Tuesday, November 02, 2004

Kariva

Kariva is a birth control pill with a shortened placebo interval--2 days vs. the regular 7 days.

I mentioned before that some combination birth control pill brands have a shortened placebo interval.

Using a brand like Kariva helps if you suffer from problems related to your period or withdrawal bleeding episode (the fake period) like painful periods, migraines, endometriosis, etc. If you recall, these problems tend to be caused/exacerbated by hormone fluctuations.

If you're on the Pill, you have less hormone fluctuations than a nonuser, at least for 3 weeks out of the month (the 3 weeks with active, hormone pills). Unfortunately, during the hormone-free week (the 7 days with placebo pills) the hormone levels start to fluctuate again, and the problems recur. So, shortening the placebo interval, for example, from 7 to 2 days, helps. But wait, there's more! [Obviously, I'm watching too much late-night TV.]

Another advantage of using a brand with a shortened placebo interval is better "real life" pregnancy protection. In real life, it's common for women to miss the first few pill days of a new pack, because they aren't able to get the new pack in time. Coming off of a placebo week, this is quite risky. Why? Because there's a danger of a mature egg being released from the ovary. [Mature egg + sperm = possible bebe.] So, after a placebo week, the more days you miss before starting a new pack, the higher your risk of an unintended pregnancy. Ideally, all combination Pill brands should be packaged with 21 days of active pills and only 2-3 days of placebo pills. This way, even if something happens and you are unable to start a new pack right away, you are still protected.

In the U.S., there is only one type of biphasic Pill with a shortened placebo interval: an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol or EE)/progestin (desogestrel or D) combination. The dosage is 21 days of 0.02 mg EE/0.15 mg D, 2 days of placebo, followed by 5 days of 0.01 mg EE. Because this type of Pill can be very useful for many women, I wanted to alert you to some [confusing] changes in the brand names.

Initially, there was Mircette, manufactured by Organon. Then Barr came up with a generic, Kariva. Now, Organon is no longer manufacturing Mircette, however they are allowing another pharma company, Prasco, to market a generic versions of Mircette (don't know the name for this version yet; it's supposed to be available next year). So, if you're interested in using a brand with a shortened interval, ask for Kariva, not Mircette.

Mircette
Mircette


Kariva

ETA: Mircette is now registered to Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Barr.

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256 Comments:

At 6:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks this info was very useful.

 
At 2:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hate to contradict your advice, but I would strongly recommend not using this drug. I was prescribed Kariva in 2003 because I was experiencing a lowered libido and migraines while on a different oral contraceptive. While on Kariva my migraines became more intense and more frequent. My libido remained low. I went off of Kariva a year later. Since then, I haven't had a migraine and my libido has improved. My biggest concern, however, is that I haven't had a period since going off of Kariva a year and a half ago. I have been working with an excellent gynocologist and endocrinologist and both are stumped. I have normal blood work, keep a normal weight and am otherwise very healthy. I don't show signs of PCOS.

I wouldn't recommend using Kariva. Anyone who decides to go on it should pay close attention to their bodies while on and off the drug.

 
At 5:09 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just stumbled upon this because I Googled "Kariva" and "migraine" together. I have a history of migraines, but they suddenly stopped almost two years ago. Well, almost three months ago, I started using Kariva (the only brand of pill I have used). And in the past four days, I have had three migraines. I guess I will be calling my gynocologist and making the switch to some other kind of birth control. The migraines just aren't worth it.

 
At 5:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey guys - Something useful on Kariva as well:
I have been using it for 3 months. In the beginning everything was seemingly fine, and I had very short, regular periods the first two months that synched with my normal cycle almost magically. I thought I found the wonder pill (my only other experience was orthotrycyclin which made me relatively crazy).
Anyway, this is the end of the 3rd month on Kariva now, and I had my normal 3 day period and thought that was that. Not. 3 days after the normal period ended, I started a new one, which has now lasted for 2 weeks with cramps, moods, and terrible irritability.
I am getting off this pill today.

 
At 2:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

In all of these comments hopefully some of you have spoken to your ob/gyn. It takes 5 months for your body to adjust to the new pill. The migraines and spotting are due to changes in your hormones. Your body needs time to adjust and regulate. You can't expect for these changes to happen overnight.

I too had these issues and was given this advise through my doctor. I was glad I followed it...Kariva has turned out very benificial to me.

 
At 4:57 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just started taking this pill at the beginning of this month and it is my first time with Kariva, although I am on my sugar pills right now and I am in my third day and I have still not got my period...should I be concerned that I have not gotton my period yet?

 
At 4:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been off Kariva over 1yr now and unable to have a period. Has anyone else experienced this problem and did the period finally come? Any herbal recommendations?? Please help!!!!!

 
At 10:59 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was wondering if anyone gets really bad cramps on there side or it might feel like your back.
Also to answer the other persons ? I dont usually get my period untill I start my new pack, like the third pill.

 
At 7:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have a problem where my period just doesn't stop, and I have since I first got it. I've been on both Mircette and Kariva for a total of probably 3 years now, off and on, and have never had any of these problems with it.

 
At 8:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just so not to have some of those reading to be scared, I have been using Kariva for the past 3-4 years and have had no problems whatsoever. I never had migraines, etc initially, but it hasn't increased or decreased any symptoms of any kind for me. I read a comment that stated you were on the 3rd day of your sugar pills and hadnt yet gotten your period. My cycle has become that I don't usually get my period until 3 days into my sugar pills as well and it only lasts through that Friday, possibly Saturday. So don't be worried. Its worked fine for me. I've even taken a break from them once and was unable to notice any extreme signs. Hope this helps..

 
At 10:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It helps alot. I just started my second month of kariva after using yasmin for six months(I switched b/c the hormones were too high), and i am freaking out reading some of these. so thank you!

 
At 3:33 AM, Blogger Sarah said...

I am just about to start Kariva, so I can't speak to whether it's good or not, but Mircette (the original brand version of the same drug) has worked fine for me. No migraines, no problems. Hoping Kariva will be the same, since it's a lot cheaper than Mircette for me.

 
At 1:22 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey girls, I just took my first pill and im nervous. I started to read some of the first blogs and it freaked me out. Thanks for the last few comments I realized that I made a good decision and am hopeful. Perhaps my "girl-time" will only be like that Friday-Saturday deal, that would rock! Thanks

 
At 8:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been using Kariva for 11 months now. No problems and very regular. My doctor said it is VERY important to take at the same time each day because the hormone levels are lower than many pills, so it can be unforgiving if you miss one. I would recommend this pill if you can remember to take it at the same time each day.

 
At 6:27 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for just over a year and it's been the best pill I've found so far, I do have migraines but I have them with or without the Kariva, I'm on Inderal to help with the migraines and now only get about 2 a year. This is the only pill that has not had other side affects for me.

 
At 1:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I also have been on both Mircette and then Kariva for several years. I have had a great experience with it. I did not like other pills because I would get terrible headaches during the placebo period as well as painful cramps. Kariva has really helped with this since I am back on the low dose pills by the time my period starts. It usually starts by the third day.
I have gone off Kariva twice to get pregnant and had no problem with my period going right back to normal. Also had no trouble getting pregnant after waiting the 3 months the doctor told me. Hope this helps.

 
At 2:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hello, i am starting Kariva for the first time this month. I am a little nervous because i've never been on Kariva before. I've been on orthotricyclen in the past and have had side effects including weight gain, bloating, and breast size increase. I'm hoping Kariva won't give me these effects. Does anyone run into any of these problems or have any advice for me?

 
At 3:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for about a year (I was on Mircette previously) Normally I don't have problems with my period (I'll get it after the first two or three sugar pills) But for the past two months I haven't gotten my period. I have taken several tests to insure that I'm not pregnat, but I am worried about the missed periods. Does anyone know if this is normal? I take my pills roughly the same time each night, and I never miss one.

 
At 6:15 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, this is my first month with Kariva and so far I haven't noticed any weight gain, but my breast size did increase (and I can't say that I'm disappointed with that! I'm pretty small in that area). I have had no other noticeable side effects. I really hope this works out well, and I think it will. I have never had a problem with migraines so I don't have any advice for anybody in that area. My gynocologist did say that this pill does good things for your skin as far as acne goes, I'm assuming. I'm very happy with it so far, and I think that any pill, no matter what kind, has different results for every person. Although I have heard more negative things about orthotricyclen than anything else. I just talked to my sister and she said she was on that a few years ago and gained ten pounds. After she got off of it, she lost the weight and even had stretch marks from it. Anyway, I appreciate everybody's comments, especially the positive ones because I'm just starting this pill! Somebody mentioned something about a lack in sex drive from this and I definitely hope that isn't true!!

 
At 9:38 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey guys,

i just got off kariva..and its been about 5 weeks..and i have not got my period..any suggestions ?
thanks..

 
At 10:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heyy everyone...
I've been reading the comments and I am getting kind of scared..unable to get you period for a year and a half?...

I have been on kariva for about 5 months..I switched from yasmin due to wieght gain, mood swings, etc..

I will be a year on birth control in sept..should I take a break from it?

 
At 3:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Mircette for a few years now, only taking the placebos a couple times per year (with the approval of my ob/gyn, of course) because of severe cramping and very heavy periods. I loved the Mircette. My insurance company started giving me Kariva about 3 months ago and I hate it! I have started my period on more than one ocassion while on the active pill, having not missed a dose and taking the pills within the same hour every day. I have spontaneous, quite painful cramps (so bad that I can't move at times) while on the active pill, also. Every body is different, but personally, I would not recommend Kariva. I will be talking to my doc about trying something new.

 
At 8:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I took Mircette for 5 years. 6 months ago, I switched to Kariva and started having severe ocular migraines for the first time in my life. I would consistently get them the day before my period started. To test my theory, I went back to Mircette for a month and had no migraine. Did another two months on Kariva - migraines both times. No more Kariva for me.

 
At 1:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Karvira for only one month and this is the first time I have ever used birth control pills. I have been taking the pill every day at the same time and decided i wanted to skip my period because i was going camping this past weekend. I just went right onto the new packet and didn't get my period which was great! I've been feeling great, no headaches, no side effects. However, i am a little nervous because I had unprotected sex on the 23rd day of taking the pill. I know I have read everything and it says I am protected but I am still nervous. Has anybody had any scares with this? I am safe, right? Now I have to wait another 17 days before I get my next period... that's a long time to wait to see if I am pregnant... Should I stop taking the pills to see if I get my period so i know I am not pregnant?

 
At 3:01 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

kariva is fine for me as far as no migranes, sometimes a spot for a period or no period at all, but I have no sex drive. Gyno says it is not this pill, I think he is wrong, things changed drastically in my sex life---don't want to even be touched anymore. Anyone else out there that is going through this?

 
At 2:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I took it for about 8 months before I switched to the patch. I am the same way if my boyfriend does manage to get me to have sex I dont even want to I just lay there. Other than that I havent had any horrible side effects to complain about, and you should be 99.99% protected on the unprotected sex thing from getting pregnant, you only have to worry about STDs! And dont forget about the vaccine they are comming out with--highly reccomend it!

