Actavis Microgestin Vs Watson Microgestin (Page 2)
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Over six yrs my b/c was Watson brand Microgestin now the new pills I picked up Actavis Microgestin is making me have side effects...breakthrough bleeding and cramps. If the company name changed, I'm assuming the medication as well! If my body is already immune to this medication why the side effects...

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I have the same problem. What are you taking now?

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Spot on, ladies. Once manufacturers changed, the side effects have been atrocious. I take my bc at night and I was so nauseous during the first week of every new pack that I would wake up feeling like I needed to barf...and even did a few times. It's subsided but still flairs up, especially if I don't take it at exactly the same time (like seriously, only a 45 minute difference). Then the additional side effects: random cramping, heavy earth-shattering 2-3 day menstruation, and slight weight gain (about a pound a month - not a BIG deal but STILL). The worse side effects, the ones that have not improved or worsened, is the melasma and massive mood swings. I stayed, I played, now I am done with this "new" pill. There's no doubt SOMETHING has changed in the making of this. It really sucks because the original formula was working well. I even had to fight to get Microgestin 1/20; A lot of pharmacies don't carry it or replace it with another generic. I am headed to the doc tomorrow finally and am replacing and or stopping this horrendous birth control immediately.

PS - Did anyone else notice the once flavorless pills actually now have a faint minty flavor now? Sick.

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Relieved to see this isn't in my head. Have been questioning my gyn about the drug. Had been on Watson's Microgestin 1/20 (generic Loestrin) for several years. Switched jobs & Rx providers, and was given a different generic. Was thrilled five months ago when my Rx co mailed me what I thought was my trustworthy Watson. I've been having trouble since, just noticed this past week that the manufacturer is Actavis. For me, my issue has been severe bloating, constipation, change in discharge. Unusual cramping, as well, throughout my cycle. Been evaluated and even had an ultrasound. All normal. Am now convinced it's this pill. Thanks for everyone's posts!

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Same. Exact. Problem. I have been on the Watson version of this pill for like 10 years with zero problems, and I've been taking the Actavis version (or trying to) for two months. I was so incredibly nauseous for the first week I started to taking the pills and could barely get out of bed! I asked CVS and my doctor what it could be, and the doctor said something about them possibly changing the binder in the pill. Apparently the drug number on the medicine is so similar that it is interchangeable, but clearly it has very different side effects.

I asked CVS if this was a nationwide change and they said yes. Looks like it's time to find a new pill for us all.. So annoying!

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Omg! I am having the same problem I loved my Watson before these new pills..I am having breakthrough bleeding, headaches, erc. This is not normal for me 3 days or 4 days the most. If y'all want to speak to a legal adviser I am ready...since Nov this is not right! Yes my body is already immune to Microgestin why side effects.

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I completely agree with you. Try yaz. I was on it for a while before i switched to watson microgestin and i loved it. It was the only one that didnt make me retain water.

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I was on Watson microgestin and absolutely loved it. After the "same" pill was made by Actavis I had nothing but problems. I am incredibly upset because everything was fine with taking it continuously until the company changed. I don't know what is in it, but there is no way the pill is the same. I have breakthrough bleeding, weight gain, blurred vision, mood swings, ect. I hate it so much and don't know what to switch to

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Thank goodness for everyone else's posts! I thought I might possibly be go crazy, or becoming clinically depressed. I started to have mood swings, depression, headaches, and I was pretty sure cramping despite that I am 3 days past my period ending! At first I thought it was in my head, then it hit me I felt exactly the same as when my Rx got switched to generic one time before. Then I remembered my BC packaging had Changed the last time I got it filled. I looked into it and my pharmacist noticed it's a different manufacturer. Then you all confirmed that it is something different about the formulary between the two companies!

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Carol I was having mood swings as well. I decided to stop taking it a month ago because i wasnt myself. My first night of not taking it I felt like my old self again. Ive been off of it since then and havent had much side effects of being off it. I couldnt be happier with my decision. I really encourage you to either stop taking it or switch to a different brand.

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I was on the Microgestrin Watson brand for 3 years with no issues. I just finished my first pack of the Actavis brand and researched for articles/threads to find out if others were experiencing side effects. I now have mood swings, have had severe cramping for two weeks and have had my period for a week and a half. I'm supposed to start my new pack tomorrow but am hesitant to as I don't feel like myself.

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Hello, Kym and Sandy! How are both of you ladies doing? I'm very sorry about the problems that you're having.

There can be slight fluctuations in the amount of the active ingredient from one generic to another, so the new one is most likely a little higher or lower, which could account for these new side effects. I used to experience this myself, when I was taking it years ago, anytime they switch the generic they gave me at the pharmacy.

I finally asked my doctor to prescribe it as 'brand medically necessary' to avoid such issues. I'm not sure what the equivalent is in your respective states, but you may want to ask your doctor about prescribing it so you can't be given the generic.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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I am having the same problem. Im experiencing side effects (headaches, mood swings) on the actavis microgestin fe 1/20. I am getting off of it.

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