Understanding Aurovela and How It Works
Aurovela is a generic brand of combination oral contraceptive, meaning it contains two types of hormones: a progestin (norethindrone acetate) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) [1.7.1, 1.8.4]. Developed by Aurobindo Pharma, it is prescribed to prevent pregnancy [1.8.1]. Like other combination pills, Aurovela works in three primary ways:
- Suppresses Ovulation: It prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month [1.7.4].
- Thickens Cervical Mucus: This makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an egg [1.7.4].
- Alters Uterine Lining: It changes the endometrium to make it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant [1.7.4].
Aurovela comes in different formulations, such as Aurovela Fe 1/20, Aurovela Fe 1.5/30, and Aurovela 24 Fe. The numbers indicate the dosage of progestin and estrogen, and "Fe" signifies that the placebo (inactive) pills contain an iron supplement (ferrous fumarate) to be taken during the menstrual week [1.7.1, 1.7.2].
Clinical Effectiveness
From a purely clinical standpoint, Aurovela is an effective method of birth control. When used perfectly as directed, oral contraceptives have a 99% effectiveness rate [1.6.6]. However, with "typical use," which accounts for human error like missing a pill or taking it at the wrong time, the effectiveness drops to about 93% [1.6.5, 1.6.1]. This failure rate is standard across most combination birth control pills, not specific to Aurovela [1.4.1]. The medication effectively prevents pregnancy for most users who take it correctly.
The Patient Perspective: Why Is Aurovela Considered "Bad"?
Despite its clinical effectiveness, Aurovela has garnered a significant number of negative patient reviews. On platforms like Drugs.com, for example, Aurovela Fe 1/20 and Aurovela Fe 1.5/30 both have an average rating of around 3 out of 10, with 70% of reviewers reporting a negative experience [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. The negative sentiment largely revolves around its side effects.
Common and Severe Side Effects
The most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical trials included headache, nausea, breast tenderness, menstrual cramps, and weight gain [1.7.5]. However, patient reviews highlight more distressing side effects:
- Mental and Mood Changes: A large volume of complaints cite severe mood swings, new or worsening depression, and intense anxiety [1.2.1, 1.5.1, 1.5.2]. Some users report feeling emotionally unstable, irritable, and experiencing crying spells [1.2.2, 1.5.5].
- Irregular Bleeding: Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common, especially in the first few months [1.3.2]. Many users, however, report persistent and heavy bleeding for months, a primary reason for discontinuing the pill [1.2.7, 1.2.3].
- Physical Symptoms: Users have reported persistent nausea, bloating, cramping, headaches, and acne [1.2.3, 1.3.1].
- Decreased Libido: A lack of sex drive is another frequently mentioned negative side effect [1.2.1].
It is important to note that while some users have positive experiences, reporting lighter periods and no negative side effects, they are in the minority according to review statistics [1.2.1, 1.2.2].
Comparison with Other Birth Control Pills
Aurovela is a generic version of Loestrin, and its active ingredients are identical to other generics like Junel and Microgestin [1.4.3, 1.4.4]. Many negative reviews come from patients who were switched by their pharmacy from another generic, like Junel, to Aurovela and noticed a significant increase in negative side effects [1.2.1, 1.5.1]. While the active ingredients are the same, different fillers and inactive ingredients in generic medications can potentially affect how an individual's body reacts.
| Feature | Aurovela Fe 1/20 | Junel Fe 1/20 | Lo Loestrin Fe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Norethindrone Acetate (1mg), Ethinyl Estradiol (20mcg) [1.7.5] | Norethindrone Acetate (1mg), Ethinyl Estradiol (20mcg) [1.4.3] | Norethindrone Acetate (1mg), Ethinyl Estradiol (10mcg) [1.4.2] |
| User Rating (Drugs.com) | 3.4 / 10 (112 reviews) [1.2.1] | (Not specified, but often preferred in reviews) | 5.7 / 10 (1565 reviews) [1.4.2] |
| Negative Experience % | 70% [1.2.1] | (Not specified) | 37% [1.4.2] |
| Common Complaints | Severe mood changes, anxiety, depression, breakthrough bleeding [1.2.1, 1.5.1] | (Generally fewer severe complaints noted in comparisons) | Spotting, headaches, nausea, mood swings (but lower severity reported) |
Conclusion: Is Aurovela Right for You?
Whether Aurovela is a "bad" birth control is a subjective question with a two-part answer. Clinically, it is an effective contraceptive with a success rate comparable to other combination pills [1.4.1]. However, the overwhelmingly negative patient feedback regarding severe mood-related and physical side effects cannot be ignored. The high percentage of users reporting experiences with depression, anxiety, and persistent bleeding suggests that while it works to prevent pregnancy, the quality-of-life cost can be high for many [1.2.1, 1.2.2].
Because individual bodies react differently to hormonal medications, it is not guaranteed that everyone will have a negative experience. However, the sheer volume of complaints is a significant factor to consider. If you are prescribed Aurovela, especially if switched from a brand that works for you, it is crucial to monitor your mental and physical health closely. Consulting with a healthcare provider about these widespread concerns and discussing alternative generic or brand-name options is a recommended step for anyone worried about the potential negative impacts of this specific pill.
For more detailed information on oral contraceptives, you can visit the CDC's page on Combined Hormonal Contraceptives [1.6.2].