 
At 1:31 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been on Mircette for a year and a half with absolutely no problems what so ever. My doctor started giving me Kariva and I have had breakthrough bleeding every single month despite taking the pills at the same time every day. I started taking the pill to regulate my periods but this has just made it worse. I'm going to switch to something else as soon as I can.

 
At 10:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It seems strange that the comments I have read today, are of women not sure if not having a period is ok. I have been on Mircette for 8 years and just recently switched to Kariva. My only concern was was there really a difference. If you read both medical pamphlets, both birth control has exactly the same amount of everything in them. As for not having a period, I have not had mine since I started 8 years ago. My doctor says that this is not a problem unless I am trying to have children, which I am not. I have a pregnancy test quite often just to make sure. My biggest concern is not having a period or migraines, but not being able to lose weight not matter what I do. I have spent 6 weeks on the Great American Weight loss program, 6 months with a personal trainer and eating 200-250 calories every 2-3 hours and exercising 1-3 hours per day. My doctor says I am not doing enough but I know it has to do with my birth control. Does anyone have ideas, suggestions, or even a different pill that will allow me the opportunity to lose weight?

 
At 5:09 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i've been on Kariva for about 10 months now, and I've gained over 20 lbs. my breasts have gotten a full cup size bigger but i feel like i've added a whole other person to myself. i'm 5'3 going from 128 at the time i started to now 10 months later over 150. & i get terrible mood swings about 2 weeks before my period. i dont know if i should switch to a different pill or what. has anyone else had these extreme side effects?

 
At 4:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have just started using Kariva and i think i'm not happy - my skin is breaking out horribly. never had skin problems, ever. i'm breaking out on my neck and shoulders too. haven't started any new moisturizers or anything. and my breasts are incredibly swollen and painful. i've been a pill taker for 16 years, and never had these symptoms. anyone else?

 
At 10:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am on my second week using Kariva. I switched over from Yasmin because I was having really bad breakthrough bleeding. Since I started taking Kariva, I just haven't felt "right". I am very crampy and got my first yeast infection ever. I will be calling my doctor to switch me for my next cycle.
I am having such a hard time finding a pil lthat is right for me, though, and was hoping that this would be it. I guess the search will continue.....

 
At 4:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, I am going on my third pack. I like it so far....but when I'm on the placebo I get depressed and can't have an orgasm. My husband thinks I hate him for a week. Then when I go back on the regular pills, I'm fine. So, I guess we will see if I can adjust.

 
At 6:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi - I use Kariva and I used to use Mircette a few years ago. I think these pills are just fine. I would like to point out that every body is different and will respond differently to the hormones - some will have more migraines, some will have less. some will have shorter periods - some will have longer - etc. Everybody is different!

 
At 3:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Obviously you are going to get head aches from Kariva. When i started taking it my gyno directly told me that it was a strong possibility that if i had had chronic head aches or migraines before they could start back up again with kariva.

 
At 4:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for about 6 months and saturday was my last pill before I had to go to the gyno to get a pap smear so she can get me more refills, well my appointmet wasnt until the following wensday so i have missed 3 pills so far, and now my gyno has givin me a prescription for Kariva and im not sure when i should start my first pill? Someone help please..

 
At 7:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm about to start on Kariva to assist me with some pre-menapausal stuff - but after reading the flyer that came with it from the pharmacy, I'm really concerned with the side affects, particularly the fact that it can cause a stroke (blood clots) and heart related stuff. My dad died very young of heart disease, so I'm overly concerned. My doctor said I'll be fine. Anybody else concerned about those things on Kariva? Thanks.

 
At 2:20 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been taking Kariva for a couple of years now and I like it b/c my mood swings have decreased dramatically! I was wondering if anyone knows if it is okay to skip the last week of Kariva in order to skip this month's period? I have never done this before and since Kariva has 2 different pills in the last week it makes me even more unsure! Please help!?

 
At 7:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I ended up on Mircette, now on Kariva, to help manage migraines. While I still have some migraines (in the process to find out what causes them) they are only once or so every other month, compared with 3-4 every month during the placebo week of previous pills.

Also please remember all of our bodies react differently to different pills. Which also contain different types of estrogen and progestin. Don't let it scare you that some one else has had a bad time with a specific pill, you might do just fine on it.

 
At 4:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been taking Kariva for about a year. It started out that my periods were for a week and now they start about the 4th day into my 4th row of pills and last anywhere from 3-7 days. I have one day of heavy clotting and bleeding. I have noticed that I have mild cramping off and on all month. I have migranes about every other month. To begin with they came when I took the placebo pills and now they tend to be the second week into the pills. I have also gained about 20-25 pounds on these pills and I know that some of that is the pill. As far as my libido, I can take or leave sex, although I do not seem to have a problem having an orgasim. I am going to Dr. soon and hope to find some answers. I have not found a wounder pill. The only pill that has not given me migranes made me sick to my stomach--literally.

 
At 5:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been on Kariva for over six months now and the only problems (if you want to call them that) that I have had are a little bit of spotting and some minor cramping.
I think this pill works great. My breats have increased in size (a nice perk, considering I have always been small chested), I have gained no weight (but I have always been underweight) and my sex drive is as great as ever!
All of our bodies our different, but it's worked great for me so I would recommend trying it and I hope you get the same great experience that I have had.

 
At 3:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello-
I've been on Kariva only for a month and i'm noticing tingling or like pins and needles feelings in my left leg. I wlasy read about the risk of blood clots...could this be related???

 
At 7:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i've been on kariva now for 3months and one week. i had minimal bleeding for my period 2 weeks ago and am worried. I came home from school and started to get sick and have had a bad headache. i guess i should take a pregnancy test?? please help

 
At 5:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ummm...19y.o. male here. My girlfriend's been on Kariva for six months or so, and frankly, I can't remember the last time I had sex. It was probably about...5 months ago. Did anyone else lose total interest in sex or experience a lot of dryness and irritablity in the vagina/surrounding skin?

 
At 6:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am starting KAriva this sunday and I just googled it to see how it works. I was on Yasmin for 1 year and apart from it being extremely expensive it made me gain weigh and more irritable. I am a little scared now that I have read all of this but I am still going to try it. After all, there are still those that like it and if it is out there in the market it must be good for some people. Hope it works for me!

 
At 9:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been taking Kariva for one year and have an appointment tomorrow to discuss other options. The week that I am off, I have a severe headache and backache. I had taken Mircette before, so I suggested it to my doctor, since the insurance company stopped covering the Ortho-Tricyclen-Lo I was previously taking. My job is very demanding and I travel frequently, so I just can't be feeling lousy one week out of every month.

 
At 12:17 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for about a month now and yea, I got a few migraines but I suffer from migraines and probably would have gotten them without it. Every woman responds differently because I used to be on THE PATCH and that was the WORST thing for me because knowing my body, it cannot handle the high dosage of estrogen. I had terrible migraines 5 out of 7 days, pains in my calves and on the whole right or left side of my body (depending on where the patch was), and depression. Kariva has been great, with the lower hormone levels so those of you girls who are on it and scared, wait it out and see what your body tells you. We are all different, remember?

 
At 12:26 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I used to be on the patch and my sex drive simply just packed up and left. I recently switched to Kariva and my sex drive is back (in full force, lol) and I'm losing weight (I gained 15 pounds with the patch...o yea, did I mention in 3 months??) and I feel great. I wish all of you who are on it well.

 
At 10:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the woman with the feelings of pins in her left leg, please get checked out for blood clots in your leg.I had blood clots to go to my lungs and collect in masses there. I almost died, the Dr.says I'm a miracle. I'm on blood thinners to keep them from moving to my heart.

 
At 6:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I went off of kariva at the end of my last pack last month..... i've been off of it for the past 4 weeks and i would be in the week i'm supposed to have my period/start the new pack.... ummm i still haven't gotten my period.... it is freaking me out, and i dont know whats going on.. I was told to start the new cycle after my next period.. but i still haven't gotten it yet.. what am i supposed to do... / what is going on?! please help.

 
At 2:04 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I must say I have been using Kariva for several months now and have found it very beneficial. I am a lifetime sufferer of migraine headaches, acne and having very painful overian cysts. Beyond that I had a history of prolonged periods (14 days +). Since I began Kariva I have had maybe 1 headache per month compared to a previous 5 or 6 per month, no cysts, normal periods without spotting and my acne is gone! I kow these aren't the typical symptoms nor body type for many women but for me Kariva worked wonders as well as providing a low dose pill to lessen normal side effects of birth control. No pill will have standard results for all women. But with all advice I could provide, I suggest starting out at the lowest dose pill possible and adjusting from there.

 
At 9:58 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am going on my 3rd week of using Kariva. It's been a couple of years since I've been on any kind of bc pill but the last one I was on that I remembered working ok was Mircette. At any rate, this is my 3rd week and I'm wondering whether it's worth it or not. I have not had any major/serious side effects but what I have noticed is:
mild stomach upset
mood changes, anxiety, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
decreased appetite
nausea
and major tiredness!

Should I wait and give it more of a chance, or is there some other alternative I should consider?

 
At 1:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am on my 5th month with Kariva. Originally I switched because of migraines. I still have migranes but possibly not as often.
In the beginning I had major moodswings and emotional outbursts. Now that I am used to the pills thankfully that is over.

My main concern right now is my labido. I could care less if I had sex and really don't want to even be touched sexually. I don't want to have to switch but this isn't the way I wanted to prevent pregnancy!

 
At 8:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for 5 months, (first time pill user) and have had varied body responses each month. Each person is different in the responses to the pill and their own bodies. I wonder if any one has considered their symptoms in accordance with PMDD. I think those that have REPEATEDLY said each person is different in their response it right onw target. For those of you waiting on the skies to part before you make a decision, DON'T. Know your own body and know yourself, if its not right for you, make a change.

 
At 12:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have just recently started Kariva and I've never used birth control before. I started the pill on the first day of my period and I'm still experiencing a bit of spotting over a week and half since my first pill. I'm also very nervous after reading all of these comments, especially the ones about not being able to get a period for long lengths of time after quitting the pill. Is my spotting something anyone else has experienced when first starting this pill? Also, it seems Mircette has worked better for a lot of women than the Kariva does... like I said, I'm a first timer trying to find a birth control that works with my body, any advice please?? Thank you!!

 
At 4:13 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

For the person trying to lose weight. I noticed that you said that you eat 200-230 calories every 2-3 hours/day. If you are up for 12 hours and only consume 200 per eating time, that is still 2400 calories. I know there is research that has been telling people that eating more often increases your metabolism, but at most maybe it is helping you burn 50 extra calories. You may be consuming more than you are burning even with exercise as surprising as that sounds. Try eating 3 low fat high fiber meals and a snack between each. Pay attention to calories in - that is the most important. Just think if you are up for 14 hours with 250 cal snacks thats 3500 calories in a day. It only takes an excess of 3250 cal to gain one pound. Keep track of your calories for 3 days and see if that helps. Marathonguide.com has a calorie counter that makes it easier. Good Luck!

