Nwr: generic birth control pills

Ginabean42712 · April 2013

I've been on LoEstrin 24fe for 8 years now. I just switched health insurance and now this pill went from 30 a month on my old plan to over 90 a month on my current plan. I really can't afford to continue taking this, as if I were to switch to a generic it would be free. I guess my question is, has anyone ever taken a generic birth control pill? Are the just as good? Will it cause any changes in my body since I was on LoEstrin for so long? I have only been on this one brand so I'm just nervous about switching and could use some help. Thanks!

staar987 · April 2013

You should really be asking your gyno these questions.

wihltsabow · April 2013

Generics are the same as the name brand. The only difference is if someone is allergic to a special filler that they use to keep the pill together or to a dye they use to color the pill. I'm an RN. I will never understand why people ever use the non-generic form of anything unless they have many severe allergies.

All medications are given a generic name (such as acetominophen). The company that initially discovers/creates the drug is given a window in which they can patent it so they can raise the price and get a sort of kickback for making it first. They give the drug a trade name (Tylenol). The trade name often eventually becomes a common name for the medication (sort of how Miracle Whip is acceptable for all brands) which helps in its popularity.

Always, always, always go generic unless there is something about the physical pill you do not like (sometimes the gel caps are a little different or only one brand offers a slow-release, which may be a better option for you).

/rant

RebeccaB88 · April 2013

You should really ask your doctor about this. Some drug manufacturers give out co-pay help cards, to help with the cost of some brand name medications. Your doctor's office might have one that would bring the cost down somewhat.

FWIW, I've been on a generic pill for over 10 years and I'm not pregnant yet.

wihltsabow · April 2013

Okay, now that I ranted and reread your post, I'm not sure if you're asking about the generic of LoEstrin 24fe (which is Junel 28fe) or just a random off-brand birth control in general. Maybe you didn't mean the term "generic" literally or maybe you did.

Ginabean42712 · April 2013

Thank you everyone who replied, yes I was curious about the generic for LoRstrin which is junel28. I am gonna call my doctor today about this but I figured is get some feedback on here as to whether or not its good to switch. I guess more concerned about the effects of changing after so long, for example weight gain, mood swings, length of my period with LoEstrin I get my period for 3 days or less each month. Thanks again everybody

s-aries8990 · April 2013

I was on generics for the same brand name for the past 5 years or so - the generic brand changed depending on where/how the RX was refilled. I never had any problems, but then again, I was never on the name brand.

Ditto talking to your Doc.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:f7f97fec-fc73-4ecc-8833-72a311a7a9fa">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : This is not necessarily true. While the active ingredients are the same, as you said, how people metabolize the pill can vary depending on the different filler compounds. The fillers do more than cause allergies.
Posted by KindaSparkly[/QUOTE]

This. If and when you switch to a generic form of your current BC, you must use back-up protection for at least a month to avoid becoming pregnant.

But you really should talk with your OB/GYN.

Maggie0829 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:f906a38e-5679-4395-8bde-ac37ad440634">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]I was on generics for the same brand name for the past 5 years or so - the generic brand changed depending on where/how the RX was refilled. I never had any problems, but then again, I was never on the name brand. Ditto talking to your Doc.
Posted by sydaries[/QUOTE]

Same here. I think I have only taken the name brand once or twice and that is because my doctors office gave me some free packs when I went for my annual visit (my nurse is awesome!). But even switching between the name brand and the generic I have never had any issues.

But of course things vary from person to person so always talk to your doctor.

kmbryant2413 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:ea6116ff-448e-41ed-b49a-1d7d2b584187">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]Generics are the same as the name brand. The only difference is if someone is allergic to a special filler that they use to keep the pill together or to a dye they use to color the pill. I'm an RN. I will never understand why people ever use the non-generic form of anything unless they have many severe allergies. All medications are given a generic name (such as acetominophen). The company that initially discovers/creates the drug is given a window in which they can patent it so they can raise the price and get a sort of kickback for making it first. They give the drug a trade name (Tylenol). The trade name often eventually becomes a common name for the medication (sort of how Miracle Whip is acceptable for all brands) which helps in its popularity. Always, always, always go generic unless there is something about the physical pill you do not like (sometimes the gel caps are a little different or only one brand offers a slow-release, which may be a better option for you). /rant
Posted by wihltsabow[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I'm really not trying to sound like a b*tch, but you might want to be careful giving people medical advice on the internet, RN or not.. It could always come back to bite you.

