Pam asked
Are Lutera and Orsythia the same birth control?
Answer
Lutera and Orsythia contain the same active ingredients (and same amounts) of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel to help prevent pregnancy. Lutera and Orsythia can be switched between one another and other brand names containing the same active ingredient. They are considered therapeutically equivalent by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
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 Lutera and Orsythia, they do have different inactive ingredients, which is why the tablets look different.
Below are the ingredients for both Lutera and Orsythia:
Lutera Ingredients
The active, hormone pills contain:
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02 mg
- Levonorgestrel 0.1 mg
- Croscarmellose Sodium
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Povidone
The inactive, placebo pills contain:
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
Orsythia Ingredients
The active, hormone pills contain:
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02 mg
- Levonorgestrel 0.1 mg
- FD&C Red No. 40
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Polyethylene Glyco
- Pregelatinized Starch
- Vitamin E
The inactive, placebo pills contain:
- FD&C Blue No. 2
- Ferric Oxide
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Pregelatinized Starch
Information About Ethinyl Estradiol / Levonorgestrel
According to the prescribing information, the two hormones ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel are contained in these combination pills and are used to prevent pregnancy. These pills do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The main difference between all birth control products is the amount of hormones they contain and the type of progestin they use. Lutera and Orsythia both contain levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel is classified as a "second-generation" progestin, which studies show tend to cause less mid-cycle spotting than first generation progestins due to their stronger affinity for progesterone receptors.
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.
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.