 
At 11:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I got off Kariva in the fall of 2003 and I didn't have my period again for over two years after that. I just recently started having regular periods again a few months ago though now when I do my breasts become incredibly swollen (and somewhat painful) beforehand and I have really bad cramps once my period actually starts. I'm hoping my period will gradually become as mild as it was before when I was on Kariva, but at this point I still have irregular periods (sometimes starting up to a week or so late!) and the breast tenderness and cramping still persist. So I guess we'll see. I might try going back on Kariva if this continues...or perhaps switch to another brand.

 
At 12:14 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Guys,
i just came on here because i am very curious if anyone can help me, i have been on kariva for almost a year now and have not had any problems until the begining of last week. I started spotting into my third week of pills. It has never happened before and i have not been overly stressed.. has this happened to anyone?

 
At 2:18 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been using Kariva for about 3 weeks now. Since I've started I've had some headaches but I've been losing my hair really bad! I'm not sure if it's because of the pill or something else. Has anyone had a problem like this?

 
At 6:27 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I HAVE BEEN ON KARIVA FOR ALMOST 5 MOS NOW AND DEFINITELY CAN IDENTIFY WITH THOSE SIDE EFFECTS. HAVEN'T HAD A PERIOD SINCE I STARTED, AND TOOK SEVERAL PREG. TESTS TO MAKE SURE THAT I WASN'T PREG. I HAVE FREQUENT HEADACHES AND IRRITABILITY. ITS TRUE ABOUT SEX TOO...SOMETIMES I COULD CARE LESS. MY DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD GIVE MY BODY A CHANCE TO GET USED TO THE NEW PILL, BUT HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

 
At 1:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

okay I just started this pill I have not been on anything for about four years. I hope this doesn't sound stupid but I read some of the comments and I noticed a few people said something about sugar pills what exactly are suger pills

 
At 6:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for years, and stopped taking it for elective surgeries, and within days had a period start. Then when I go back on period goes back to normal, no complaints or bad side effects here.

 
At 4:38 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i started kariva about a month ago and i still have my period since i started taking it. I have on and off acne so i thought birth control would help my skin but it just seems the same.. i get horrible cramps and occasional head aches..anyone had this problem.?. when does the period go away?!

 
At 5:20 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was originally on Ortho-tricyclen and it was too high in hormones for me- it makes you grow big boobs (which I don't need), and it killed my libido like a lot of high hormone pills do. So I asked my gynecologist for the lowest hormone pill out there, and Mircette (now Kariva) was my option. I've been using it for years and my libido is as high as ever, and my periods are light and on time. I totally recommend this pill to normal, healthy girls (meaning no pre-existing hormone imbalances or health problems). Just be upfront with your gynecologist about any issues with the current hormone treatment you're on for birth control (if any) and if they're competent they'll have a better idea of what hormone mix will work best for you.

 
At 1:55 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just started my first month on Kariva, and so far I think it's great. Nothing has changed with my skin, my libido has increased, no headaches, and no cramps. I should be getting my period within the next couple of days, so we'll see how that goes.

 
At 11:56 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

I've been on Kariva for over one year and have had no side affects that I've seen mentioned in these posts.

No weight gain, no migraines, nothing.

My only concern is lately during my fourth week I only end up getting a little bit of blood on my toilet paper and none on my panties for one day.

I talked to my doctor about it (she's been on Kariva for a while with no problems) and she said it is normal.

I'm just hoping when I come off of Kariva that I can conceive.

 
At 2:10 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just started my first pack of Kariva yesterday. I am scared about taking it now after reading the reviews people are writing. I have used Mircette in the past and I have not had too many problems. You will gain weight no matter what BC pill you use. I definitely gained weight on Mircette. I will post back in a month and let everyone know how it is going ..

 
At 2:19 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just started Kariva two days ago. I have not been on bc for five years now. My husband and I have been trying to have a baby. Well I have endometriosis and so my Dr. told me that bc treats it. I haven't been treating for five years. All the other bc I was on before were awful, especially orthotricyclean.

There sure is alot of bad comments on here verses good. I just need to be reasured that this will not screw me up worse than what I already am.

 
At 10:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

my doctor wants me to go on karvia. but i get very very bad headache .i am also getting married i one year and do not want to gain weight .Can someone please help with with new pill .should i take iT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
At 3:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i just started kariva this month and i have had no problems so far. i have been on 3 different kinds of birth control before this and had numerous problems with them such as break through bleeding, migraines, the list goes on. also while on ortho tri cyclen i had an ovarian cyst that ruptured and i was hospitalized for 3 days. before kariva i was on balziva and it was horrible. i was having a 3 week long period with awful cramps, headaches, and weight gain. for all those who are concerned about kariva...you can rest at ease that it does work.

 
At 9:25 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Today I start my second pack of this pill, and I still haven't started my period. I'm not sure if it's because of the pill, or just the fact that I usually only start my period like 1-3 times a year. I've read some things about birthcontrol and it says that it's fine if you miss it your first time.

 
At 6:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Has anyone had significant weight gain on Kariva? I am thinking about calling my doc and maybe switching.

I am horrible at remembering to take it every day at the same time (although i've been getting better) and in march/april/may i had extremely LIGHT periods - like 1 day light - then during may-june i took every single pill the same time every day and had a horribly long one with bad cramps in june (normally i've been bad at missing the very last pill in my pack).

so i'm just wondering if anyone has had any issues like this?

 
At 11:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just stopped taking Kariva 5 weeks ago because I would like to get pregnant. I've yet to get my period again and am really frightened after reading some of these comments. It sounds like a lawsuit case if it is known that there is a possibility that from taking this pill, you could result in not ovulating for another two years after stopping it. I will be devestated if this pill is a cause of infertility for me for some length of time. Could someone please reassure me that this is not the norm and their were most likely other causes in those particular cases listed?

 
At 9:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am 18 years old, 5'4, weighing approximately 130 lbs. I am very athletic and dance everyday. I took Kariva for five months. During those five months, I experienced abnormal periods with heavy bleeding. Understanding that every birth control effects each body differently, I did not have successful results with Kariva. I gained nine lbs in that five months and found that to be very stressful since I had stayed at a stable weight for the past three years. Besides being depressed about gaining weight, I did not notice any fluctuation with my emotions. My libido had not changed as well. I am now on Kariva and have found very little problems. I am slowly losing the weight I had gained with Kariva.

 
At 2:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi.. i started kariva this month.. and i've noticed my breasts very very sore and uncomfortable i'm kind of scared because birth control is known to cause problems in that area is anyone else experiencing this? i'm @ the end of my period now so i might just stop taking it all together.. though i havent gotten a migrain all month and i am usually a frequent migrainer :P

 
At 1:30 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva since October of '06. I've had a few issues on this pill. Emotional issues - pms (which i've NEVER had before) - depression - exhaustion. and WEIGHT GAIN. My BIGGEST (no pun intended) problem is the weight gain. Started this pill in October '06 it's now July '07 and i'm up 27 pounds. Thing is I lost 60 pounds 3 years ago - maintained that. I continued to eat right and exercise and yet as soon as I went on this pill I started gaining weight. After 9 months I couldn't figure out what it was until I did some research on the 'net. Just went to my doc and next week I'm starting on yasmin.

 
At 12:13 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is definetly the best birth control pill out there. It completely eliminated my chronic migraine headaches, severe cramping, chest tenderness, and moodiness. Some people posted that they got migraines when they initially started Kariva. This happens to some people because BC pills are hormones being introduced to your body, and health practitioners tell you it will take up to 3ish months before your body is adjusted to the change in hormone levels. I did not get any migraines at all while on Kariva, not even at the beginning, but diff BC brands will work differently for everyone. For example, I could not tolerate Ortho Tricyclen Lo due to extremely debilitating migraines that wouldn't stop, even after 3 months, but Kariva is awesome!

 
At 7:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i would say kariva has been a good pill for me for the past 3 or 4 months...yeah i have gotten side affects like vomiting but i think its normal and your body has to get use to it like mines did n ive been getting a normal period ever since.but i would recommend this pill.

but i have one problem im not gain or losing weight and i want to gain some weight but idont know if i should change from kariva to another pill? please help and give me some advice....

 
At 11:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok, many of these comments are freaking other readers out. Kariva is not all bad. I have been taking it for several years now and I am completely healthy and my cycle is normal. I have not gained or lost weight. I have occasional migraines, but not any different than before being on the pill. I went off of Kariva for a few months about 3 years ago and got my period just fine the way I always had. NOTHING CHANGED. So, before you can jump to conclusions, you need to remember that medications work differently for everyone. Just because I am perfectly fine and have no side effects, doesn't mean you will have the same results. Just because some one else gets sick or gains weight or has headaches, does not mean you will have those same things! Talk to your doctor. That is what he/she is there for.

 
At 10:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I’ve been on Mircette for the last seven years and haven’t had any problems, but it was a little draining on my checking account, so my doctor suggested I switch to Kariva. I’ve only been on Kariva for a month now, but I seem more irritable… Has anyone had a similar experience? What’s the difference between Mircette to Kariva?

 
At 8:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I began taking this about 7 weeks ago. I am 42 & am taking it because I have extremely heavy bleeding the first 2 days of my period. My ankles have been swelling since I've been taking this & I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I also get terrible cramps in my feet and calves while I'm sleeping.

 
At 3:42 PM, Blogger ash2ss said...

I was on Mircette for about two years and loved it. The way I found out that Mircette was no longer available for me was when they sent me a pack of desogen in the mail. That was the worst thing I have ever taken. The hormones were way to high. I then switched to Kariva. I did experience times where I got my period when I wasn't suppose to. I then called and they told me that was normal for the first couple of months. I have been on it for almost a year now and it is regulating just fine, and I don't get migraines because of the pill. It is not that bad of pill at all. If you have questions I would recommending calling someone to help you out. I have noticed it is very important that you don't skip a pill because that will cause you to spot for a couple of days. Make sure you take it around the same time everyday! Thanks.

 
At 7:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ive been on Kariva for about 4 monthes now. Ive only missed one pill the whole time, and I took it the regular time the next day along with my pill for that day as well.(like the info. packet with the pills tells you to do) My concern is that I started spotting the next day and at first it was slow but its now been 9 days of "heavy spotting". My normal period for the last 6 years has been 4-6 days long, so I dont want to go rushing off to the doctor just yet. Has anyone experienced this before? I dont want to stop the pill too early and have to start all over with another brand, but I am anemic and its making me wonder if this is more dangerous for me than it seems?

 
At 4:47 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just experienced spotting after 3 months of using Kariva. I do not want to switch to stronger level of hormones if I do not have too. Should I just get off Kariva for three months and then just get back on it again? Is that dangerous to do?

