A question about changing pill brands

bridiej

I'm not after medical advice or anything, I just wondered whether anyone else has gone through this same experience and it is "normal"?

I changed my pill brand last week, previously I was on Cileste but they dont do that one over here so now I am on Norimin (I think it is) which the doctor said was basically the same. But since changing I've felt a bit PMT like, just a bit fed up, tired, want to eat all the time and my boobs are really tender and painful.

Like I said, I'm not after advice just really wanted to hear if anyone else has switched brands and had a similar experience?

jenniferpa

Actually, Norimin has a higher level of noresthisterone than Cilest (500 mcg versus 250mcg I believe) so I would imagine that this sort of side effect could be expected. These things normally settle down as your body becomes accustomed, but if you're really uncomfortable, I would go back to your doctor and see if there's an even lower dose pill available.

bridiej

Thanks Jennifer, I didnt realise that... I'll see how I go this month and if it's the same next I might try and change again.

jesster_2

The docs often tell you there's no difference between one pill and another, but I had a similar experience, except mine was it made me put on weight. Felt a bit vain and stupid going back to the doctor, who told me the pill was just the same and maybe I'd just been eating more (dur!), but I stood my ground telling them I'd been the same weight since i was 15 and it was definitely the pill... and she let me change. Strangely enough, within a couple of weeks of changing off the evil pill onto another one, the extra weight had gone. If you're not happy, ask to change.

patchwork_cat

If you have any doubt over a medicine always good to talk to a pharmacist.

jenniferpa

I always find it slightly amusing when doctors say oh this medication is just the same. If the product is still in patent, it HAS to be different, otherwise the manufacturer wouldn't be able to get a patent to sell it! To be fair, there are so many similar drugs out there that one couldn't expect a doctor to know every different formulation, and time constraints being what they are, it must be difficult to check before prescribing each and every drug. What I do find irritating, almost unforgiveable, is when you go back listing a side effect and they tell you it "can't" be the drug.

Jennifer

comping_cat

When i was on the pill years ago, i kept changing brands, until i found one that suited me, i went through loads, having different symptoms, such as mood swings, weight gain, painful periods etc. I finally found a good one and stuck with it!!!! if this one doesnt suit you, i would def go back and see what else is out, my doctor has often looked in a book to check different strengths, so im sure yours could see if there was one with the same or similar levels to your last one!!!!

linzibean

I'm on the implant now, because high blood pressure meant I couldnt stay on my nice reliable Microgynon that had kept my relatively pain and spot free and kept my weight manageable. They tried about 4 different progesterone only pills and ALL of them made me break out horribly, struggle with my weight and have terrible pain and bleeding. But then I've only ever had useless doctors who keep trying to fob me off!!

bridiej

He spent ages reading his book!! LOL!!

Might have a look in my BNF to see for myself if this carries on, today my boobs are so painful just getting out of bed and them hanging there was sore..!

I'll give it this month and next and if things havent settled down will go back. It's annoying as I was really happy with Cileste and I'm only going to be taking the pill for another five or six months as we want to start a family pretty soon...!

shelly

If you're thinking of starting a family soon would it be so bad to come off the pill now? If you're in a lot of discomfort now I'd come off the pill and not put myself through it just for a few months. By the time you get sorted you'll be coming off anyway If you want to make sure you don't get pregnant for a few months use condoms, but once off the pill you might get pregnant quickly or it may take a while if you use nothing. Once you do start trying though remember to take folic acid everyday


Good Luck

jesster_2

that's a good point shelly. It can take a good while for some people's bodies to get back into the fertile swing of things after coming off the pill. (Obviously not all otherwise all those little 'mistakes' wouldn't happen!) But for the sake of a few months? perhaps not worth messing yourself around??