Generic bcp's?

Angie02 · 01-01-2004, 11:00 AM

Hi ladies, I was just wondering if anybody had any opinions about generic vs. name brand bcps. Specifically, the mail order pharmacy I use sent me three months of Apri instead of Desogen. I am kind of apprehensive about taking it because I notice a huge difference between glucophage and metformin. The only time I tried a generic pill was years ago when I tried the generic demuelen. I am not sure if it was coincidence or the generic pill that caused my side effects because my pcos was out of control at that time. Do most of you take generic forms of the pill without issue, or has anyone found that they are not equivilent to the name brand in controlling hormones?

Thanks,

Angie

Monte · 01-01-2004, 02:50 PM

I have been taking apri for several years now. I was once on Desogen. Before Desogen, I was on Orthocept. My doctor assured me that they were all the "same" thing. Because I was told that these pill were the same, I ended up taking 3 packs of Desogen (which were given to me free by my doctor) while waiting for the Apri to be mailed to me. Problems started when I switched back to the Apri. For the past two months I have bled in the middle of my pack and after sex. I was recently made aware that the make up of a generic bcp can vary between 5 and 20 percent to that of a name brand pill. Therefore, I have made an appt with my gyn. to switch back to the name brand. I don't know why I have just started to bleed mid-cycle--like I said, I have been on the Apri for years. But, I wanted you to know my story.

Good Luck!

jra · 01-01-2004, 11:51 PM

I recently quit taking Apri, but had been on it for about a year. It worked very well for me. I only quit because dh got a vasectomy and I wanted to go off the pill for a while. I saw some improvements in my pcos symptoms while on it, but I also take glucophage XR. So, I don't know if it was from the Apri, glucophage, or combination of the two. If my pcos symptoms start acting up again, I will try to get back on the Apri.

Most of the drugs that I take end up being generics. The pharmacist automatically gives them to me unless the doctor specifies not to substitute. I have never had any problems with any of the generics.

Jennifer

Chrissy · 01-04-2004, 06:54 PM

I don't like generic bc pills. They don't act the same way for me. I have had different problems with them. My pharmacist told me they can vary from the orig. med. up to 10% and that with bc pills that can cause problems especially with us who are hormone sensitive. I know it stinks but the orig. med. is best in my opinion.