 
At 1:40 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just started Kariva 3 weeks ago and am only using it to hopefully start my periods again. If this pill doesn't work, I have to look at other options. I have read about the side effects but has anyone ever experienced what feels like "braxton hicks contractions" while on this pill? It feels like my abdomen is tightening and then relaxing. Didn't know if this is normal or not.

 
At 3:23 PM, Blogger Natasha Ross said...

I have been on Kariva for about 3 years without any problems. I've lost weight (about 15 lbs) and gained some, but none that I can really blame on the pill, it's such a low dose. Even when I got my period it was so lite and only lasted about a week but I didn't get any of the really bad cramps I used to get. For probably the past two years I have taken the pill continuously and haven't had a period. In the beginning I got a lot of breakthrough simply because my body was adjusting, but now it's absolutely no big deal. I hated getting my period and now I don't have to deal with it! I do have to say that I did this on my own and when I told my Doctor she yelled at me and told me that I can do it a few months at a time but that I need to get a period at least a few times a year. I haven't yet though because I can't find any evidence that proves otherwise. This has even helped me get rid of my iron deficient anemia! I do get migraines, but it's a hereditary thing, I've gotten them on and off the pill throughout my life. No mood swings or anything (other than my general personality, but antidepressants help with that!). If you have any questions, let me know, but above all TALK TO YOUR DOCTORS!!! and if you feel like your doctor isn't listening to you, find another or get a second opinion!

 
At 4:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is my 6th month on Kariva and so far it has been great until the last 2 months. I would usually start my period on the thursday and stop on that Sunday but last month i started on a friday and did not end until the next wednesday. And right now i started my period a week early. Can anyone help? Im getting kinda scared. I always take my pill at the same time everyday I dont know what is wrong

 
At 12:19 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been taking kariva for 1 month now to regulate my period and I have been bleeding since I started taking this pill. I don't suffer with migranes like mentioned with others, but I did experience to different bad headaches and I don't get headaches. I am into the 4th day of the placebo and still bleeding heavy and cramping. My Doc says keep takin it and give it a chance to work. No...I will stop. I'm also very top heavy and have grown maybe two more cup sizes. Now I am going to get a breast reduction. Kariva may work for some people but not for me.

Well good luck other Kariva users

 
At 3:31 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would not recommend Kariva. I was on it for 5 months. I rarely have headaches but the Kariva gave me BAD headaches. I could barely get up. My OBGYN actually recommended I go to the ER. Turns out Kariva gave me a blood clot. The blood clot was so big they thought I had my tubes tied. Had to go to a Hemotologist. Ran all kinds of tests and found out it was the Kariva that caused all my problems. My OBGYN said they had all kinds of complaints about Kariva. Just curious to know why they would continue to prescribe it to other people knowing all the problems it was causing.

 
At 6:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi. I've been on Kariva for two months, this is my 4th week and i'm suppose to get my period, im still waiting. I m a first time user of birth control pills and started Kariva to regulate my period, which i missed 3 months before taking it. my first month i had tender/sore brests. no sex drive at all. my second month i'm experiancing very bad headachs, which is unusual to me, and i've gained 8 lbs already. I feel very weak this month and my mood is bad, i'm agry all the time. my doctor told me that i wont be able ot see side effect untill the 3rd month, but after reading the comments i realize that all these side effects are possibly from the pill. ooo, and i've been sexually actie only for a year, and had protected sex 99% of the time, and i was diagnozed with PID last week nd had a yeast infection. can this possibly be from the pill? any suggestions? shold i wait and see whats happening next or should i swich?

 
At 11:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just started a month ago. I switched from Trivora, due to frequent headaches. Well, I have not mad any headaches. But I have had cramping, gas, weight loss... it is bizarre. Anyone else experienced this in the first month? Is it normal??

 
At 12:39 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just want to point out to all the less than three month users, that the instructions clearly state that symptoms such as: sick to stomach, spotting or light bleeding is normal. However if symptoms continue after the third pack to talk to your doctor. Your body needs time to adjust and get use to the change. As for the other things after three packs you should really be asking the advice of you DOCTOR.

 
At 1:08 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been using Kariva for almost four years. I was first prescribed ortho tri cyclen lo and had horrible episodes of unbearable cramps, horrible mood swings, and longer periods. My doctor decided that my body did not respong well to the varying amounts of hormones in the drug, and prescribed Kariva which has a steady amount of hormones in each white pill.
Since then, I have been a totally different person. My periods last an average of 3 days and are always light and I experience very mild cramps, if at all. I would absolutely recommend this pill. But as with anything else, choosing a Pill absolutely depends on your body's response to it. I know many women who have had great experience with ortho tri cyclen, even though my body completely rejected it.
I found this site very helpful and informative! Thanks!

 
At 7:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just want to say thanks for everyone's input. I've been on Kariva for one month now. So far so good. Only thing I have noticed is my breast size increased slightly. Will report back in two months.

 
At 3:03 AM, Blogger Ashley said...

I have recently started taking Kariva [first time on the pill] to help with cramps and a heavy period. I just started my first placebo session today, and so far so good. haven't gotten my period yet but I didn't really expect to. Major breast tenderness and a little moodiness is all I have noticed thus far. Hope everything continues to go well :)

 
At 12:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I started on Mircette and was switched to Kariva about 3 years ago. I don't recall having any terrible change in period symptoms but i have no issues with this now except for the tempramental time that bleeding occurs from a missed pill. It literally seems like within an hour of missing the pill the cramps and bleeding kick in. However i don't see this as a bad thing. Kind of a reminder going off in my body. I plan on going off next August to have a child and hope there are no complications because of this. Everyone is different though...

 
At 5:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I started using Kariva this past August. I normally get migraines, so I was told this was to help with them. About the first week using Kariva, I felt terrible, migraines, irritabilty, emotional,lack of focus, but I was told to give it some time. Well needless to say, it only got worse. I am contemplating switching to Mirena, an IUD. Has anyone who suffers from migraines or a resistance to hormone fluctuations, ever tried this? I am nervous because my husband and I have not had a child yet and currently I just keep reading so many negative reactions, when my doctor is saying it would be the best option. Any suggestions

 
At 11:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey i jsut started kariva because i wanted to ger off of ortho evra. the patch. and im suppose to get my period already and i havent gotten it yet. this is still my first pack or month with kariva and so i dont know what i should be expecting with it. i mean im kinda scared cause i dont want a baby you know.

 
At 6:12 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm 15 and about to start Kariva for migraine and period problems. My doctor said that because my migraines are directly related to my period, Kariva is the best thing for it, but it would be bad for those people that get migraines regularly, and are not estrogen-related.

Just throwing that out there.

---^--@@@

 
At 4:30 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

heyyy yall! so my Gyno put me on Kariva to DECREASE my migranes. i haven't started the pill yet but i'm a little worried reading these comments... One of yall put that your doctor said that it would INCREASE your migranes...
So what does it do Decrease of Increase? AH!

ALSO YAZ SUCKS! That was the worst pill ever!

 
At 8:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just started Kariva this month! I have no complaints what so ever. BC pills work differently for everyone so if you are starting for the first time, do not be nervous. I have noticed that my skin has improved a bit but that is really it so far. I hope you have the same experience I am having!

 
At 11:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was on Mircette for three years and I have now been on Kariva for two and a half years. I noticed mild weight gain with Mircette, but drastic weight gain on Kariva. My breasts grew 1 1/2 cups up. I have noticed that my libido is low. I have not had migraines. My skin and mood have improved since beginning Mircette and these positive side effects have not changed with Kariva. Likewise, my period is very light and short on both pills. When I tried skipping my peroid for my wedding by going right on to the next pack and not taking placebos my blood pressure rose quite a bit and I had flutters in my chest. I ended up going to the hospital, but once I stopped taking the pills to have my peroid these things stopped.

 
At 4:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i've been on kariva for about 6 months now. i experienced horrible mood swings/cramps, etc before going on BC. kariva is the fourth type of pill that i've been on. i would say loestrin-24 was the best as far as controlling symptoms, but wasn't strong enough (spotted 6 out of the 8 months i was on it). i still experience cramps, but are easy to control. i have noticed some headaches, breast tenderness and increased anxiety or fatigue during the last week of the pack. overall i would say this has worked out for me. i think what i've experienced symptom wise is controllable.

 
At 5:40 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i've been on kariva for about 4 months now. i was originally on ortho and the hormones were way to high. i get my period within the third day of the placebo week. my periods are less painful and much lighter. i do get mild breast tenderness during the second week of the pills, but other than that it's been great. i'm really happy with this pill and am glad that i switched to it.

 
At 4:41 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey girls, I was on Kariva for 2 years, and have recently switched to Seasonique. (BAD IDEA!!!). Kariva is by far the best BC that I have ever taken, who doesn't want shorter periods. But anyway, just want to let everyone know...do not take Seasonique, I have gained almost 10 pounds in one month, and I have been the same weight since I was 15, and I am now 21. That pill was horrible, stick with Kariva!

 
At 6:08 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

My doctor prescribed Mircett but the pharmacy substituted it with Kariva (maybe they ran out?). It's my first time on BC as I've just become sexually active, and haven't started my first pack (waiting for my period to come next week); but after reading reviews about the negative side effects, I'm afraid to even start taking it. I can't afford to gain weight as I already need to lose about 20lbs, and am dieting and working out 3-4 times a week to achieve this; and am going to be a bridesmaid in Aug 2008. My mom said that when she was on oral BC, she lost weight; so did a close friend of mine. Has anyone lost weight on Kariva? Also, I'll be 34 in a few weeks, and someone wrote they did not get their period 1.5 - 2yrs after they had stopped taking BC; that scares me as I want to have kids if I get married in the next year. I know I should ask my doctor, but I want to hear from women who've been on Kariva. Please advise!

 
At 5:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been on this pill for four months and i switched from loestrogen 24 because it caused bad mood swings and emotional outbreaks. I never really had a problem with my period and it was always light, never any cramps. Kariva hasn't given me any cramps however over the past month i have taken a few pills late, up to 4 hours late and one even the next morning, and i've also had unprotected sex the week after my last period. Last night i took my first sugar pill (the green one..) what's the difference between the green and blue pills? and should i be worried that i didn't get my period over night, because i usually do. My breats have become more tender and increased in cup size. I'm not sure if the pill is doing this, or i should get a pregnancy test.. HELP.

 
At 3:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have read most of the comments on this page along with some other blogs. I must say, I've been on Kariva for 4 months now and it's been awesome! I have had no side effects and no problems. I used to take Seasonale and Ortho-Tri-Cyclen and those pills really messed me up (due to dosage). I had nausea that lasted for 2 months and caused a trip to the ER, my breast size GREATLY increased, I never had any periods, and I was very moody. I also had figured out why all that was happening (and this is advice for any one who had previously taken Depo-Provera)...I was originally on Depo for 3 years, and my dumb doctor put me on .35 dose of birth control pills(way too high for someone who just came off of Depo!!)...so...all of those side effects were just because my body was producing double the amount of estrogen...so, in conclusion, Kariva is the best pill for anyone who has just gotten off of Depo or who needs a low dose Pill. I recommend it to anyone.

