Hello
I've been on and off of this board for some years now. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Desogen or its generic Apri bcp. I have been taking Yasmin for about 2 years and really like it although I still breakout some. Unfortunately I had an insurance change and now generic prescriptions are only $10 whereas non-generic are $25. I have heard some things about Apri/Desogen and it helping acne so I decided to give it a shot despite being really nervous about it. Today I took my 2nd pill of it so obviously I don't know anything yet but was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with this bcp (either the generic-Apri or non-generic Desogen). Thanks! :wave:

Hi -

I have been taking Apri for about three months now. Before, I was on ortho-tricyclen Lo for about 2 years, which helped some at first, but then made my face worse and gave my breakthrough bleeding. About 2 weeks into taking Apri, I got a terrible breakout that lasted about 2-4 weeks, which I know sounds awful, but this was the "initial breakout" that I read can happen when starting/switching BCP's (although mostly what I have read about Desogen, many people don't experience the "initial breakout" with Desogen). My face, 3 months later, is still healing. I don't get the breakouts I used to get a week before my period, but I have noticed that I do get some during the week I am off the pill, on the iron pills. I am also on an antiobiotic and prescription vitamin for my skin in conjunction with Apri, but I don't think the antibiotic has the same effect it had when I first took it a couple years ago. I am hoping my face/body will fully adjust to Apri in a couple more months time.

As for my period, it is very regular on Apri, and it lasts about 4 days, no breakthrough bleeding.

I also use topical BP on my skin every day, which also helps with killing the bateria.

Good luck. If I were you, I would give Apri/Desogen at least 3-6 months. Patience, especially in my case, truly is a virtue.

The pill has never been the magic answer for my acne. But I've had better luck with Desogen than any other pill (Yasmin, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo). Brand name works a little better for me than generic Apri (and gives me 2 day periods woohoo!)

Desogen KILLED my sex drive! :(

desogen doesnt really work. i have been taking it for over like three years i think and i havent really seen a difference. its annoying but at least it gots your back for not getting pregnant

I took Desogen for a month and I broke out a LOT so my derm recommended Yasmin... I'm on my 3rd week and haven't really seen any results. Although I hear it takes a couple of months so I guess patience is the key. I'm hoping Yasmin works or else... that sucks. lol. Good luck with Desogen.