Aviane and aviane

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 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!!!!!!!!!!!

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 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 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.

I'm 24 years old and I've been on Aviane for about 2 years. My sex drive is GONE. I live with my boyfriend and we have a great relationship. He is my best friend. We have sex MAYBE once or twice a month and I still don't even want to do it then, but I feel bad for him so I do. I also snap at everything, and I always feel like I'm going to explode. I snap at him and my cat and my family at least once a day. I can hardly do my laundry or drive my car without feeling like I want to punch a wall. I've always been such a laid back person so I definitely think it's the birth control. I didn't gain any weight on this pill. I actually lost weight so I'm terrified to switch to anything else, but I think I'm going to have to because it's ruining my life.

Iv been on it for not even 2 weeks now...i got my period again...a week after i just had it...iv had severe abdomen pains after sex, my sex drive has gone to like zero. my boyfriend feels like he almost has to force me to have sex...im getting freaking fat! i have uncontrollable acne and my skin is peeling, my back aches constantly? am i crazy or is this medication just plain crap?

I have been on aviane for 4 months and i hate it! I have all the side effects: headaches, nightmares, acne, fatigue, mood swings, depression, anger, long periods, weight gain, rage, etc.... I could list alot more! I am so glad I went on this page because now I know its the pill and I'm not going crazy. I have had such a horrible experience with this pill that I am stopping it today mid-cycle just to feel "normal" again. I cry for any reason, I'm mean to those I love and I feel like I should be going to therapy. I've never had acne before and now I get a pimple and its there for weeks! I have gained weight even though I work out 5 days a week and I am so lathargic that its a battle to stay up past 9pm. I think this pill should be taken off the market. I was on yaz before and stopped because I experience break through bleeding, but I want to get back on it. A liitle spotting every now and then is much better than feeling insane!

I've been on Aviane as my first BC for 3 months and haven't noticed any significant side effects. There's been no weight gain and I've been able to actually start and maintain a fitness program required for a summer job/career (we'll see where it leads!). My period was a bit off the first couple of times with spotting but I read in the pamphlet it should be expected and for about a month, I've been completely 'normal'. The only thing MAY have been the lower sex drive but it was good for mine to shift down a gear so that can't be classified as a problem, and that can probably be attributed to other events in my life. I suggest everyone here take a step back and see if weight gain, acne, sex drives, etc. may be a consequence of other life subjects that shouldn't be blamed on BC. We all go through these events for different reasons and it would be a shame to denounce a valid and proven pharmaceutical product on account of needing a scapecoat.

hey everyone! i just started taking Aviane and i have been spotting for the past two weeks after my period. is this normal and can anyone tell me roughly when their spotting stopped because this is driving me crazy! thanks in advance!

I have been on Aviane for almost 3 months now. I have already experienced depression and severe anger problems. I get mad over the littlest things now and I feel like breaking things... I feel enraged often and feel like hitting the people who make me angry. Also, I have never had any problems with my periods other than cramps. Before Aviane, my periods were only about 3-5 days long. After taking Aviane, I have experienced 2 periods of unreasonable lengths. The first one was a week and a half, the other a FULL TWO WEEK LONG PERIOD! This is insane! I am just starting my third week of my third month and am experiencing spotting which, like before with the other 2 months of Aviane, will turn into another period 1 1/2-2 weeks long! My cramps in addition became worse than before and I developed bad acne. I was previously on Trinessa and the only problem I had with that pill was acute depression causing me to not sleep as well. I told my doctor and he switched me over to Aviane. And in addition to everything, I have experienced significant weight gain and a URINARY TRACT INFECTION! I am a very clean person; I have never had a urinary tract infection before, and it does not run in my family. I believe Aviane is the reason why I have developed a UTI. I seriously advise everyone not to take this Birth Control. I have been on 3 different birth controls and I NEVER had problems with any of the others not nearly as severe as I have with Aviane. Under my personal experience with it, Aviane is the WORST BIRTH CONTROL EVER! I am getting off of it ASAP!