 
At 12:09 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Im 18 5'8" about 120 lbs. and i recently started Kariva. I am about to start my second pack within the next two days. So far so good. I am vary happy with it. I had some moods swings when i first started taking the pill but thats what i expected. About eight months ago i recieved the Depo shot. Absolutely hated it. I had mood swings the whole time, irritable, depressed and so on. And I didnt have a period up until now. Even after the shot was supposed to end. Finally thanks to Kariva i got my period. Its a little more painful then what i can remember from the past but i am not worried. My body has been though a lot so i dont expect it to be completely normal yet. I do not recommend depo to anyone whos body is easily effected by different drugs, like myself. Its strong to begin with. I just wanted to put a good word out there for Kariva. I think its going to be good for me.

 
At 5:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

If I'm not mistaken, the difference between the green and blue pills is stated in the Patient Information Leaflet. The green pills are placebos, and the 5 blue pills have a low dosage of estrogen.

 
At 4:50 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am going to begin using Kariva. I'm reading some negative and positive responses from some users & I'm wondering if it's really worth the try or if I should try another pill?

 
At 9:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been on Kariva going on 3 years now. Haven't had any problems with it.

I was on Ortho Novum before the Kariva and the homores were to strong. I like the lower homorne dose better.

 
At 8:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for almost 10months.i used to have very very heavy Long(7-8 days) periods sence starting kariva my periods are way lighter and at 4-5 days long. I have ganed wight but not enough to be woried about i still fit into pants from before a started. I have had a random period once but that was after skiping the last week of my pills or the colored ones. I personaly have not had any trubles with this pill. I used to suffer from horable craps that kept me home from school but now i barly even notice them. I do have back pain right before i get my period but i have always had that.

 
At 9:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva since June (7 months) and just started having problems a few months ago. I have no sex drive. My boyfriend has to basically beg me and jokes that I don't like him anymore! And even when I am in the mood, it is very painful. Could that pain be from the BC? Is this happening to anyone else? Should I talk to my gyno about switching?

 
At 11:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

On the third week of the first pack, I started getting mild cramps. Then, on the 3rd last of the white pills, I started spotting and it lasted throughout the placebo week (green+blue pills). Then I got my period on the first week of the 2nd pack. I have no idea if this is normal, as this is the first time I'm on the pill (or any contraceptive for that matter, other than condoms). My follow-up doctor's appointment will only be in early April but I really want to find out if this is normal for anyone who's just started on the pill.

 
At 7:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

HI. I'm 20 years old, I have been on Kariva for a year now. I have PMDD and this pill has helped me so much with all my systems, I have managed to loss weight, but one thing that is getting worse for me is no sex drive what so ever. Ever since i have been on it, my boyfriend and I hardly have sex. It's gotten worse, I have no desire what so ever. Also, I have noticed my sleeping as gotten worse, very bad insomnia. My friend suggested YAZ. Does any one recommend YAZ? I go to the doctor in a few weeks, so I plan on talking to him.

 
At 9:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am 23yrs old 4'11 93lbs.
Due to my irregular period cycle, I was on Kariva for 2 month switching from Loestine24Fe. Somehow, this pill made everything worse. I had life-record heaviest period with rediculous cramps for 2 times, getting worse on the second time. crazy headaches, pain in the body nausia, and depression. I thought it was at least supposed to make the periods lighter!!! I never had such heavy period in my life! It got so bad that I started to have difficulties having normal life, therefore, I QUIT.

Does this ever happend to any one else!?

I talked to my doctor about my problems and she seems not taking this seriously. All she says is "well, it's not supposed to happen. keep taking it. It's good for you. prevents...blah blah blah*" That's great. Most doctors believes this is like a "miracle medicine" but it does not work for all people, and I happen to be the unlucky one.
........how can I possibly take this kind of things when it gives my life so much crap?
I'm just going to give my body a rest for now......

 
At 8:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on this pill for about 2 years and I did gain weight with it but its not to bad. My period lasts 7 full days and I have tried different brands like yaz but they gave me my period for the whole month!!!! So I will stick with this pill.

 
At 3:10 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, my doctor said it usually takes 3 months for our bodies to adjust to the hormones in the pill, especially if you're a first time starter like me. So it's not uncommon to experience prolonged spotting and light bleeding. I've been having that for almost 4 weeks now. She said not to worry, and that Kariva has the lowest dose of estrogen, which can cause spotting. She'll prescribe a different brand with a higher dose if I continue to spot on the 3rd week of the 3rd pack because it's not good to just stop taking the pills all of a sudden. I'm on the 2nd pack now, with 3 white pills left. Whatever side effects you have, you should discuss it with your doctor.

 
At 5:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have to say this is the first time I've used Kavira but so far I'm NOT liking it.. I started my period on Feb 6 at which time I started the Kavira as the dr said.. I'm now over two weeks into using it and had my period for 9 days, continued having ALOT OF old blood and then last night started in with another period.. Other than the bleeding, things are okay. I'm gonig to finish off this pack and try one more next month, if this continues I will be changing pills.. Bleeding for going on 2 1/2 weeks is not what I want!

 
At 2:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for about 5 months. For the most part I like it, I was also on Mircette a couple of years back. It does tend to lower your libido though. I am concerned right now b/c tomorrow is my last pill of the pack and I still have not started my period. Two preganancy tests were negative so I'm assuming I'm just stressed or with my recent workout routine, my body is adjusting. It DOES typically give you VERY short periods and I saw where someone said they were on inderal as well for migraines; I am too and the two go hand in hand. I'm also on Zoloft which works with inderal to get migraine headaches down. i hope this helps! And if anyone has advice as to why i might be missing my period, i would appreciate it!

 
At 8:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I started taking Kariva because i was bleeding for over a month.Some times i forget to take the pill at the same time but it doesnt affect me. i think this pill is great it shorten by period and i know when my period is coming..

 
At 8:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone have a problem with their sex drive while on Kariva!?

 
At 4:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for 4 years and I am happy with it. I switched because Ortho Tri was messing with my emotions. Kariva took a month or two for my body to adjust. I had an initial breakout and weight gain. My period was two weeks late. After that everything evened out and I have not had any problems. I also have migraines on occasion and have not found any changes since starting Kariva.

 
At 1:22 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for a few years now, and have never had problems. Until two months ago. My period has always been regular. I knew the exact day, almost the exact TIME that I would start. In January, I started my period two weeks early. I hadn't missed any pills, and my period lasted over two weeks. In February, I started my period a week and a half early and it lasted over a week. This month, I have started and abruptly stopped my period about four times. I have begun to experience cramping, and moodiness which is unusual for me during my period. I also am experiencing acne, and that has never been a problem for me. I am making an appointment soon to have my birth control switched.

 
At 8:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was perscribed Kariva back in 2002. I took it roughly the sametime everyday (morning upon waking up) and NEVER missed a pill. I still became pregnant in January 2004...don't know if it's cause the pill loses effectiveness overtime or if I'm just the lucky 1% who gets preggers anyways (not that i regret my daughter! :) )....also, I did experience a significant decrease in my libido when taking Kariva, noticable to not only me but my spouse....serious bummer hah

 
At 10:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi all,
IVE BEEN ON KARIVA FOR 5 MONTHS NOW.. THE FIRST MONTH I WAS ON IT I HAD MY PERIOD FOR 3 WEEKS.. IT JUST WOULDNT STOP, PROGRESSIVELY IT GOT BETTER, YET STILL NOT REGULAR WITH THE PLASIBO PILLS. NO SEMMING SIDE EFFECTS IN THE BEGINNING, BUT THIS LAST MONTH WHICH IS MY 5 ON THE PILL, IVE ONLY HAD ONE WEEK NO BLEEDING, IM NAUSIOUS, HEADACHE-Y AND CANT EAT, EXTREMELY TIRED, VERY EMOIYIONAL. IM GOING TO MY DOCTOR SOON AFTER READING ALL YOUR COMMENTS I WANT TO GO OFF THIS DEVIL PILL

 
At 4:17 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It seems to me that everyone has really different reactions to this pill... I've been taking Kariva for a little over a year now and the only problem that I've had with it is headaches every once in a while and some minor cramping. Other than that its been wonderful... I start my period on the third day of placebos without fail and I don't have any problems with mood swings or any of that mess. I would suggest to all of those just starting with Kariva to give it at least 3 months to get the kinks worked out before you switch to something else!

 
At 5:10 PM, Blogger ema said...

Lisa has left a new comment on your post "Kariva":

I have been on Kariva since last September, and while I was VERY moody for the first month or so (but I had also just come off a serious health scare on top of moving, so I can't say how much the pill had to do with that), I haven't had any of these terrible side effects being mentioned here. I have not gained weight, have not had terrible headaches, no decrease in libido (quite the opposite, actually!). Pretty happy with it overall; of course if I notice anything awry I'll speak to my doc.

[Ed.Note: Lisa, sorry; I rejected your comment by mistake so I'm reposting it.]

 
At 3:39 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hola! I've been on Kariva for a little over 5 years and was on mircette for a little over a year beroe that. I stopped my pills a week ago and still haven't had a period, but I'm not worried! Anyways I just wanted to let you ladies know that I've had great luck with this pill and liked how my body reacted to it. I used it to have a period 4 times a year instead of every month (doctor's ok of course). Just remember that just because it worked for me doesn't mean it'll work for you. SO give it a couple of months for your body to adjust to the pill if you still have problems go to you doctor.

 
At 2:55 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

While on Kariva I experienced a large increase of vaginal discharge, EXTREME mood swings, lack or non-existant sex drive, and I gained weight. To say the least I was not too happy with this pill. I will be researching the best possible pill for me because this one obviously was not it and I encourage anyone considering this pill to do the same.

 
At 7:58 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, I just started taking Kariva today, so I can't really say how it will affect me. I can only hope that it does better than Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, which I just stopped taking. I actually had to stop taking it in the middle of a month because of how negatively it was affecting me. My gyno kept encouraging me to take it for six months and assured me that the symptoms would improve, but I took it for four months, and was having manic-depressive type episodes, and it just wasn't worth it anymore. I almost ruined my relationships with my family and boyfriend because I could not control my emotions. I would become excessively angry, sad, or excited. I also became sobby and weepy, which just isnt' me. When I found out that Ortho tri-cyclen lo gives you increasing doses of hormones each week, I was stumped as to why my gyno put me on it in the first place. Now I'm hoping that the regular hormone doses of Kariva will help me stay myself and, of course, keep me from getting pregnant. But I can say that I would not recommend Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. It made me moody and unbearable, not to mention my skin didn't improve at all and my periods were still irregular.

 
At 3:59 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

does anybody know if the placebo pills are different with kariva or not, like because there are only two completely placebo pills and the other have a small dose of hormones....can you just skip the placebo week like on other pills (i never take them bc i simply don't need to take them in order to remember during the 3 "on" weeks) or do you actually have to take the 5 blue pills during your period week? thanks!

