Actavis Microgestin Vs Watson Microgestin (Top voted first)

Updated

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...

32 Replies (2 Pages)

Page:1Last Page
Earliest Newest Votes
5

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!

Was this helpful? 4
9

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!

Was this helpful? 3
11

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.

Was this helpful? 3
1

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.

Was this helpful? 2
6

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

Was this helpful? 2
3

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.

Was this helpful? 1
4

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.

Was this helpful? 1
8

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.

Was this helpful? 1
10

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!

Was this helpful? 1
14

I switched to the name brand (it was outrageously expensive) for a few months and THEY DISCONTINUED THAT TOO! Now I'm on Lo Lo Estrin Fe and only take the active pills. I've been on it for 3 months with no issues, but Activis is still the parent manufacturer so I'm hoping its not just a matter of time

Was this helpful? 1
16

I wish I had read this before refilling my 3month script. (My doc advised me to give it 6 months.) I have just finished my first 3 month supply and am with the rest of these posts. I never had trouble with Watson's microgestin- or periods for that matter. Now I bleed and am in severe pain every month! I even had a second "period" this month. I never skip pills and am not taking any meds so I can only blame this pill. I now have to see what happens over the next few cycles or suck it up and pay out of pocket as I search for a new pill. I want Watson back!!

Was this helpful? 1
2

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?

Was this helpful? 0
7

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.

Was this helpful? 0
12

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

Was this helpful? 0
13

Thank you SO much for your poat. I thought I was losing it and now I feel so relieved. Have you found a replacement pill?

Was this helpful? 0
15

I'm so glad I found this! On top of all the side effects you all have already mentioned, my blood sugar has been out of control. I'm type one diabetic, and with the Watson brand, there was no difference, but with aventis, my blood sugar is high all the time, and changing my insulin does nothing to help it.

Was this helpful? 0
17

I have only dealt with the depression and mood swings when I was on Generes Fe. That was my worst pill experience ever. When I switched to Microgestin I was relieved because I felt amazing and no weird side affects until just recently and now I see why. The manufacturer changed and now my 7th pack in and I need to stop it. I have been feeling nauseous for 3 straight weeks until I was off of it for that week to get my period and I could finally eat, now 3 pills in my stomach can't take anymore. Hopefully my doctor can help me because I need birth control to get my levels normal. They need to make all birth control free, paying anything more than $50 to prevent a baby is outrageous!

Was this helpful? 0
18

I know exactly what you all are going through. I am having cramps between periods. On the Watson brand for 3 years and I rarely had a period now I'm having on every month which I can't really complain. I have dizziness my vision isn't the same. Feel bloated and uncomfortable. I only been on the actavis brand just started the 4th pack and I'm going to give it 6 months to see if it might go away. Also I feel like my blood sugar is always low. Weak and tired. But if not time to switch.

Was this helpful? 0
19

Hey! Ladies this is Keke I posted in Jan 2015 about the same situation. My doctor took me off the generic pills because of the heavy bleeding and I became an Anemic from this!! My uterus became thin from so much bleeding...so do a follow up with your doctor before you have the same problem or something else! Take care...

Was this helpful? 0
20

I knew something changed!! I was fine with my Watson pills and recently noticed the changes (including taste) with Actavis!! I am having similar side effects like all of you, except I actually skipped my period this month! Has this happened to anyone else and no I'm not pregnant!!

Was this helpful? 0
Page:1Last Page

More Discussions:

Zenzedi (Brand) vs Actavis (Watson) generic amphet/salts IR

I just started immediate release amphetamine salts (Actavis, half-moon, #26) on tablet. 20 mg (3X daily). Reaction (alle...

1 REPLY
Actavis/Watson Percocet

Both my mom and I are chronic pain suffers. I have had 3 back surgeries and she has had 1 and has osteoarthritis. Actavi...

4 REPLIES
Watson now Actavis

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (now Actavis, Inc); located at: Morris Corporate Center III 400 Interpace Parkway Parsippan...

1 REPLY
Watson is now actavis generic percocet 5/325 what is up with this

I had been taking 5/325 generic Watson percocet for 4 years. Suddenly I get notified by Walgreens which I have insurance...

690 REPLIES
Watson is now Actavis - Norco

My pharmacist that I have known for years due to chronic pain from cancer/severe spinal injuries and a totaled knee, tol...

45 REPLIES
Watson oxycodone now Actavis

I had been on Watson 10/325 for a few months for chronic shoulder neck pain. Yesterday I got a new prescription and CVS ...

10 REPLIES
white watson norco by actavis

The new white Norco by Actavis does not work as well as the Yellow Norco by Watson did. With these white ones I also exp...

3 REPLIES
Is Actavis Lorazepam the same as Watson?

Most pharmacies sell watson or actavis lorazepam in my area (LA), but I had serious side effects with no calming effect ...

28 REPLIES
watson 956 fiorinal codeine blue and yellow capsule by actavis

Is the blue and yellow fiorinal codeine capsule imprinted with "watson 956"? Is the manufacturer Actavis? Is it ...

4 REPLIES
2mg lorazepam by qualitest or actavis/watson - any difference

I just refilled a prescription for 2mg Lorazepam but this time I got a much larger pill manufactured by Qualitest. The p...

4 REPLIES