Brand v. Generic

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-24-2007
Brand v. Generic
5
Sat, 03-24-2007 - 2:21am

My gyn told me that I should always opt for the brand over the generic BCP. She said that it is more effective, the quality of ingredient is better, and the negative side effects are less. Is this true? I'm taking Mircette now and am debating on going to its generic (Kariva) due to price.

Anyone had experience with this, or do I have a crazy dr?










iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Sat, 03-24-2007 - 8:18am

I don't know about the general population but I had to be on the name brand of a lot of drugs. I have worse side effects from ANY generic because they are allowed to be slightly different. For birth control, if I remember correctly, it is just the total hormone needed for the entire pack, but each pill can vary slightly.

Since I can't really use a generic for anything though maybe I'm weird. I've tried generics for different things and always ended up with side effects and then took the name brand and didn't.

I'm sure you'll get more info from the CL, she's wonderful.

-Mel


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sat, 03-24-2007 - 1:06pm

Hi tpamichelle, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 03-26-2007 - 12:02pm

Some doctors are more conservative than others when it comes to brand vs. generic for birth control pills.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-08-2006
Mon, 03-26-2007 - 4:53pm

In my opinion your doctor is RIGHT ON. I went on a generic (pharmacy did it without telling me) when I was on Ortho Novum 777 4 years ago and the generic sent me into a really bad place of anxiety and rage.... Once I got back on the 777 Brand I was fine.

Hope this helps.
Tami

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-24-2007
Mon, 03-26-2007 - 5:50pm

Thanks for the advice. I need to contact my pharmacy and see what the difference is, I guess (in price). I keep hearing horror stories about generics and I'm nervous to try one just to save a few bucks.

Thanks again!