There are various methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy, contraceptive pills being one of them. This article provides a list of birth control pills available in the market.
The birth control pill is a highly effective method to prevent unwanted pregnancy if taken correctly.
The pills also known as hormonal contraceptives since they contain a small amount of estrogen and progestin hormones. These pills prevent pregnancy by performing one of the following functions:
- Stop the body from ovulating
- Change the cervical mucus to make it difficult for the sperm to find an egg
- Make the lining of the womb hostile for implantation
All birth control pills require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
List of Pills
The following table (source of information is www.drugs.com) provides a list of contraceptive pills that help prevent pregnancy:
| Generic Name | Brand Name(s) |
| Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol | Apri, Azurette, Caziant, Cesia, Cyclessa, Desogen, Emoquette, Kariva, Mircette, Ortho-Cept, Reclipsen, Solia, Velivet, Viorele, Enskyce |
| Dienogest/estradiol valerate | Natazia |
| Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol | Gianvi, Loryna, Ocella, Syeda, Vestura, Yasmin, Yaz, Zarah |
| Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate | Beyaz, Safyral |
| Ethynodiol/ethinyl estradiol | Kelnor, Zovia 1/35, Zovia 1/50 |
| Levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol | Altavera, Amethia, Amethia Lo, Amethyst, Aviane, Camrese, Camrese Lo, Daysee, Enpresse, Introvale, Jolessa, Kurvelo, Lessina, Levlite, Levora, LoSeasonique, Lutera, Lybrel, Marlissa, Myzilra, Nordette, Orsythia, Portia, Quartette, Quasense, Seasonale, Seasonique, Sronyx, Triphasil, Trivora |
| Mestranol/norethindrone | Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1/50, Ortho-Novum 1/50 (brand discontinued) |
| Norethindrone | Camila, Errin, Heather, Jencycla, Jolivette, Nor-QD, Nora-BE, Ortho Micronor |
| Norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol | Alyacen 1/35, Alyacen 7/7/7, Aranelle, Balziva, Brevicon, Briellyn, Cyclafem 1/35, Cyclafem 7/7/7, Dasetta 1/35, Dasetta 7/7/7, Estrostep Fe, Femcon Fe, Generess Fe, Gildagia, Gildess Fe, Junel 21 1.5/30, Junel 21 1/20, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Junel Fe 1/20, Leena, Loestrin 21 1.5/30, Loestrin 21 1/20, Loestrin 24 Fe, Lo Loestrin Fe, Loestrin Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe 1/20, Microgestin 1/20, Microgestin 1.5/30, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Modicon, Necon 0.5/35, Necon 1/35, Necon 10/11, Necon 7/7/7, Norinyl 1/35, Nortrel 0.5/35, Nortrel 1/35, Nortrel 7/7/7, Ortho-Novum 1/35, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Ovcon 35, Ovcon 50, Philith, Tilia Fe, Tri-Legest Fe, Tri-Norinyl, Wera, Zenchant, Zenchant Fe, Zeosa |
| Norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol | Estarylla, Mono-Linyah, MonoNessa, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Ortho-Cyclen, Previfem, Sprintec, Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Linyah, Tri-Previfem, Tri-Sprintec, TriNessa |
| Norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol | Cryselle, Elinest, Lo/Ovral-28, Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel |
Recent studies indicate that women who take pills containing drospirenone (artificial progesterone hormone) are at an increased risk of experiencing blood clots. Therefore, the pills that contain drospirenone are being investigated by the FDA.
Side Effects
Following are some mild side effects:
- Mood swings
- Swelling in the breasts
- Spotting between periods
- Increased body weight
- Nausea
There are a few side effects that are rare, but serious in nature. They may indicate serious disorders such as liver disease, gallbladder disease, stroke, blood clots, hypertension, or heart disease, and therefore, they require immediate medical intervention. They are as follows:
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Eye problems
- Swelling and/or aching in the legs and thighs
Since these are all prescribed medicines, take them only if the doctor recommends them. Sometimes, people with heart problems or any kind of respiratory problems are not allowed to take these pills. Therefore, inform your doctor regarding your medical history or any existing medical condition.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
