Shae asked
Are Low-Ogestrel and Cryselle The Same?
Answer
Low-Ogestrel and Cryselle contain the same active ingredients (and same amounts) of ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel to help prevent pregnancy. Low-Ogestrel and Cryselle 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 depending on what they have in stock. This is fine as long as they have the same amount of active ingredients, are considered bioequivalent, 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 Low-Ogestrel and Cryselle, they do have different inactive ingredients, which is why the tablets look different.
Below are the ingredients for both Low-Ogestrel and Cryselle:
Low-Ogestrel
The active, hormone pills contain:
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg
- Norgestrel 0.3 mg
- Croscarmellose Sodium
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Povidone
The inactive, placebo pills contain:
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
Cryselle
The active, hormone pills contain:
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg
- Norgestrel 0.3 mg
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Pregelatinized Corn Starch
The inactive, placebo pills contain:
- D&C Yellow No. 10
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Pregelatinized Corn Starch
Information About Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestrel
The two hormones ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel 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. However, other changes to the cervical mucus a lining of the uterus can also help. 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 change of implantation.
All birth control pills contain ethinyl estradiol (or a variation of it) but the progestin used is what really differentiates products. Progestins are classified into "generations", which have varying effects on the body.
Norgestrel is a "second-generation" progestin, and are thought to cause less spotting than first-generation progestins because they have a higher affinity for progesterone and androgen receptors. However, due to the increased affinity to androgen receptors, second-generation progestins are associated with androgenic effects such as
- Acne
- Hirsutism (excess hair growth)
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Weight gain
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.