 
At 1:26 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi ladies, wow as always there are a lot of different methods out there and they affect everyone differently.

However the majority I've read about Kariva/mircette has been pretty positive.

I was taking Mircette for close to two years and had no issues, no weight, no crazy mood swings, light short periods, plenty of sex drive.

Then I started a job with a prescription plan that would only fill the generic form, Kariva, but by that time Mircette had been stopped anyway. For the most part there was no difference. My periods were the same, light and short and i had no issue with cramps or headaches. Beautiful! I even think I may have lost some weight (I know, unbelievable).

However, and this could have been due to my boyfriend and the ending of our rocky relationship, but I started having mood swings, depression and very low to no libido. Not even my own pleasure from masturbating.

Years ago I had tried the patch (which swelled me up like a balloon) and the ring (uncomfortable!) so I just went off birth control entirely. After 3 months of improved libido (yes I broke up with my boyfriend) and the sporradic zit I decided to try orthotricyclen Lo. I've been on it for 2 months and while my weight has only increased a little the shape of my body has changed drastically. I have a lot more weight around my stomach and thighs and I hate the way i look.

I'm either going back to Kariva or I may try a IUD since I forget to take pills at times.

Any advice between an IUD and Kariva?

 
At 1:33 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was on Mircette for 2 years and loved it. Then I started a job with a precription plan that would only fill generic prescriptions so I went on Kariva for mebbe 6 months.

Still no issue, no weight gain (think I actually lost some), no headaches or cramps, light short periods. The only thing, and this could be attributed to my rocky, ending relationship with the then-current boyfriend, was mood swings meaning depression and a very low to no libido.

Has anyone else experience a low libido on Kariva?

I eventually went off for 3 months and am now into my 2nd month of Orthotricyclen Lo. My weight has only gone up a little but my body shape has drastically changed. I have more weight around my waist and thighs and I hate the way I look.

I've previously tried the patch (huge weight gain) and the ring (uncomfortable) and in highschool was on Esterostep and lost my periods entirely.

I'm either going back to Kariva or getting an IUD since I can forget pills at times.

Any advice between Kariva and an IUD?

 
At 2:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been using Kariva for 3 almost 4 years. I started when I was in 7th grade because I only have 1 ovary, and needed a birth control pill so I will be able to have kids when I get older. Also that my period was really heavy. Well it has helped with that 2 problems. But is has made my life horrible. I have the worst moodswings ever! It has taken over my life so bad that it has made me hurt (mentally) the guy I love. I have been trying to figure out why my back hurt so much too, well after reading some of these comments I realize my back pain started in 7th grade and it is probably because of Kariva. I have started to get way bad carmps that I fall on the floor and can't get up for a hour. I also think this birth control has also gave me asthma which I got in 7th grade also. I am going to go the doctor and going to be perscribed a new birth control.

 
At 2:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been on Kariva for 5 months and have experienced major breast tenderness and swolleness all month not just during my period. I'm not as into sex anymore and when we do have sex, it hurts. Usually we can only have sex once a week because the pain is that bad. None of this started until I started Kariva. I've been tested for every STD under the sun. Next month I'm going and getting my bc changed. Any reccomendations?

 
At 5:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've used Mircette (then switched to Kariva) for quite some time and I've never had any problems. It greatly helped my acne and I hardly have any cramping! I love it!

 
At 3:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am almost finished with my first pack of Kariva. I am on the blue pills now and I think that I'm finally starting my period. Everytime I use the bathroom and wipe I get this brownish color. But that's the color I normally see when my period is ending. Does this mean that I am spotting? The last time I got my period was June 16th and it's July 21st. I thought that I might be pregnant again b/c I am extremely fertile. Has anyone else had the same experience with the brownish color blood?

 
At 2:17 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am 19 yrs old.. I started birth control pills about four months ago.. I started on LestrinFe, and i gained alot of weight, and i switched to ORTHO TRICylene Lo, and i cramped alot,seemed like i was cramping in my back. My period lasted longer than the Lestrin, and i had a headache alot! And now i switched to the Kariva.. i hope this works..

 
At 4:33 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kariva is great for shorter, lighter periods and avoiding pregnancy. I haven't experienced any migraines (besides the first month), muscle spasms, or change in libido. I have, however, started having serious mood swings. I hit every emotion at least once a day. Today, for example, I was happy, then pissed, then bawling, then happy again. This is not the first time that this has happened, either. As beneficial as this pill has been for me in some aspects, this craziness has made me decide to switch pills. I just can't take this feeling anymore. It's ridiculous.

 
At 5:16 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

After reading these comments, I am SO relieved.

I have experienced weight gain, headaches, tiredness, NO libido whatsoever, sleep problems and depression since I started taking Kariva four months ago.

I thought that I was really going down the tubes mentally and physically and to read that there is a possibility that it is all related to this stupid pill I am taking voluntarily is such a relief.

I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow.

 
At 10:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I started on Kariva about 5 months ago. I have forgotten to take my pill a couple of times and my period starts AS SOON AS i miss a single day. That doesn't really bother me ,other than the fact that, despite. me continuing normally with the dosage I have a period that lasts..WEEKS.

Also, does anyone know the side effects it has on photosensitivity? I tan and have never had problems before. Now, I itch so badly after being out in the natural sun or in a tanning bed.

Should I switch?

 
At 2:41 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just started this pill on July 31st, which was pretty much 2 weeks after my period started. That probably wasn't the best choice, but I wanted to get it started. So far, I have no complaints. I noticed I started getting that brownish discharge yetserday (when I still had 3-4 active pills to take before starting the placebo pills). I'm hoping that's just the "breakthrough" spotting they talk about. I've had a few headaches, but nothing too bad. I'll let ya'll know in a couple of months!

 
At 3:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

After having a horrible experience on Yasmin, I waited 8 months and then started Kariva.

The first month on Kariva was *horrible* - I bled nonstop and was very moody, hypersensitive, and easily flustered.

The 2nd month things seemed to level out.

Now, on the 3rd month, I have noticed that I have been EXHAUSTED (like hard to get out of bed, or causing me to sleep 13 hours tired) and also really really sad...which is unlike me.

I think this will be my last month on this pill...It just doesn't seem worth it.

 
At 4:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

O! Another weird side effect from the pill I had the first month (2nd week) was that I would get this random sensation in my leg that felt as if someone was pouring warm water on me. It would come and go really quickly. It eventually stopped after 10 days -- but it was strange!

 
At 8:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on ortho tri cyclen and velivet for the past year. They have given me horrible mood swings. Now im on my last 2 days of velivet and i still havent gotten my period. I am on antibiotics for an infection, hopefully that is the cause of not getting my period. I am starting kariva in 3 days. I am nervous about it because i read what everyone read and there has been good and bad comments. I hope i dont have migranes and get a normal period. Hopefully this is my wonder pill!

 
At 3:09 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi...i just started Kariva a week ago on the first day of my period. Usually off the pill I only have a 5 day period. So far, my period is still going. Does anyone know if this will eventually stop?

 
At 4:23 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am 20 years old and am currently finishing up my fourth month on Kariva. Previously I have tried loestrin (caused hair thinning) and yaz. First: DO NOT TAKE YAZ. It caused mood swings an suicidal thoughts in me, who is normally a very upbeat person (many online forums discuss yaz'z effect on the mind). Second: aside from increasing my cup size from 34 a to d in 4 months, I have no qualms about Kariva. My breasts are colored with stretch marks, but as a woman with pcos I am just happy to have my period back after 2 years. Not only that, but it's extremely regular :D

 
At 9:31 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi all, Mine is at the bottom so doubtful if anyone will read this far, but I will go ahead. I was on Kariva for years and only after the first two months did I have one instance of spotting. I did not have weight gain nor headaches. The low libido is not due to Kariva it is all birth control pills with estrogen. I did tons of research on this and there is no real pill solution to this unless you want progesteron only pills which have their own issues. As for me I have mood swings without a pill and low libido with a pill, so my gyno suggested no pill, condoms instead with prozac just on those days before the period. Just a thought. Good luck all.

 
At 12:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on kariva for four months. At first i thought i was just having trouble adjusting to a new pill. Now that I've started the third week of my unscheduled period for this month, I know something is up. I am now waiting for my obgyn to return my phone call to switch to another pill. Good luck, ladies!

 
At 7:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for over a year and had great success! No migrains or weight gain. My periods are usually cramp free and very short. I usually start on the 3rd or 4th pill of the 4th week. And usually I only have my period every other month. Please note, these are not "sugar pills" as many people are calling them. There are only 2 placebo pills in this pack and they are the first 2 pills of the 4th week. The other pills in that week do have hormones but they are lower than the first 3 weeks. If some of you are not taking these pills because you think they are just "sugar pills" or placebos that could be part of your problem. You do have to take all of the pills. Also keep in mind though everyone's body is different and reacts differently to hormones. Unfortunately we won't all have the same reactions. And you do have to give it a couple months to really kick in - unless you are having horrible reactions - stick with it. Good luck!

 
At 9:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I really like this pill. Before it I tried Loestrin 24 and it made me horribly depressed so the doctor switched me to this one. I've been horrible emotionally with this one too so I think that it's just me and I've been on it for a couple of months. Apart from the horrible moods, excessive crying and sadness everything is going well. I guess I'm just going to have to get anti depressive pills because I don't know what to do anymore. I heard Yaz is horrible so I won't try that just for my emotions.

Anybody else having problems with sadness and crying? I think I may have PMDD

 
At 10:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was on Kariva for about a year and started getting miagraines and nose bleeds frequently so my gnyo. took me off of Kariva. It's been a month and YET to start my period and have breast tenderness. I really just want to get back on the pill so my period will be more normal? Does anyone know if you can start taking BC again even if i skipped a period this month? Thanks.

 
At 5:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for one year now. It's the first form of birth control I've tried. I was getting infection after infection between the 5th and 9th months, and i was worried the pill was messing up my pH or something down there, I also suffered from vaginismus for many months but i'm pretty sure that is unrelated. Anyway, my libido dropped a lot during those months but I think i may finally have it back. My cramps are not nearly as bad as they were before I went on Kariva. My past three periods, however, have been irregular, and it worries me, first it was really light, now I have three days of really heavy period, when I used to have a five-day period that was moderate.

 
At 9:55 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the girl who said she started kariva a week ago when her period started and is still having a period - I am in the same position. I don't know if this is normal since this is my first experience with BC but just letting you know I'm going through the same thing.

