Veronica asked
I wanted to know whether two birth control pills are the same: Kariva and Viorele.
Answer
Kariva and Viorele contain the same active ingredients (and same amounts) of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel to help prevent pregnancy. Kariva and Viorele can be switched between one another and other brand names containing the same active ingredients.
Some pharmacies will switch to carrying different brand names of birth control pills and will switch between them when dispensing based on what they have in stock. This is fine (and legal) as long as they have the same amount of active ingredients, are considered bioequivalent by the FDA, and the doctor does not specify they cannot be switched.
It is important to note that while the active ingredients are the same for both Kariva and Viorele, they do have different inactive ingredients, which is why the tablets look different.
Below are the ingredients for both Kariva and Viorele:
Kariva Ingredients
Kariva contains 3 different types of pills:
- 21 pills containing both ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel
- 2 "placebo" pills containing only inactive ingredients
- 5 low-dose estrogen pills
The 21 active, hormone pills contain:
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02 mg
- Desogestrel 0.15 mg
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Povidone
- Pregelatinized Corn Starch
- Silicon Dioxide (Colloidal)
- Stearic Acid
- Vitamin E
The 2 placebo pills contain:
- D&C Yellow No. 10
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Pregelatinized Corn Starch
The 5 low dose estrogen pills contain:
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.01 mg
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- FD&C Blue No. 2
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Polydextrose
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Povidone
- Pregelatinized Corn Starch
- Silicon Dioxide (Colloidal)
- Stearic Acid
- Titanium Dioxide
- Triacetin
- Vitamin E
Viorele Ingredients
Viorele contains 3 different types of pills, just like Kariva:
- 21 pills containing both ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel
- 2 "placebo" pills containing only inactive ingredients
- 5 low-dose estrogen pills
The 21 active, hormone pills contain:
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02 mg
- Desogestrel 0.15 mg
- Hypromellose
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Lactose
- Macrogol
- Magnesium Stearate
- Potato Starch
- Povidone
- Silicon Dioxide (Colloidal)
- Talc
- Titanium Dioxide
- Vitamin E
The 2 placebo pills contain:
- FD&C Blue No. 2 Ferric Oxide
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Macrogol
- Magnesium Stearate
- Starch
- Talc
- Titanium Dioxide
The 5 low dose estrogen pills contain:
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.01 mg
- Ferric Oxide
- Hypromellose
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Lactose
- Macrogol
- Magnesium Stearate
- Potato Starch
- Povidone
- Silicon Dioxide (Colloidal)
- Talc
- Titanium Dioxide
- Vitamin E
Information About Ethinyl Estradiol/Desogestrel
The two hormones ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel are contained in these combination pills and are used to prevent pregnancy. These pills do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How It Works
Birth control pills mostly work by preventing ovulation by maintaining steady hormone levels in the body. They can also cause changes to the lining of the uterus and cervical mucus. Changes in cervical mucus can make it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and a change in the lining of the uterus would reduce the chance of implantation.
Kariva and Viorele are known as "bi-phasic" birth control pills, meaning they contain 2 different amounts of estrogen throughout the pack. After taking 21 combined hormone (estrogen plus progetsin) pills, you then take 2 placebo pills, to begin menses, which is then followed by 5 low dose estrogen pills. The low dose estrogen pills are thought to relieve some common menstrual side effects such as cramping, bloating and spotting. However, most studies don't find a significant difference in adverse effects between mono-phasic and bi-phasic birth control pills.
One big difference between different birth control pills is the type of progestin used. Both Kariva and Viorele contain desogestrel, a "third-generation" progestin". Third-generation progestins have lower androgenic effects and can be beneficial for individuals with acne. However, these progestin are associated with a slightly higher risk of blood clots.
Contraindications
Birth control should not be used in women who have:
- Blood clotting disorders or history of blood clots
- Coronary artery disease
- Cerebral vascular disease
- Known or suspected breast or uterine cancer
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding Liver disease, liver cancer, jaundice, or previous jaundice with pill use Known or suspected pregnancy
Warnings
Smoking while taking birth control pills can increase the risk of having cardiovascular side effects (heart attack, stroke, blood clot). Smoking should be avoided. This risk increases with heavy smoking and with age. The risk is significantly higher in women over the age of 35 years.
Potential Side Effects
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Headache Spotting and/or breakthrough bleeding or other changes in menstrual cycle
Other Information
- Consult your doctor when starting any new medications, over-the-counter medications, or supplements.
- Birth control pills may interact with: rifampin, anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine), and some antibiotics (penicillins, tetracycline, griseofulvin).
- If you suspect you might be pregnant, consult a doctor immediately, as this medication may be harmful to a fetus.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction, breast discharge or lumps, pain or swelling or unusual redness in your lower legs, chest pain or tightness, numbness or weakness in arms or legs or on one side of the body, dark urine or pale stool, or yellowing of the skin or eye.
