new pill? or same pill, different name?

[t4-flirt.livejournal.com]

I've been on the generic Aviane for the past year, and have to switch to the brand name Alesse, since my new insurance company covers Alesse, but not Aviane. (go figure...you'd think HMOs would cover generics since they're cheaper)

My question is this - what should I expect? Is it a complete switch, or the same pill under another name?
I've only been on Aviane, so I'm not sure what to expect.

Thanks for the help ladies.

Comments

[cork118.livejournal.com]

So far as I know, generic medications are exactly the same as their name-brand counterparts. Everything should be good for you.

(But I'm not 100% positive on that, as it makes what pharmaceutical companies do seem like pure crime. I mean, if they can charge 3.00 for a generic version of a drug that costs 35.00 at name brand price, and still be turning a profit? God DAMN they swindle us. But hey, that's nothing new...)

[emmeangel.livejournal.com]

I work at CVS pharmacy and it's the same thing. BUT Aviane is a brand name the same as Alesse. The generic name for both is ETHINYL ESTRADIOL; LEVONORGESTREL. Their composition is the same and therefore you should not have anything change when going on Alesse. It seems that Aviane is going to be discontinued soon, so maybe that's why they're making you switch?

[t4-flirt.livejournal.com]

the reason they're making me switch is b/c my new HMO (Unison) doesn't cover generics, according to the rep I talked to today. Alesse is covered, Aviane isn't. I have to switch if I want my pills to be covered. Thanks for the help. At least now I won't be so nervous when I start the new pack next week.

[dindin.livejournal.com]

The active ingredients, the ones that actually protect you, in generics and brand names have to be the same by law. It's the same as taking CVS brand ibuprofen instead of Advil. What differs are the filler stuff in the pill - the inactive ingredients. Once in a blue moon you may react differently to side effects, but usually you won't notice anything. Depending on where I went to fill my prescription I got one of two different generics for my old pill and never noticed any difference.