Does the generic version of Ortho Tri-cyclen work as well?

Question

I was prescribed ortho tri-cyclen but the pharmacy gave me Tri-Sprintec. I looked it up and haven't seen any positive reviews from people. Should I just request OTC? I've taken it before and was happy with it... Has anyone taken Tri-Sprintec?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I have never taken Try-Sprintec myself, but the generic of any drug is just fine. Here's some information directly from the website of my health insurance company. Above all else, if you ever have any concerns about taking a generic, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist. They can give you the specifics of the generics available to you better than most anybody else.

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A generic drug is the same as a brand-name drug in terms of:

* Active ingredient(s) (the compound that helps relieve your symptoms)
* Dosage form (pill, liquid, etc.)
* Strength (amount of active ingredient per pill, for example)
* Safety profile (types and frequency of side effects)
* How it’s taken (by mouth, applied to the skin, etc.)
* Performance (how it works in the body)
* Quality (how it’s manufactured)
* Intended use (the disease or condition that it treats)

A generic drug also must show “bioequivalence” — in other words, it must act the same way in your body as the brand-name drug does. Bioequivalence information for a generic drug is reviewed by the same FDA staff members that worked on the corresponding brand-name drug.

Also, the FDA inspects the manufacturing plant where each generic drug is made to make sure that manufacturing guidelines are being followed.

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When new drugs are first made they have drug patents. Most drug patents are protected for 17 years. The patent protects the company that made the drug first. The patent doesn’t allow anyone else to make and sell the drug. When the patent expires, other drug companies can start selling the generic version of the drug. But, first, they must test the drug and the FDA must approve it.

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When a brand-name drug is developed, it usually takes more than a decade for it to get through the testing and approval process and onto the market. Drug companies say that prices for new drugs are high because they are trying to make back their research and development costs. Another reason might be that some new drugs are the only game in town: New brand-name drugs are protected under patent law for up to 20 years. During this time, no generic equivalents can be made, so there is no competition and prices can remain high.

When a generic drug comes out, it is in competition with the corresponding brand-name drug. Often, there's more than one generic version of each brand-name drug, so generics are in competition with one another as well. This competition can lower costs.

And generic drugs aren't advertised as much as brand-name drugs are. They usually aren't touted in full-page magazine ads or television spots; therefore, they cost less.

Source(s):

http://www.aetnapharmacy.com/AP/ihtAP/r.…

Answer 2

Yes, it's fine. Often the generics are made in exactly the same factories as the brand names. The FDA requires precision when a medication goes to generic - there should be no difference whatsoever.

Answer 3

A pharmacist will tell you that the only difference between generic drugs and name brand drugs is simply the outer coating. The only thing different is what is holding the pill together. So, naturally yes it as just as effective as buying the name brand...only you're saving money with the generic version! Hope this helps & puts you at ease about taking the generic:)

Answer 4

Yes, I'm taking a generic version of Ortho Tri-Cyclen and it's been fine for me. People have different reactions to different things. The best thing to do is try it.