Comparing Low Ogestrel vs Cryselle: Find the Right Contraceptive Option
People aiming to prevent pregnancy might be familiar with two names Low-Ogestrel and Cryselle.
Both of them are Combination Oral Contraceptives (COC) with the same active ingredients, Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol.
They contain the synthetic forms of female hormones Estrogen and Progestin.
Cryselle provides a more substantial contraceptive effect, whereas Low-Ogestrel is suitable for people sensitive to hormonal side effects.
Continue reading to understand the differences between Low Ogestrel vs Cryselle.
A quick review: Low Ogestrel vs Cryselle
| Aspects | Low Ogestrel | Cryselle |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Names | Low Ogestrel, Lo/Ovral, Ogestrel | Cryselle, Lo/Ovral-28 |
| Generic Name | Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol | Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel |
| Drug Classification | COC | COC |
| Dosage Form | Oral tablet | Oral tablet |
| Packaging | 21-day pack (21 active pills) | 28-day pack (21 active pills + 7 placebo pills) |
| Efficacy | Highly effective | Highly effective |
| Side Effects | Common side effects include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, mood changes | Common side effects include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, mood changes |
| Hormonal Balance | Helps maintain regular menstrual cycles and hormonal balance | Helps maintain normal menstrual cycles and hormonal balance |
| Prescription | Required | Required |
| Average Cost | $64 (approx.) | $64 (approx.) |
These comparative advantages of both medications make it necessary to study them in depth.
Read to learn more about the medications and compare them objectively.
Dosage and Administration
Specifically, the administration and dosage of Low-Ogestrel and Cryselle are similar.
Both medications are available in oral form and have a 28-day cycle.
They come in a strength of 0.3mg Norgestrel/0.03mg Ethinyl Estradiol per tablet.
A 28-day supply of both drugs includes 21 active tablets and seven inactive tablets.
Pregnancy-preventing hormones are included in the active pills, whereas inactive tablets are used during the menstrual cycle.
The active tablets are color-coded to aid patients in following their dosing schedule.
The recommended dosage is one pill once daily at the same time for 28 days.
After seven days of taking the white tablets, you can switch to peach/green pills.
Even if your period has yet to end by day 29, you should still start the next pack.
Patients should discuss their symptoms and medical history with their doctor to establish the most effective treatment plan.
Side effects
Both Cryselle and Low-Ogestrel contain the same two female hormones, so they have similar side effects.
Here is a list of some possible side effects of each medication.
Common side effects
Some common side effects include,
Vulvovaginal candidiasis, dizziness, vomiting, unpleasant breath odor, changes in menstrual flow, headache, breast tenderness, abdominal distention, cramps, etc.
Rare side effects
These medications also come up with some rare side effects. These include,
Changes in weight, High Blood Pressure, changes in appetite, allergic reactions, Depression, blood clots, liver tumors, intolerance to contact lenses, etc.
The side effects may vary depending on the patient’s age, genetics, medical history, and other factors.
Pros and cons
Here is a general overview of Cryselle vs. Low-Ogestrel’s pros and cons, which might be useful.
| Cryselle | Low-Ogestrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Affordable Effective birth control option Can promote regular periods Decreases blood loss, painful periods, and reduce the risk of ovarian cysts Cryselle may be used off-label to treat Endometriosis and abnormal uterine bleeding | Can successfully prevent 99 percent of pregnancies Promotes regular periods Decreases blood loss, painful periods, and reduce the risk of ovarian cysts Available off-label to treat Gonadotropin inhibition |
| Cons | Common side effects – nausea, vomiting, stomach pain Serious side effects – strokes, blood clots, High Blood Pressure Cryselle may interact with Phenytoin, Griseofulvin, and other medications Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women | Common side effects – nervousness, headache, stomach pain, gas Rare side effects such – liver problems, blood clots, heart attack Low-Ogestrel may interact with medications like Rifampin, St. John’s wort, and HIV medications Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women |
Mechanism of action
Low-Ogestrel and Cryselle, the combined oral contraceptive tablets, prevent ovulation.
The synthetic Estrogen in these drugs inhibits the pituitary gland from producing Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
Low FSH prevents the maturation of eggs and thereby prevents ovulation.
Estrogens like Ethinyl Estradiol and Progestin Norgestrel thicken the cervical mucus, making it more challenging for sperm to reach the uterus.
They even change the Endometrium, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to connect to the uterus.
These measures are effective in avoiding pregnancy.
It’s crucial to remember that these drugs are oral contraceptives and don’t offer any defense against HIV/AIDS or any other STDs.
If a patient isn’t sure whether Cryselle or Low-Ogestrel is better for them, they should talk to their doctor.
Interactions
The working of the medications might change the drug interactions or enhance the risk of side effects.
List all your medicines (prescribed, non-prescribed, and herbal products).
Share the same with your pharmacist and doctor.
Avoid changing, stopping, or starting the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
The medications might interact with other drugs, including,
- Rifampin
- Phenytoin
- Griseofulvin
- St. John’s wort
- HIV medications
Takeaway
Both Cryselle and Low-Ogestrel have their benefits and drawbacks as well.
These medications are similar in terms of effectiveness.
The user reviews on Drugs.com states that these oral contraceptives have a perfect use failure rate of less than 1 percent.
Low-Ogestrel is available in a 21-day pack, while Cryselle is in a 28-day package.
However, most women prefer Cryselle as it is readily available and is more affordable.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will significantly depend on individual patient factors.
These include the patient’s medical history, type of infection, and other medications being taken.
Your doctor can help you determine which medication is best for you.
Your doctor might recommend using Regestrone 5mg to get rid of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cryselle and Low Ogestrel the same?
Can Cryselle cause weight gain?
How effective is Low Ogestrel birth control?
Who should avoid Estrogen birth control?
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