"so, i have been taking ortho-tri-cyclen for 3 years. i gave it a 5 beacuse i&#039;m not pregnant but other than that i have noting good to say about it. after taking it for about 6 months i had severe chest pain, a headache almost everyday, almost zero sex drive and the worst acne i have ever had in my life. oh and i gained 30 lbs in the first 4 months. after the first year of taking it all these symptoms became &quot;normal&quot;. but the thing that made my doctor switch me to apri was that i had spotting  everyday for 15 days before my period for the last 4 months of taking it. i am getting ready to start the new medication next month. i just hope i do not have the same side effects."