</div>

Weezy56 · April 2013

You should talk to your doc. I will say though that I take a generic pill and it works fine for me

Angelface225 · April 2013

I had a terrible reaction to a generic BCP, I felt like I was going through puberty again. I was a crying mess and has crazy heavy bleeding. My doctor said that is very common. She now writes on my prescriptions "no substitutions" so my insurance will cover the name brand. See what your doctor thinks. ETA: my dr told me that generic drugs have a margin of error for active ingredients. It can be 20% above or 20% below what it is supposed to be. And that can vary between batches. So one month I could've been getting 110% of the hormone and the next 90%. It's crazy that the companies are allowed to do that! She said it makes it really hard to dose things like blood thinners! Do your research.

AprilH81 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:c731d228-68e9-46f1-9666-5aa5691ddfc5">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : This. If and when you switch to a generic form of your current BC, you must use back-up protection for at least a month to avoid becoming pregnant. But you really should talk with your OB/GYN.
Posted by cmsciulli[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>If you are taking the pills as described and started the new generic pack at the same time you would have started the name brand why would you need a back-up form of birth control?</div><div>
</div><div>I'm panicing now because I just finished my first pack of generic pills (same reason for the switch to get them "free" through insurance) and no one ever mentioned needing back up. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-surprised.gif" border="0" alt="Surprised" title="Surprised" />

</div>

harper0813 · April 2013

I'm on the generic form of Yaz. When I switched last year, my cycle stayed the same, I did not become pregnant, and I didn't have any side effects.

kmbryant2413 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:855d7c38-5e63-40b1-ad99-cafb8b941b1b">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm on the generic form of Yaz. When I switched last year, my cycle stayed the same,<strong> I did not become pregnant</strong>, and I didn't have any side effects.
Posted by zoberg[/QUOTE]

<div><img style="cursor:pointer;" class="toggle_inline_image constrained_image" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m31wktoXmA1r8ohwj.gif" alt="image" width="300" height="169" /></div>

J&K10910 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:c731d228-68e9-46f1-9666-5aa5691ddfc5">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : This. If and when you switch to a generic form of your current BC, you must use back-up protection for at least a month to avoid becoming pregnant. But you really should talk with your OB/GYN.
Posted by cmsciulli[/QUOTE]

This doesn't make any sense. Sometimes backup is recommended (and usually for 7 days) when you switch from one type of pill to another, but when switching from the brand name to generic or back, you SHOULD be ok. Then again, I'm not a doctor or pharmacist, so you probably shouldn't listen to anything I say. Or th eposter above.

And definitely not the RN up there, because KindaSparkly is 100% correct. But again, don't listen to us. Talk to your damn doctor.

J&K10910 · April 2013

Also, if you're wondering if there's a better chance you getting pregnant due just to the name of the drug, I'm concerned that perhaps you shouldn't be using a method of contraception with such a high margin of error.

kmbryant2413 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:afda74a9-c707-4419-aa82-bfddf07cba4d">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : Actually I would almost say that people in the medical field should be more careful giving medical advice on the internet. If I give false information no one is going to come and take away my liberal arts degree. Obviously it's a bad idea either way, but I'd say more so for someone in the medical field.
Posted by HoorayForSoup[/QUOTE]

<div>That's what I meant, I just haven't finished my coffee yet this morning. ;(</div>

PrettyGirlLost · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:dea23769-a402-4137-b077-5b4fdc486473">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : This doesn't make any sense. Sometimes backup is recommended (and usually for 7 days) when you switch from one type of pill to another, but when switching from the brand name to generic or back, you SHOULD be ok. Then again, I'm not a doctor or pharmacist, so you probably shouldn't listen to anything I say. Or th eposter above. And definitely not the RN up there, because KindaSparkly is 100% correct. But again, don't listen to us. Talk to your damn doctor.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

This is information that came directly from my OBGYN. .. when switching to generics you should use backup to be safe. I forgot to ask why exactly because she had to step out for a sec to answer a page. . . she had a patient in labor.

Someone else mentioned that the formulas may not be 100% identical based on fillers used, etc. But I would check with your own OBGYN.

J&K10910 · April 2013

That was your OBGYN covering her ass.

Kind of like when they tell you to use a backup method every time you're on ANY antibiotic. Also a CYA.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:6c084e51-89f6-4af6-8203-3281dd6d99a7">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]That was your OBGYN covering her ass. Kind of like when they tell you to use a backup method every time you're on ANY antibiotic. Also a CYA.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

Hey with something like BC, I don't really care to chance it.

I never understood the thing with antibiotics, but it was recently explained to me that when your liver is metabolizing certain antibiotics it can impede proper metabolism of the BC. What do you think about that?

PrettyGirlLost · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:67ec709e-aa82-4f12-b512-ad7b35d669c8">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]Also, if you're wondering if there's a better chance you getting pregnant due just to the name of the drug, I'm concerned that perhaps you shouldn't be using a method of contraception with such a high margin of error.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

If this was meant for me, I'm on generic BC. . . generic Seasonale, I forget it's actual name.

