What are the generic brands of birth control?

October 10, 2025 •

2 min read

Generic birth control pills are formulated with the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, making them equally safe and effective. Finding out what are the generic brands of birth control can help make this essential medication more affordable and accessible.

Quick Summary

An overview of the most common generic and brand-name birth control options, including combination pills and progestin-only pills. It details how generics offer the same efficacy at a lower cost and explains the different hormonal formulations.

Key Points

Equally effective: Generic birth control pills have the same active ingredients, dosage, and strength as their brand-name versions, and are proven to be just as effective.
Cost savings: Generic medications are typically significantly more affordable than brand-name drugs, providing a major financial benefit for users.
Common generics: Numerous generic brands exist, with common examples including Ocella (Yaz equivalent), Sprintec (Ortho-Cyclen equivalent), and Aviane (Alesse equivalent).
Progestin-only options: Mini-pills like Norethindrone are available in generic form (e.g., Camila), and the generic norgestrel is available over-the-counter (Opill).
Inactive ingredients matter: While rare, some people may have sensitivities to the inactive ingredients in a generic. If side effects change after switching, speak to a healthcare provider.
Easy to switch: You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for the generic version of your current birth control. Many online services and pharmacies offer tools to help find cost-effective options.

Understanding Generic vs. Brand-Name Birth Control

When a drug manufacturer develops a new medication, they are granted a patent for exclusive sales under a brand name. Once the patent expires, other companies can produce generic versions. Generic medications must have the exact same active ingredients, strength, and dosage as the brand name and are FDA-approved as bioequivalent.

The main differences are usually cost and inactive ingredients, such as fillers or dyes. While inactive ingredients can vary and may rarely cause different responses in individuals, generic versions are typically a reliable and more affordable option for most people.

Combined Oral Contraceptives: Generic Options

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) contain both estrogen and progestin. Many generic versions are available, often grouped by their progestin type. For a comprehensive list of common brand names and their generic equivalents, refer to {Link: Verywell Health https://www.verywellhealth.com/birth-control-pills-common-brand-and-generic-names-7563355}.

Progestin-Only Pills (POPs) and Over-the-Counter Options

POPs, or "mini-pills," contain only a progestin and are an option for those who cannot take estrogen. Generic options for Norethindrone are available under various names. Generic Drospirenone is available as Slynd. Opill, a generic norgestrel pill, became the first birth control pill available over-the-counter in 2024. For more details, consult {Link: Verywell Health https://www.verywellhealth.com/birth-control-pills-common-brand-and-generic-names-7563355}.

How to Find Your Generic Birth Control

To find a generic version of your current pill, you can consult your doctor or pharmacist. You can also compare active ingredients or use price comparison tools and online pharmacies to find and save on generic options. Additional information can be found at {Link: Verywell Health https://www.verywellhealth.com/birth-control-pills-common-brand-and-generic-names-7563355}.

Brand vs. Generic Birth Control Comparison


Brand Name	Active Ingredient	Common Generic Equivalent(s)	Benefits of Generic
Yaz	Drospirenone + Ethinyl Estradiol	Ocella, Nikki, Syeda	Significantly lower cost with identical efficacy
Ortho Tri-Cyclen	Norgestimate + Ethinyl Estradiol	Tri-Sprintec, Trinessa	Lower out-of-pocket expenses for effective contraception
Alesse	Levonorgestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol	Lutera, Aviane, Lessina	Maintains effectiveness and reduces prescription costs
Desogen	Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol	Apri, Reclipsen, Isibloom	Provides same hormonal action for a fraction of the price

Considerations When Choosing a Generic

While generics are bioequivalent, sensitivities to inactive ingredients can occur, though rarely. If you notice new side effects after switching, consult your doctor or pharmacist. A change back to the brand or a different generic might be needed.

Conclusion

Generic birth control offers a vital and accessible option for reproductive health, providing cost-effective alternatives that are as safe and effective as brand-name versions. With a wide range of generic options available for combined pills, mini-pills, and even over-the-counter choices, individuals have increased flexibility in finding the right contraception. Consulting a healthcare provider or pharmacist is the best way to determine the most suitable generic brand for your needs, offering both financial savings and reliable contraceptive protection. For detailed information on specific drug formulations, resources like Drugs.com are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the cost and the inactive ingredients. Generic birth control contains the identical active hormonal ingredients, dosage, and strength as the brand-name version but is typically much cheaper. Inactive ingredients, such as fillers and dyes, can vary.

Yes. The FDA requires generic medications to have the same active ingredients and to be bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they are just as safe and effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly.

Yaz, which contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, has several generic equivalents. Some common generic brands include Ocella, Syeda, Zarah, Loryna, and Nikki.

Yes, it is generally safe to switch from a brand-name pill to its generic equivalent without needing backup contraception, as they contain the same active ingredients. However, it is best to discuss the change with your doctor or pharmacist.

It is possible for your body to need time to adjust to any hormonal change, including switching brands. While rare, it is normal to occasionally skip a period when changing birth control, even from brand to generic. If you have concerns, consult a healthcare provider.

Yes. Opill, which contains the progestin norgestrel, was approved for over-the-counter sale in 2024 and is available without a prescription.

To find a generic version, you can simply ask your pharmacist. Alternatively, you can search for your pill's active ingredients on websites like Drugs.com, which will list all available brand and generic versions.