Switching birth control pills

[BluEyez1031]

Hey everyone,

Here's my situation: Currently, I'm on OrthoTricyclen Lo, and have been on it for about a year. I love it, and haven't had any side effects. However, my parent's switched insurance companies, and the new company doesn't cover that particular brand. Being in college, I'd like to have something that's insurance covered so I don't have to pay $40 a month for my pills.
I really don't know anything about switching brands though.....I'm scared about it, honestly. Do I have to use alternate forms of birth control when I first switch pills? Is there an increased chance of side effects? Can I switch right away after the end of my last pack of OTC Lo? Before I make a doctor's appointment to switch, I'd really like some more information on what exactly this would entail.

[GLSheridan]

Originally Posted by BluEyez1031

Hey everyone,

Here's my situation: Currently, I'm on OrthoTricyclen Lo, and have been on it for about a year. I love it, and haven't had any side effects. However, my parent's switched insurance companies, and the new company doesn't cover that particular brand. Being in college, I'd like to have something that's insurance covered so I don't have to pay $40 a month for my pills.
I really don't know anything about switching brands though.....I'm scared about it, honestly. Do I have to use alternate forms of birth control when I first switch pills? Is there an increased chance of side effects? Can I switch right away after the end of my last pack of OTC Lo? Before I make a doctor's appointment to switch, I'd really like some more information on what exactly this would entail.

I think I saw this post on another forum...

You could consider the regular Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which has a generic available, and is usually covered on most insurances.

It's chemically identical to OTC Lo, but there is slightly more hormones in it. As with any new birth control, there is a chance of side effects, but if you've done well with OTC Lo, it's likely that you'll do OK with regular OTC, too.

You shouldn't have to use a back-up method as long as you start the new pack on time.

Before making an appointment to switch, call the office and say that your prescription is no longer covered; most doctor's will just phone in a new prescription to the pharmacy, and you'll save the doctor's office fee.

[BluEyez1031]

Originally Posted by GLSheridan

I think I saw this post on another forum...

Lol yup, I just read your response on Bolt. Thanks so much!

[mquest]

Since you're a college student, doesn't the health center at your school offer free birth control pills? Give them a call, they may even have that specific brand. When I was in college, it was free, but that was a long time ago.

My employer has bogus insurance too and I had to switch. My only option is mail order and the mail order pharmacy called my doctor to get the prescription. I didn't even know they did this until another brand showed up in my mailbox. I'm now on Levora, it's generic and it's fine for me; no side effects so far.

[BluEyez1031]

Originally Posted by mquest

Since you're a college student, doesn't the health center at your school offer free birth control pills? Give them a call, they may even have that specific brand. When I was in college, it was free, but that was a long time ago.

My employer has bogus insurance too and I had to switch. My only option is mail order and the mail order pharmacy called my doctor to get the prescription. I didn't even know they did this until another brand showed up in my mailbox. I'm now on Levora, it's generic and it's fine for me; no side effects so far.

Nope, that was what I checked into when I first got on birth control pills. My college gave me the first month free, that was it.