 
At 6:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was on Kariva for 13 years and stopped them 4 months ago because we're trying to have a family. In 13 years I had absolutely NO problems with Kariva. On 2 occasions, in the early years, I tried other pills and felt very sick and irritable. Also, under OBGYN recommendation.....with Kariva I also had no problem "skipping periods"...I would skip the last week of pills and start directly into a new pack, thus I would not have a period that month. I did ths regularly for at least 4 years. I started my period the month after stopping the pill with no problem. I would definitely recommend this to others

 
At 6:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, I have read all of the comments here and I want to say that I've been on Kariva for 1 month so far. I asked my doctor about weight gain with this pill and she reminded me that BC pills do not cause weight gain, but may cause increased appetite. It is up to me what I eat and how much weight I put on. But in the beginning, I watched for bloating as well and didn't experience any. I also am on a low carb, low sugar, no caffeine diet, which really helps to keep bloating at bay. I've not noticed any lowered libido, any difference with cramping while PMSing. The main thing I did notice, however, is the fact that I didn't want to kill anybody during PMS where normally, I was very tense and irritable. It does take a bit of time for your body to adjust to any level change in hormones, my face did break out for the first week, but that was no big deal. I would say to try this pill for at least a couple months before you give it the heave ho. It's a good generic with far less side effects so far than with others I've tried: Ortho-Novum, Orth-tricyclen...Keep in mind also that women who have bad experiences are far more likely to report their findings here than women who had no problems with Kariva. Your experiences with it will probably be different as you are an individual with a different chemical makeup. Just give it a try! if you feel something is amiss, then don't hesitate to switch. I hope this helped someone feel less nervous! :)

 
At 7:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I unfortunately missed a pill last Thursday (as in 10 days ago) by about 6-7 hours later than I normally take it. I took it as soon as I remembered and then my normal one that night. I've been spotting/"brown bleeding" ever since! GGGRRR!!! I talked to my GYN about it and she said that it would only take a few days! WTH! I'm almost half tempted to skip the placebo week and go straight to the next pack just so I can get rid of this spotting stuff. Also, does anyone experience spotting when they skip the placebos and go straight to the next pack after the 3rd week of active pills? I want to try it and see. I'm getting married in June and want to skip that lovely friend from visiting during my honeymoon!

 
At 8:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i'm 44 years old and need hormones to control my moods and my cramping. I do not need it for other reasons. I'm prescribe this pill to follow my removal of the mirena IUD.
I am concern about side effects. Could anyone recommend it for needs similar to mine?
did you get brown spot on your skin? Is any one taking it continuously skipping the last reminder week ang going directly to the nxt tablet to avoid periods?
In 2 months I will be going in hight altitude for 10 days, could it affect me?
Thanks for any input you have to share....
RB

 
At 10:29 PM, Blogger N said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

 
At 9:29 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm on my third week of Kariva, and so far I haven't had any troubles. Remember, everyone is going to react differently!

 
At 8:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

First, as several people have said: PEOPLE WILL REACT DIFFERENTLY TO BIRTH CONTROL PILLS.

This is my first month on Kariva, so I don't have a lot of experience, but I started taking it because of severe, dibilitaing cramps and pretty heavy bleeding. I'm on the blue pills, and I started my period the first blue pill. Today's my second day, the usual "horror" day, and I am SO great. I just have the "ick" feeling, but I am not screaming on the floor in pain, so I am quite happy. My bleeding doesn't get superheavy until third and fourth days, so I'll see the results of that later. My periods are also pretty long (sometimes 8 days), so hopefully this will keep them regular. My breasts have gotten bigger, but I'm really small, so it's really nice for me! :]

Moral of the story: Everyone's gonna have a different reaction. Try it out, and if it doesn't work, switch.

 
At 7:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was just wondering what the interactions are of taking cough medicine and kariva are. I had a bad cough pretty much all week, and noticed that i started spotting a good week ahead of time! Are there any interactions or is just because I'm sick and my body recognizes the stress of being sick?

 
At 6:17 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

HEY, IVE BEEN ON KARIVA ALMOST A MONTH NOW. SO FAR OK. JUS WAITING TO SEE HOW MY PERIOD WILL TURNOUT. EVERY PERSONS BODY IS DIFFERENT SO IT ALL DEPENDS. AS FOR AS SEXDRIVE...ITS GREAT. IT HAS INCREASED DRASTICALLY! MY FIANCE LOVES IT AND ME TOO.

 
At 11:01 PM, Blogger Kacie said...

Kariva is the only pill I have ever taken. I've been on it for approximately 6 years with no problems what so ever. Really, I noticed no changes in my body with the exception of a very predictable and short period (yay!)I was very lucky that the first thing I tried worked well for my body.

 
At 9:28 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

To reassure people, I've been on Kariva nearly a year and a half. In the last two years I've dropped almost 50 pounds, yay! So I can't say weight gain was ever a problem. As to being fertile when going off of the pill, I missed my last week of pill, the ones that are supposed to be placebo/low dose, and that was all it took, even though I started the next month right up.

Migraines I get occasionally, but they are nearly always environment related and have not changed since I've been on the pill.

I've missed a day or two at a time of the regular pills and never had a problem, I think it was just bad timing when I missed that last week of them.

Best wishes to all!!

 
At 7:02 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was on kariva a few years ago for 2 years and stopped taking it because as I called it, "there was no flo to Aunt Flo" it was just a day or two of painful chunkiness. After getting pregnant with my 3rd child I decided to get in IUD which caused more problems, and i have chosen to go back on Kariva, it kept me from getting pregnant, and eventually I will only have 3 day periods, it was better then what I went through with the IUD and getting pregnant. At least I know what to look for. And I also realized the last time, when I came off of it, that it had lowererd my labido, instantaneously after coming off it, my labido returned to its normal self.... reason I now have a 3rd child!

 
At 4:09 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I started taking Kariva about two weeks ago. I took my first pill at night before bed, and I woke up the following morning feeling very sick; I vomited four times. There was no reason for this sudden sickness which lasted only four hours, so I immediately assumed this pill had made me sick (I was a skeptic about it anyway because I had read such terrible things about it). I called my doctor and told her what had happened, and she told me to give it a little more time. She called in a prescription for Zofran for the nausea. I was to take that one hour before taking my Kariva at night. I did this for about a week and a half and there was no more nausea. I have now stopped taking the Zofran, and it's been several days - still no nausea. It just took a little time for my body to adjust. I think the adjustment time varies for everyone. I do have very mild acne; I am hoping that this pill will help with that as well. However, my skin has not yet cleared up, but that may take a little time. I just wanted to put a positive review out here for all the folks who may be freaking out like I was about this.

 
At 9:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is the second month I have taken Kariva and I haven't noticed any problems yet. I was on Yaz for about a year and had a lot of problems from that and that's why I made the switch. I always felt sick and I'm not sure if it was from that but I had anxiety and kept having panic attacks and couldnt figure out why. On top of that I started getting my period twice a month with unbearable cramps. I haven't had those problems since I started Kariva (knock on wood). I saw that a lot of people were talking about a lower sex drive and I haven't had that problem, in fact, it has been the exact opposite for me(no problems there). :) Has anyone expierenced anxiety on this or any other pills? The gyno thought I was crazy for saying that I have.

 
At 11:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I had anxiety attacks while on Mircette. The gyno thought I was nuts too.

Stopped the pill -- the attacks stopped.

The thing about anxiety though is recognizing it is half the battle. This time if it happens I'll know it's the pill and be able to talk myself down.

Here's hoping they don't start again, and a little bit of support for your point.

 
At 5:59 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey everyone. I started Kariva today. I was really nervous as I started reading these comments last night. But i figured I'd go for it anyway. I had massive problems with other BC which is y I started this one. I was on Yasmin (now called Yaz) first...1 month of that was all I needed to get off. I was an emotional wreck, and sex HURT and I was soo dry. I had little to no libido. Next was Orto Lo. I was a total B**CH on that. Also had the libido problem,and gained a lot of weight, was on that one for the full 3 months. I dont rememner if there was a pill in between but then I started Nuva ring, that was good for a while I was on it for about 2 years. But unfortunately within the last 6 months of it I started having the libido problem again :( I was on Loestrin 24 for 3 months, it was GREAT the first month, besides some spotting, my libido was back to where it was before I started any BC, but after I got my period and started the 2nd pack it was again, gone! So i just ended those and started the kariva today, I hope i'm one of the people that had Increased libido, and weight LOSS that would be amazing. I have been trying to lose weight and it's been difficult. O well I will post back in a month and let u know how my first month went!

 
At 9:02 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

I've just started on B/C for the first time - my GYN gave me a month's sample of Mircette, and then a prescription for Kariva for after that.

I'm wondering how many of you have made that switch - from Mircette to Kariva right away. I know people say that it takes about 3 months for your body to get itself used to a new B/C... any opinions on whether I'll be completely starting over when I begin the Kariva next month? If I'd known I might have skipped the free sample and gone right to the prescription!

Anyway, I'm on my 6th day with the Mircette and having no side effects so far - except that my period is still going on, but I normally run 5 days (pretty exactly!) so we'll see how much longer that goes!

Anyway just wanted to add another positive review here since there are so many horror stories! Everything's good so far...

 
At 10:51 PM, Blogger ema said...

Jillian,

Mircette and Kariva contain the same amount/type of hormones: 0.02 mg EE/0.15 mg D for 21 days, then 2 days of placebo, followed by 5 days of 0.01 mg EE.

 
At 8:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was on Kariva for a few years. I loved it. I gained a few pounds but not much, my period was lighter, if it even came at all (some months just a little cramping and spotting but GYN said this can happen with Kariva). I just went off because I want to get my normal cycle back. We will be trying to conceive soon. If anyone on here has gone off of it after a few years, how long did it take you to get your normal cycle back? Also the other thing with Kariva was that I have had NO libido, I have hardly wanted to do anything with my husband, so reading that others have had the same problem and then had libido back after going off the pill makes me feel better!

 
At 5:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Girls,

This is a bit off topic. I just started Kariva 28 day regimen pills today (Saturday). I know that you should either start first day of your period which was last Thursday or the Sunday after.. but I started today - a Saturday! I am still on my period and have been reading on the internet if a Sunday start is the only choice in case you forget to start on the day you got your period...

In other words: Will the pills still be effective with a Saturday start regime instead of the Sunday after that everyone recommends?? Please let me know - Am I still protected?
Thanks

 
At 12:27 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I took kariva for 1 month. My periods were regular every 28 days like clockwork, until I switched from orthotricyclen to kariva. I switched due to bad headaches. I took it for exactly 1 month. I missed my period so I didnt start back on any pill - I figured I'd let my body get back on track itself. It has been nearly 4 months and still....no period. I am not pregnant. I wouldn't recommend this pill.

 
At 12:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi, I just started using Kariva last week and despite of reading what you guys have wrote Im still a bit confused on how it works. My major question is, What is the difference between the white, green and blue pill. Please explain if anyone knows.

 
At 12:38 AM, Blogger ema said...

Anon @ 12:03 AM,

White (21): active pills with a combination of 2 hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. [0.02 mg EE/0.15 mg D]

Green (2): inert (placebo) pills with no hormones.

Blue (5): active pills with only one hormone, an estrogen. [0.01 mg EE]

 
At 9:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

All I can say to everyone with problems or concerns- talk to your doctor. They are the only ones who really can help you since they know your body and what is normal/not normal. While opinions are good, a doctor's word is best.

