALTH RESTORED.

I mentioned the 20 pound weight gain within a few weeks, by the following Tuesday I lost 9 pounds and today is the 26th and I lost 15 pounds. No anxiety, no irritation, no face issues (in a week it cleared up), no mood or energy issues, no excessive thirst, burning of eyes, chills, fever, rashes, itchy -nothing. I was allergic to it and my body wasn't breaking down the coloring agents etc whatever the hell is in there b/c it's not like you get a box or product descriptions. This isn't personal comments, I spoke with pharmacists, doctors, doctor friends, nurses etc. I work at a hospital I have great resources to share with you.

Whatever your side effects are, let's do this. Let's listen to our bodies, listen to experiences and draw your own conclusions.

I know my body, I know myself, and I know my life changes, mood changes, physical changes were due to this pill.

Please consider when being worried about what will happen if you quickly go off it that the consequences of staying on it are more severe. For me, and for many of us, the side effects didn't stop but kept adding and if you are reading this and are just curious or feel something is off with you do not take it any further. I am sharing that I am not a sensitive person and do not experience side effects... and I completely broke down physically and mentally from the amount of side effects and had to self defend.

Many of your comments helped and let's face it if you read that some ladies lost their hair... come on... obviously something is wrong with this pill.

Take care ladies, my sincere hope is that my post will help you, as you have helped me.

So you know, I went back on Alesse and all is well. My drug company didn't cover Alesse but ALESSE HAS A PATIENT CARD FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE AND FOR THOSE WHO DO BUT THE COMPANY DOESN'T COVER ALESSE RATHER THE GENERIC AVIANE. Your patient Alesse card you get will cover the difference that your insurance company may not. I paid $ 2.89 for my monthly prescription which is less than if the insurance company covered it. Check with your pharmacy location site if they participate in the program and it is not hard to find one that does.

You may not like Alesse, I can only share my experience with Aviane that did make my life a living hell. Happy to be OFF it!

Please take care and self defend your situation and reach out to those around you.

Ladies! I think it is wonderful that we are sharing our experiences here and helping one another. I felt it is necessary I share my experience as well. Thank You to all you ladies who have posted. You have helped me.

Got Aviene from my pharmacist saying 'it's same as Alesse, it's cheaper and the drug company covers this versus Alesse.' How dumb of me not to research this despite the fact this came without a box and instructions.Where is this made? Read up on it etc... things one would do BEFORE trying something. I did not do this and this has cost me.

I noticed changes as you all say you did as well. I have been taking the pill for 3 months. I work out as much as I can so about at least 3 times a week, I had a energy loss, I felt in an unexplainable way, just tired and irritated by the day. No, this is not normal for me. I got a great deal on a scale and stood on it and couldn't believe a 20 pound weight gain. This was not exactly a surprise since my clothes don't fit well and I am very uncomfortable. However, this still didn't make sense b/c I have breakfast and it's not junk, toast coffee or eggs with it or serial. For the last 3 months I made healthy lunches, I cooked ahead so took fish, chicken, rice, whole wheat sandwiches, orange juice, water, milk to work. No junk, no pop, no over eating. Had fruits and veggies. I was glad I was keeping up with this but to gain weight from it? I have a full time and a part time job keeping me busy and this life style, what I did for the last 3 months always included weight LOSS not GAIN. I am pretty pissed about this. (Of course, I am on Aviane, we are all pissed off, haha but not really haha right?) I have major issues with my face, considering I am using the same wash... no change...Anyway.. you're all seeing something doesn't' make sense. I have actually had bloating. Major bloating. 3 weeks. Never had this before. I took over the counter aid, that did help. I am 30 I never took over the counter aid.. let's not mention what I took but it helped.

Listen everyone, get off this pill. I will never take this pill again. I have 4 left this month and forget it I'd rather get my period tonight and anticipate change to occur.

On my way home, as usual of late, I tried to figure out WHAT is wrong with me. In conversation with a cooworker I mentioned the 20 pound weight gain and all and she said 'so much in such little time?' I was thinking about it on my drive home... I am at 2 new jobs and have stress but... to gain this much... and it dawned on me. I CHANGED MY B.C. It HAS TO HAVE something to do with it. I came home and goodled. You can't find anything on Aviane but negative comments. You go on Alesse... oh! a company website at least shows up.

Thank you Ladies... I believe I am having the same reaction as all of you did and I do sincerely Thank everyone for taking time out to post. You have helped me and I do think this B.C. is the reason for my current state.

I'll post in a week or two and then after a month to provide an update.

Take care Ladies!

I only just started taking it (Avaine) yesterday, and everything is fine so far; nothing out of the ordinary is going on. I'm 19 years old, healthy, have mild acne around my period and usually terrible cramps and mood swings, I don't know if this will benefit me in those areas or not yet. We'll see though, from what I've been reading this might not turn out so well but I think I will keep an update going on here when any side effects or benefits arise.

I was on Alesse for a couple of years and didn't realize how much side effects I had. Terrible mood swings, extremely irritable, anger, headache, some days just felt I was completely drain even tough I didn't do much. Just way too much emotional. I nerver tough it could be the bc pill. Just tough I was plain coucou until my pharmacist got me on Aviane.Wow, I mentally stable again!

i have been on aviane now for two months almost, i am experiencing acne breakouts again..... i have always had acne and been taking medication to help control acne.. i also was on alesse acne not to bad had been on it for almost 2 yrs... then pharmacy switched me to aviane and my skin is always blemished with pimples never clear, i don't like this bc pill at all.... anyone experiencing frequent breakouts since making the switch to aviane? also not to mention that my legs feel heavy most days the calf prt anyone ?

I have been taking Aviane for about 2 years now and i can agree with almost everyone. In the beginning it is really rough because your body has to get used to it. After about 3-4 months though it does get better. However there are still some things that don't go away, such as the loss of sex drive. In the past i have tried everything from numerous pills to the shot to the patch and my body strongly disagrees with all of them. I finally found something that cured almost everything, and now my pharmacist tells me its been discontinued.
He gave me substitute called Lutera and said it was the same thing just made by a different company. If its all the same thing, why do they discontinue one and not the other? I asked him why it was discontinued and he couldn't or maybe wouldn't tell me. Does anyone know why? I am going to try the Lutera but i know from experience that just because its the same thing doesn't mean it will work the same.