Birth Control Pills: Common Brand and Generic Names (2024)

Many people rely on the pill as their go-to method of birth control. Birth control pills are marketed under various brand and generic names and come in several different formulations.

There are two main oral contraceptive pills: progestin-only pills (POPs) and combination oral contraceptives (COC).

This article will cover the numerous brand and generic names of the different types of birth control pills currently on the market.

What Are Combination Birth Control Pills?

Combination birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. They're designed to work by inhibiting reproductive hormone production, ultimately preventing ovulation and pregnancy.

These pills may also alter the endometrial lining, cervical mucus, fertilization, transport of an egg, or even prevent implantation. But that's not all. COCs can also be used for the following:

Painful periods
Premenstrual syndrome
Perimenopausal symptoms
Anemia caused by excessive blood loss
Hormonal acne
Prevention of menstrual-associated migraines

Additionally, COCs can help regulate menses in polycystic ovary syndrome and treat endometriosis.

There are many formulations of COCs available, including:

Monophasic: These medications have the same dose of estrogen and progestin for the 21 to 24 active days.
Biphasic: These medications are designed to imitate the natural estrogen and progestin fluctuations that happen during a menstrual cycle by introducing two different doses throughout the cycle.
Triphasic: These medications are designed to imitate the natural estrogen and progestin fluctuations that happen during a menstrual cycle by introducing three different doses throughout the cycle.
Quadriphasic: These medications are designed to imitate the natural estrogen and progestin fluctuations that happen during a menstrual cycle by introducing four different doses throughout the cycle.

Pills with "Fe" in their name contain iron, while those with "Lo" have a lower dose of estrogen.

Monophasic Pill Names

Common monophasic pills include the following:

Levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol
Norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol
Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate
Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol
Norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol
Ethynodiol/ethinyl estradiol
Drospirenone/estetrol
Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol
Norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol

Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol

Common brand names for levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol include:

Multiphasic Pill Names

Multiphasic pills are broken down into biphasic, triphasic, and quadriphasic formulations. Common examples of each are included below.

Biphasic

Azurette (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Bekyree (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Kariva (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Kimidess (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol)
Pimtrea (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Viorele (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Volnea (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)

Triphasic

Alyacen 7/ 7/ 7 (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)
Alyacen 777 (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)
Aranelle (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)
Caziant (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Cyclessa (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Dasetta 7/7/7 (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)
Enpresse (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Leena (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)
Levonest (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Nortrel 7/7/7 (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)
Tilia Fe (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri Femynor (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Estarylla (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Linyah (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Lo-Estarylla (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Lo-Marzia (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Lo-Mili (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Lo-Sprintec (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Mili (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Norinyl (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Legest Fe (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)
Trivora (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Velivet (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)

Quadriphasic

Natazia (estradiol valerate/dienogest)
Quartette (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Rivelsa (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)

Extended-Cycle Pill Names

Extended-cycle combined oral contraceptives (COCs) consist of 84 days of active hormonal pills followed by seven days of inactive or very low-dose estrogen pills.

This regimen results in menstruation every three months instead of monthly:

Low-Dose Pill Names

Low-dose COCs contain up to 30 micrograms of estrogen:

Apri (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Aviane (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
CamreseLo (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Levora (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol)
Lo-Zumandimine (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol)
Loryna (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol)
Low-Ogestrel (norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Lo-Estarylla (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Lo-Marzia (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Lo-Mili (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Tri-Lo-Sprintec (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)
Yasmin (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol)
Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol)

What Are Progestin-Only Birth Control Pills?

The mini-pill, or progestin-only pills (POPs), can prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, although the rate at which ovulation is suppressed can vary by individual. They work by thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration, lowering mid-cycle luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) peaks, slowing movement of the ovum through the fallopian tubes, and altering the endometrium.

POPs can be taken immediately postpartum when the risk of clotting is higher. Due to this risk, COCs are not recommended for three weeks after childbirth if you are not breastfeeding and four to six weeks after if you are breastfeeding.

It is important to note that POPs are less forgiving than other contraceptive methods if a pill is late or missed. As such, they require a strict schedule; doses must be given within three hours of the scheduled time.

Progestin-Only Pill Names

Norethindrone is a POP, and is available under the following brand names:

Camila
Deblitane
Emzahh
Errin
Heather
Incassia
Jencycla
Jolivette
Nora-BE
Norlyda
Sharobel
Slynd

How to Choose a Birth Control Pill

When discussing hormonal birth control methods with your healthcare provider, there are certain factors to consider.

For people who have recently given birth and have additional risk factors for blood clots, it is recommended to avoid COCs for three to six weeks. Instead, POPs can be used during this time.

Natazia is a contraceptive that can also be used for heavy periods, making it a good option if you struggle with a heavy menstrual flow. Contraceptives with four placebo pills or extended-cycle regimens can also help manage heavy periods.

You should avoid COCs and choose progestin-only if you:

Are over 35 and smoke
Have a history of clotting issues
Have a history of breast/ovarian/liver cancer
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Have migraines with aura
Have diabetes with vascular disease
Have unexplained bleeding

A combination pill is generally recommended for those dealing with acne.

For those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Yaz or Yasmin (both containing drospirenone) can help with PMS symptoms like bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, anxiety, mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Summary

There are two main types of birth control pills: progestin-only (POPs) and combination oral contraceptives (COCs).

COCs contain both estrogen and progestin and can be used to treat various conditions. COCs come in different formulations, such as low-dose and extended-cycle pills.

POPs and COCs work similarly to prevent fertilization and implantation of an egg by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining. However, POPs only stop ovulation in some of its users and require strict adherence.

When deciding on hormonal birth control, it's essential to consider your medical history and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common type of birth control pill?

In the United States, the birth control pill is the most widely used form of contraception, with approximately 25% of females aged 15 to 44 who use contraception opting for it. The most frequently prescribed type of pill is the combined hormonal pill, also known as COCs.
How much do birth control pills cost?

The Affordable Care Act ensures that people's preventive services, such as birth control and counseling, are free for those with group health plans or individual insurance. The amount you pay for your medicine ultimately depends on your insurance policy and whether you receive a generic or brand-name prescription.
Are minipills less effective than combination birth control pills?

Minipills work similarly to combination pills by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining to prevent fertilization and implantation of an egg. However, they only stop ovulation in about half of the people who use them and require strict adherence.
The pill must be taken within three hours of the scheduled time, and missing a pill can have more significant consequences. If a pill is missed by more than three hours, backup contraception is required for 48 hours, and emergency contraception should be considered if unprotected sex occurred within the last five days.