J&K10910 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:71d2e1fb-28cd-4f0d-832b-3620e0bdfea1">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : Hey with something like BC, I don't really care to chance it. I never understood the thing with antibiotics, but it was recently explained to me that when your liver is metabolizing certain antibiotics it can impede proper metabolism of the BC. What do you think about that?
Posted by cmsciulli[/QUOTE]

To be fair, I agree completely. WHen I was on oral contraceptives, if there was any doubt, I was using a back up method. Like you said, don't care to chance it.

That's the theory behind the antibiotics. But, also like you said, studies only showed a certain few. Rifampin is the only one that showed a really significant increase in the chances of pregnancy, and that one is not used much anymore. A couple showed a just barely over clinically significant increase in one or two studies, but not in others. So it's easier and better to cover your ass by saying "antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness." Again, any time I was on one I used a back up, JUST IN CASE. But it's totally a cover your ass thing.

J&K10910 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:3f93e827-2246-41b4-87de-e8b452ad8b00">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : If this was meant for me, I'm on generic BC. . . generic Seasonale, I forget it's actual name.
Posted by cmsciulli[/QUOTE]

No, it was to OP. The phrasing of the "is it as good?" made me wonder if she was wondering if they'd really let millions of people take a birth control that wasn't as effective as the name brand at what it was meant to do.

s-aries8990 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:71d2e1fb-28cd-4f0d-832b-3620e0bdfea1">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : Hey with something like BC, I don't really care to chance it. I never understood the thing with antibiotics, but it was recently explained to me that when your liver is metabolizing certain antibiotics it can impede proper metabolism of the BC. <strong> What do you think about that?</strong>
Posted by cmsciulli[/QUOTE]

I think that it's pretty commonly known.

It's something that is usually explained by the antibiotics-prescribing doctor if they know you're on BC, by a good pharmacist if they see you are on BC, and in the little packets that come with BC.

I've never heard about the full month thing- I've heard the 7 days of backup when switching BCs, when missing 2 pills, or for during and the 7 days after you finish your anitbiotics.

ETA: BF's mom + BC + antibiotics for an ear infection + hanky panky = BF
You can get pregnant on a BC/antibiotic cocktail.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:b2b9408d-e670-4340-af36-8af36003249f">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : To be fair, I agree completely. WHen I was on oral contraceptives, if there was any doubt, I was using a back up method. Like you said, don't care to chance it. That's the theory behind the antibiotics. But, also like you said, studies only showed a certain few. Rifampin is the only one that showed a really significant increase in the chances of pregnancy, and that one is not used much anymore. A couple showed a just barely over clinically significant increase in one or two studies, but not in others. So it's easier and better to cover your ass by saying "antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness." <strong> Again, any time I was on one I used a back up, JUST IN CASE. But it's totally a cover your ass thing. </strong>
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

Ah, good info. And to the bolded, absolutely.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:66cd819b-ab77-492b-b9ef-cb2dd5ceb59c">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : Are you trying to come off as a snarky know-it-all smartass, or is that just a fun side effect?
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

I'm not being snarky at all, I was sharing information!

I had to have my annual exam, and I happen to be in Augmentin for a sinus infection, so I asked my Dr. what the deal was with the warning about antibiotics. Her explaination made sense to me, but I was curious what the other ppl thought.

ETA: Perfect example of how tone can be mis-read in a forum post, lol! I was honestly just asking for the PPs opinion.

[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : BF's mom + BC + antibiotics for an ear infection + hanky panky = BF You can get pregnant on a BC/antibiotic cocktail.
Posted by sydaries[/QUOTE]

Haha! Worked out well for you ;-)

PrettyGirlLost · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:b9ba448c-fa47-47a3-8174-280fa149155d">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : Yep, it totally read in a "how you like dem apples!" sort of way.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

Yeah my bad.

J&K10910 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:b9ba448c-fa47-47a3-8174-280fa149155d">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : Yep, it totally read in a "how you like dem apples!" sort of way.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

If that's secretly how she meant it, then I sure fukcing showed her!

PrettyGirlLost · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_net?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:b36992c5-4a15-4273-9ec0-7998219d5671Post:f8e97646-0152-46a6-8c92-2e325f5d0d2e">Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Nwr: generic birth control pills : If that's secretly how she meant it, then I sure fukcing showed her!
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]
It wasn't, I promise. . . but just for shits and giggles:

<img class="decoded" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5g42ooYlw1rwcc6bo1_500.gif" alt="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5g42ooYlw1rwcc6bo1_500.gif" />

Angelface225 · April 2013

I'm an antibiotics + BCP baby! But that was also 30 years ago.... I like to think BCPs are more effective now, especially since I've been on them for 15 years with no issues.

Nwr: generic birth control pills

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