Generic vs. Brand?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Generic vs. Brand?
4
Thu, 07-20-2006 - 11:06am
Hi! I was wondering if anyone knew if there is a difference in terms of side effects when using a generic BC rather than a brand one. I used to take Alesse, then swtiched to Levlite and finally, Lessina. I am wondering if side effects like weight gain are different even though the chemical makeup is identical. Any input you could offer would be very much appreciated! Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: tri201
Thu, 07-20-2006 - 12:47pm

Hi tri201, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2006
In reply to: tri201
Thu, 07-20-2006 - 2:43pm

I've been on 3 pills in 1.5 years, and only had a problem once. My doctor prescribed Ortho Novum, but my pharmacy gave me Necon. I had read some bad stories about this generic drug when compared to the brand name, but I didn't have any really bad experience. For the first week or so I had some stomach cramps and issues like that, but that was it. Then I moved & had to change pharmacies to one that didn't carry Necon, but another Ortho Novum generic & that was Nortrel. The jury is still out on that (since I just started my 4th pack), but unfortunately it made me miss my period the first month, have a very dark colored light flow period the next month, and then I had more noticable mentral cramps and stuff, but my period didn't last as long in the 3rd month

I've never had a problem with weight gain or bigger breasts (which was a HUGE concern of mine since I already am a DD).

I know everyone's body responds differently, and so does their psyche (When I was a teen I swear that sometimes just being on a medication & knowing the side effects has made me start to experience them). In what I read in my research when given a new medication, there are some people who swear that brand name drugs are worth the extra money because they feel better on it & I've found people who don't notice any difference.

Good luck with whatever you choose. Hopefully my 2 cents will help. :-)

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
In reply to: tri201
Fri, 07-21-2006 - 10:23am
Thanks for your replies! This really helps. I wasn't sure if my slight weight gain over the past few months (which is when I switched from brand to generic) could be attributed to the BC. Other than that, I don't notice any other side effects so I'm guessing it's not the BC. I appreciate your input! :-)
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
In reply to: tri201
Fri, 07-21-2006 - 11:03am
I took generic birth control for a while and then I switched to Ortho-tri cyclen low and I didn't see a difference in side effects. I didn't gain any weight while on either and my periods stayed the same. From my personal experience I don't think there is a difference between generic or brand. I read an article on www.embracingwomenshealth.com about birth control pills. That is a good website also to check out for health information