2025 Viatris Birth Control Pills & Patch: Prices, Options, and Usage Guide
Discover the latest Viatris birth control pills and patches in 2025. Explore options, effectiveness, side effects, costs, and how to choose the best contraceptive for your lifestyle.
What is Viatris? The Evolution from Mylan
Viatris, formerly known as Mylan, is a leading pharmaceutical company that produces a wide range of birth control options including brand-name and generic pills and patches. This comprehensive guide covers the types of contraceptives they offer, their effectiveness, potential side effects, risks, and pricing details for 2024.
We’ll also answer common questions to help you make an informed choice tailored to your needs.
Viatris Birth Control Options in 2024
Viatris offers various forms of birth control, primarily combination pills that contain both estrogen and progestin hormones, designed to prevent pregnancy effectively. The differences lie in hormone types, doses, and administration schedules.
| Medication Type | Hormones | Dosage | Considerations | Ideal For | How to Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desogestrel & Ethinyl Estradiol Pill | Progestin + Estrogen | 0.15 mg desogestrel, 0.02 mg & 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol | Menstruation continues; start 4 weeks postpartum if not breastfeeding | Daily pill takers comfortable with 28-day cycles | Once daily in 28-day cycles |
| Noethindrone Acetate & Ethinyl Estradiol Pill | Progestin + Estrogen | 1 mg noethindrone acetate, 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol | Recommended Sunday start; 3 weeks on, 1 week off schedule | Those who can maintain strict 3-weeks-on/1-week-off routine | Daily for 21 days, then 7-day break |
| Noethindrone Acetate & Ethinyl Estradiol with Iron Pill | Progestin + Estrogen | 1 mg noethindrone acetate, 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol, 75 mg ferrous fumarate | Includes iron in placebo pills; no therapeutic effect | Users preferring daily pills without skipping any day | Daily in 28-day cycles |
| Drospirenone & Ethinyl Estradiol Pill | Progestin + Estrogen | 3 mg drospirenone, 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol | 3 weeks hormone pills, 1 week hormone-free for period | Users comfortable with monthly periods | Daily in 28-day cycles |
| Levonorgestrel & Ethinyl Estradiol Extended Cycle Pill | Progestin + Estrogen | 0.15 mg levonorgestrel, 0.03 mg & 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol | 84 active pills followed by 7 hormone-free pills; fewer periods | People who prefer 4 periods per year | Daily in 91-day cycles |
| Norethindrone (Progestin-Only) Minipill | Progestin only | 0.35 mg norethindrone | Same hormone dose daily; no inactive pills; must be taken at the same time every day | Ideal for breastfeeding women or those requiring consistent timing | Daily in 28-day cycles |
| Xulane Patch (Norelgestromin & Ethinyl Estradiol) | Progestin + Estrogen | 150 mcg norelgestromin, 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol | Weekly patch applied to abdomen, arm, or back; BMI under 30 recommended | Individuals preferring non-pill daily contraception | Once weekly for 3 weeks, then 1 week off |
Side Effects and Risks of Viatris Birth Control
Common Side Effects
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), side effects may include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and spotting. Patch users might experience skin irritation at the application site.
Health Risks
Combination hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase risks of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart attack, and stroke. Progestin-only pills do not carry these increased risks and may be better suited for individuals with certain health concerns or smokers under 35.
Consult your healthcare provider to discuss these risks based on your personal health history.
Medication Interactions
Some medications can reduce birth control effectiveness. Viatris alerts users about interactions with antibiotics like rifampin, anticonvulsants, atorvastatin, HIV medications, St. John’s wort, and topiramate. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medications or supplements you take.
How to Start Your Birth Control Journey
Consult your healthcare provider to obtain a prescription and guidance. Starting timing affects how quickly protection begins:
- Starting combination pills within 5 days of period start offers immediate pregnancy protection.
- Starting at other times requires additional contraceptive methods for the first 7 days.
- Progestin-only pills become effective within 48 hours.
Effectiveness of Pills and Patch
When used perfectly, combination pills and patches are about 99% effective. Typical use lowers effectiveness to approximately 91%, with 6 to 12 pregnancies per 100 users annually, per CDC data.
Choosing the Best Birth Control for You
Selecting the right contraceptive depends on your health profile, family planning goals, hormone preferences, and lifestyle. Options include:
- Barrier methods: condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps
- Hormonal methods: pills, patches, rings, injections, IUDs, implants
- Fertility awareness techniques
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives (IUDs, implants)
- Sterilization procedures
Where to Get Birth Control
Birth control requires a prescription from a doctor, health clinic, Planned Parenthood, pharmacist, or telehealth provider (state-dependent). Fill your prescription at local pharmacies, through mail order, or via online services like Nurx, Hers, or Lemonaid for home delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is generic birth control as effective as brand-name?
Yes. The FDA mandates generics match brand-name drugs in active ingredients, strength, dosage, and administration. Differences may exist in non-active ingredients and packaging, affecting user experience.
Does insurance cover birth control?
Most private health plans cover 18 contraceptive methods at no cost due to the Affordable Care Act. Coverage varies by plan and state; some employers may opt out for religious reasons.
What is the cost of birth control?
Birth control costs range from free (with insurance) to about $50 monthly without coverage. Assistance programs like Medicaid may help reduce costs for uninsured individuals.
Does birth control cause weight gain?
Research is inconclusive on weight gain links. Some studies show weight gain or loss with hormonal contraceptive use, but significant change is unlikely for most users.
Summary
Viatris, formerly Mylan, offers a variety of effective birth control pills and patches suitable for diverse needs. Consult your healthcare provider to find the best option aligned with your health and lifestyle preferences in 2024.
Jessica Migala is a freelance health and wellness writer based in Chicago, focusing on nutrition and fitness content. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram.
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