Just because someone has has a bad time on one medication doesn't mean you will and visa versa!

 
At 11:25 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow! Way to give things a chance people. You can't try something that takes months to regulate and decide after a week to stop taking it because you're spotting or something. That's ridiculous. Don't make such rash decisions about things that take time.

I've been on Kariva for about 6 months. I've had no problems. It took about a month or 2 for my period to regulate. It just changed again this month (I just started a day later than usual and it was shorter!). Nothing to complaint about.

I used to get menstrual migraines occasionally. I've had 1 or 2 migraines since then, but they were NOT menstrual migraines. They were just plain old regular migraines.

I've probably gained some weight, but nothing too crazy and I haven't been working out or eating healthy. I'm sure once I start exercising again my weight will drop back down to what it was before (only about 5 or 10 lbs at most!).

 
At 2:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

If your going to trash a b/c pill, i would trash Ortho Tri cyclen. I've gotten pregnant while on that pill. I've gained weight on it.. My acne was horrible on it & i was very moody. That's one horrible pill to be on. 2 years after having my son, i started Kariva recently and haven't had no problems on it. This is my 1st pack and i love it. I've lost weight, my skin is very clear & soft, and im less moody now that im on a different pill. Hope you all think different about starting Ortho tri cyclen.

 
At 5:37 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for the past five years. I just went off of it because I was tired of taking pills. The side effects I experienced from Kariva were increase in breast size, weight loss, clear skin, no cramps, light cycle, and increased libido!.. it has been the best pill I have tried. I've taken Ortho Tri Cyclen and it is the WORST.. I gained twenty pounds because it made me feel like I was always hungry and I felt CRAZY. As soon as I went off of it, I lost weigh immediately and felt normal. My sister and my friend both took it and turned into psychos too. I asked my doctor about it and apparently people go through severe mood swings because certain pills, like Ortho, actually RETAIN WATER ON THE BRAIN! It's FDA approved because it's a small amount, but that is why people on Ortho seem nutso! Also, my doc said that I might not get my period for a few months after going off of Kariva, but I got it almost exactly on time and it was regular. No problems whatsoever. My skin is starting to break out a little bit now though and my sex drive has decreased. I wonder why i got off of it!

 
At 1:58 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Honestly, I've taken Kariva for three months and I've been great. No weight gain, no migraines, spotting. I haven't incurred any symptoms.

It improved my skin, migraines, cramps (I used to be crying on the floor, they were so terrible). My libido has dramatically increased.

Please, you people need to take into account your age, weight, activity level, before knocking this pill. Considering these types of pills take at least three months to regulate. People react differently. I can infer from these comments that there are middle-aged women taking these pills, perhaps women in their premenopausal stages. You will be having some bodily changes that most likely have very little to do with your BC pill.

Oh, and YES, you should be taking the blue pills [5 days of one hormone ingredient]. They are not just sugar pills; they have hormones to keep you protected if you get your next pack late; if you skip them, you are at risk for pregnancy.

 
At 3:12 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was on Kariva for 5 months. Initially I noticed some rather sudden weight loss, but attributed that to being active. But later I noticed I could eat an unbelievable amount compared with not so long ago, and not gain an ounce. The last 2 months on the pill I had recurring severe foot and lower leg cramps. Totally debilitating. I talked to my doctor and he prescibed more calcium and vitamin D. I told him I suspected it was the pill, but he dismissed my theory. Finally, fearing something was really amiss, I chose to quit taking the Kariva. It has been 2 months now.
Sad to say, but for the first 2 weeks I gained nearly a pound a day. Very frightening. I leveled out now, but am not so thrilled. The cramping in my feet and legs is totally gone. Oh, and I too had the pins and needles (tingling) happen off and on in my legs and arms. That too has gone away. There obviously were some good things and bad in my experience. But I'm glad I went off it. I'm wondering if it is because it is a generic and not the real deal that there are more issues with this particular pill. I read somewhere recently that generic meds are not as strictly regulated by the FDA and can have more flucuations in the time release and proper amounts of the active ingredients. Not sure what to believe. But I know if I ever try a pill again, it will be name brand and not a generic.

 
At 9:56 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I posted yesterday and after reading other comments would like to add to this. I too developed severe vaginal dryness. If that doesn't cause one to lose their sex drive I don't know what would. I've been off the pill for 2 months now and it still has not returned....waiting hopefully.
I haven't read much on these symptoms, but I also had them and they too have gone away now that I stopped taking Kariva.
1. High BP
2. Severe depression. Happened only one day a month on the 4th week during the 2 blue pill phase. I'm not talking sad..I'm talking suicidal. I talked to my doctor and he thought it sounded like post partum depression. Odd that is all I think. Just one day a month, but insane to say the least.
3. Facial fuzz. Okay, laugh with me, but I'm not talking about the upper lip hairs we can get. I mean white, soft fuzz on my cheeks and neckline. Luckily it grows no more. Anyone else have these troubles on Kariva?

 
At 6:02 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on it for about 8 mon and so far it has not done anything great for me other than what i got it for. I have felt sick on it and i get more migraines. I am about to get on topamax but the bc has caused weight gain and I am thinking about switching.!

 
At 1:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is currently the year 2009, and I have been taking Mircette continuously (no periods at all) for about a decade straight, to eliminate debilitating cramps. It consistently works great for me.

At one point right after the generic (Kariva) became available, the insurance company gave me that instead, but I did not get along well with Kariva and quickly went back to Mircette.

 
At 8:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am starting my second pack of Kariva today.

I started Kariva on the 1st day of my last period as told by my OBGYN.

I started spotting the middle of the 3rd week of the pills. It continued through the end of the 4th week. I only needed a light tampon for a about 3days. I'm wondering if this was my period or if I should be concerned

 
At 7:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have severe PCOS and have been on Kariva for 2 years and it works great. I do get an occasional migraine but it pales compared to the moodswings, cramps, heavy periods and pains I got on Mircette and orthotricyclen

 
At 9:25 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I started on Kariva on March 9. I was not taking it for BC, but to help with my periods which are extremely bad.

I did fine the first two weeks and then began having pain in the calves of my legs. This continued and on the third placebo pill day I began having headaches and fatigue.

I went to my dr and told her these symptoms and she said it would be interesting to see how I did when I started back on the full dose of hormones. I had not started my period at this point.

The headaches and leg pains continued with fatigue growing worse. I did finally start and am currently on my 8th day of what is normally a 5 day period. My heart began to beat irregularly so I decided on the third day of the full dose pills to discontinue taking this pill.

For three days now I have continued bleeding which is not the normal color of my periods and I am passing lots and lots of clots.

I called my Dr's nurse today to ask what to expect since I only took the pill for one month. She said she needed to talk to my dr and I have not heard back yet.

The moodswings on this pill are severe and extreme for me.

Two days of a very heavy period are a much better choice than a headache every single day, fatigue that makes it almost impossible to get anything done, crying at the drop of a hat, leg pain that keeps me from sleeping, and an irregular heartbeat.

 
At 4:26 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been on Kariva for 3 months now and so far I'm doing pretty well, I haven't noticed anything bad going on, in fact I used to get severe cramps but they have definitely died down a bit. I have gained a few pounds but personally, I'm fine with that. My period is much shorter and I couldn't be happier. As for my sex drive, I think it has increased since starting this pill but I'm not complaining. While at first reading some of theses I became a little worried about some side effects but I figured I'd stick with it for a while and see if it affects me badly.

 
At 7:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been doing great on this pill..I'm 35 years old and have tried many different pills in the past and have been unable to tolerate. This is the first pill ever that has not caused side effects for me and it's been nice being able to function during my periods and not curled up in fetal position missing work every month.Another plus..my skin. Before this pill I had been on anitbiotics and cream for my skin for years and was still broken out. By the third month of this pill my skin has cleared up and no longer need the dermatologist prescribed medication. The only negative thing I can say about Kariva is that I'm alot more snippy and less patient. But I'll take that any day over painful, heavy periods and bad skin.

 
At 11:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey everyone...I've been on Kariva since July '08...no problems (well, except when I miss a pill OOPS)...I usually start spotting a couple of days out before i start the placebos on a Thursday...it's now Wednesday evening and I'm not still spotting! AAAHHH!!! I want to start "skipping" my period because I am getting married June 27th and don't want to deal with that "aunt" during the wedding and honeymoon...i have been EXTREMELY diligent about taking it at 10:00 every night (may be 10:30) and have not missed a pill since at least March. I was tempted to go get a pregnancy test today, that's how wondering I am...I hope I'm not pregnant (at least not yet)...any ideas? Maybe stress with the end of the school year (I'm a teacher) and wedding planning?

 
At 8:37 PM, Blogger ema said...

Anon @ 11:42 PM,

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

It's highly unlikely that you are pregnant if you've taken the pill as scheduled. But, as you mentioned, you can take a home pregnancy test for peace of mind.

 
At 10:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I started my new pack on Thursday, skipping my 2 non-hormone pills and 5 one hormone pills, so I can push back my period until after my wedding/honeymoon. I noticed a brown wipe, spotty-ish type today (Saturday). Is that normal? Did I do that right by skipping the whole week? That's what I read how to do that. If so, how long does the brown spotty-ish stuff stick around? If it's only a couple of days, then i'm good. I hope it doesn't stick around all month!

 
At 4:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i have been on Kariva for about five months now. i was prescribed this pill due to excessive migraines and this pill has definitly reduced them. I really have no complaints except for the fact that i gain a significant amount of water weight before my period. other than that i recommend it

 
At 5:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Im just about to start Kariva on Sunday and I keep hearing about this no sex drive thing. I dont know about anyone else but I love sex. Who else has noticed a change and should I be worried? Everyone is different....right?

 
At 1:27 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Was on Junel Fe, for 4 months and had migranes right before my period. Also was having a difficult time having a orgasms. Dr switched me to Kariva, told me it should help the migranes and increase my sex drive. I am interested to see if there will be a change. I am on birth control to regulate my periods and blood flow.

 
At 2:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Everyone,
I'm looking for some advice. I have been on Kariva for about a year and I have a Friday start pack. Thursday I wasn't paying attention and I took the Friday (green) pill by mistake instead of the Thursday pill which would have been the last of the white pills. So last night I took the Saturday pill even though it was Friday thinking that I made more sense to take both green pills but now I'm not sure if I should wait before taking the blue pills one day to be back on track or if I should take the blue pills and then wait a day or take the one white pill i missed but then i might be messing up my start day. Any advice?-it's sat so I can't call my doctor til monday.

 
At 7:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been on Kariva for almost a year now and it has been great for me. I used to get constant migraines and they only got worse on ortho tricyclen lo. But on Kariva i have very few to none. I have little to no cramping on the pill, very short and light periods along with almost no moodiness. Kariva has been great for me. And btw i usually get my period on the third or fourth pill. All these problems people are talking about i have not experienced.

 

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