I just cant afford to gain weight after all the work i did to lose it in the first place.....does it "make you gain weight" or is it the foods you eat while you take it?

i find these anger and acne comments very interesting. i have been on Aviane for almost a year now. i find myself uncontrollably furious to the point of gritting my teeth, which i never experienced before this pill. also, after never having had acne as a teenager, i am a 34 year-old in a non-stop battle with my face. i have an appointment with my GYN next month and i will certainly be asking to get off this pill and try another.

Well i have been on Aviane for almost a week now and i have noticed a change in my sex drive it has decreased and even when i try "she" is completely dry. Also I noticed that I have a "I don't really care attitude". I was on Levora first and i had no problems like the ones above but I switched because I would get a yeast-infection every time i stop taking them to get my cycle! Now i am just confused and don't know which way to go. I have tried the Depo shot (bleed for three months), and the ring (bleed on and off for two months). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I've only been on Aviane for about a packet and a half, and I'm already not liking it. Hence why I am on this sight looking up info. I have experienced the anger out of no where, never feeling happy, and just feeling like i don't care. It's starting to affect the relationship with my finance. It's also decreasing my sex drive. I no longer want to be intimate or "huggy-kissy". Granted I am waiting till marriage, I'm on the pill to get used to it before I get married and to help my PMS. It does help the PMS symptoms (heavy bleeding, cramps, etc), but last time it was like 2 weeks early and I think it's about to be another week early. My boobs are ALWAYS sore...even when I'm off my period. And I sleep on my stomach which makes things hard sometimes. My face has cleared up though. No severe weight gain yet...just a little maybe. I may wait to see if the affects get better as I go through the next packet, but from the reactions of some of the others it wont. SO i'm probably switching Monday

I took my second pill of Aviane today. I was on Levlite for several years, but my discount RX program, Smart Woman, stopped carrying it. So about 4 hours ago I felt nausea in the extreme and had to lay down for the past 3 hours. Now I feel very weak. As soon as I could get up I started doing research and found this site. This may cause me to go off of birth control all together.

um... i think the mood swings are just bitchiness... i dont think its the medicine making u like this... no one I know has had this problem... this pill is awsome and no matter the side effects, it gets the job done... personally, I havent had any side effects... i went on this site before I started taking this pill and it made me so upset... i was so scared to take it but I had to at least give it a try... I'm glad I did... It's awsome and saying negative things like this just scares girls who are researching pills... maybe you should see a psychologist if you have mood swings... be greatful that you have something like this... its better than being pregnant...

Can someone email me and tell me if this pill really makes you gain weight because honestly thatz what i want..

I took Alesse for a long time, until it became back-ordered. After that I took Lutera and had some weight-gain and mood swings, then my pharmacy said that was back-ordered. They had me switch to Aviane and I had immediate side effects. I've become very dizzy, especially in the morning when I wake up and when I lay down at night. I've had constant spotting and I've became very angry. I'm going to try Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo to see if this will work!

I was taking Aviane for the past three months and hated it. I was on Alesse previously and had no problems. Since the first pill I felt like I had a yeast infection. The yeast infection continued the whole three months. No matter what I did, yogurt, monistat, it persisted. I also had a strange uncomfortable feeling in my vagina - it was horrible. My skin cleared up the first two months, the last month I got a cystic pimple. The last month I got my period and it was really heavy and painful.

I have been on Aviane for a year and a half after switching from Yasmine because of depression. It worked great for this long, but all of a sudden I am experiencing severe anxiety and nervousness...almost to the point of panick attacks. Has anyone else experienced this? My dr. took me off Aviane and wants me to wait a week or two before trying something else...but after almost a week off, I still feel the same? Will it take my body awhile to adjust?

Next month I'll be 20, and I Just started Aviane two weeks ago. This is my first time being on any type of birth control. I have taken it every day and exactly the same time and almost every day I have some type of breakthrough bleeding. It seems that having sex makes it worse, did anyone else have this problem?