Sprintec is a combined birth control pill. When you take it exactly right, your chances of getting pregnant are less than 1%. If you take Sprintec and make the occasional mistake by missing a pill, it’s not quite as effective. It still gives you a good level of protection (around 91% on average).
There are two active ingredients in Sprintec pills, which are synthetic versions of the natural hormones estrogen and progesterone.
How does Sprintec work?
Sprintec works in three ways to stop you becoming pregnant.
Firstly, it prevents ovulation. This is the process where the body releases an egg ready to be fertilized. If no egg is released, pregnancy can’t happen.
Sprintec also changes the lining of the womb. So if an egg did happen to be released and become fertilized, it wouldn’t be able to attach itself to the uterus. This uterine lining builds up and then sheds when you have your period.
The “period” you have when you’re using hormonal birth control isn’t the same as a normal period, because the lining doesn’t build up in the same way. It’s technically a withdrawal bleed, which is usually lighter than a true period.
The hormones in the pill also thicken the mucus in your cervix. This makes it harder for a sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
Is Sprintec a generic pill?
Yes. Sprintec is the generic for the Ortho-Cyclen pill, a FDA-approved combined birth control pill. So there shouldn’t be any difference in how well they work or their side effect profile. The only real difference between the two is branding, which means the packaging and name.
Another important aspect about generic and branded versions is price. Generic products tend to be cheaper, despite the fact they do exactly the same thing as their brand-name counterparts. So it pays to always see if there is a brand-name version you can use.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
SprintecNorgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol
How to take Sprintec
Sprintec comes in packs of 28 pills. The blister pack of Sprintec contains both active and inactive pills. The active pills are blue; the inactive are white. The blue pills are taken for 21 days, the white pills are taken for 7 days. To be protected right away when you start taking Sprintec, you should start taking active pills on the first day of your period. It’s also important to take the pill at regular intervals to help you get into the habit of taking it every day. This might be first thing in the morning or with a meal you have at the same time each day. You don’t need to take the pill with food, but if you do have an upset stomach while you’re using hormonal birth control, taking it with a meal might help.
Is Sprintec an effective birth control method?
Sprintec is around 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, which is as effective as reversible methods get. This means that out of 100 women taking it over one year, exactly right, only one will get pregnant. This level of effectiveness relies on the pill being taken as directed, at the same time, every day. If you forget to take it occasionally, it’s still highly effective. “Typical use” effectiveness for the combined pill is 91% (so nine out of every 100 women taking it over a year in this way will become pregnant).
What if I forget to take it on time?
If you do take your pill late, or miss a pill, Sprintec’s effectiveness will be reduced. How much it will drop will depend on a number of factors. For example, if you start your pack late, that reduces the effectiveness more than if you miss one single pill. If you miss one pill, simply take it as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two pills within one day. If you miss two or more pills in a cycle, you should take it as soon as you remember. You should then use an extra contraceptive, such as a condom, for at least seven days so the pill can “catch up.”
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
SprintecNorgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol
SprintecNorgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol
Sprintec: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Can I use the Sprintec pill for acne?
Answer:
Many women find that combined pills like Sprintec help acne. It isn’t licensed for this use, but Sprintec is also less likely than some other pills to cause acne and other skin problems in women that are prone to these reactions.
It’s important to know that acne is a recorded side effect of Sprintec. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Sprintec causes acne (as it can be caused by a number of factors) but if your skin is getting worse, talk to our clinician about trying a different birth control pill.
What should I do if I can’t take Sprintec?
Answer:
If you can’t use Sprintec or experience side effects when taking it, there are other combined pill options available with different hormone formulations. The mini pill, or progestin-only pill, is also a great option if you have a condition that means you’re sensitive to estrogen, or are more at risk of blood clots.
Our clinicians can help you find the right pill based on your medical profile.
Is there any evidence for the Sprintec pill and weight gain?
Answer:
While weight gain has been recorded as a possible side effect for Sprintec and combined pills, there is little evidence to support it. In other words, it’s possible to experience weight gain when taking Sprintec, but because changes in weight can be related to so many other factors, it’s difficult to link the two.
It’s important to know that everyone reacts to medications differently. For example, weight loss has also been recorded as a possible side effect of Sprintec. If you’re concerned about changes in your weight, speak with our clinician.
Are Sprintec and Estarylla the same pill?
Answer:
In clinical terms, Estarylla and Sprintec are the same pill. Sprintec has the exact same hormones and in the exact same amounts. But they're both made by different companies, with different names and prices.
If you used to take Estarylla and found it helpful, but haven’t been able to find a replacement pill, Sprintec might be a good option for you.
Is there more than one Sprintec dosage?
Answer:
Sprintec itself is only available in one dosage. But there are other versions that have different levels of hormones, including Tri-Sprintec and Tri-Lo-Sprintec. These are phasic pills, where the levels of hormones change throughout the course of the month. Phasic pills work well for women who are trying to control menstrual symptoms. The physician can help you settle on the right version of Sprintec during your consultation.
If you feel like you need a pill with a lower dose because Sprintec is causing you persistent or unwanted side effects, then it’s easy to switch pills with Treated. Just log in to your account and let our clinician know you’re thinking about changing. They can then go through the options available for you to choose from.
Do I need a prescription for Sprintec?
Answer:
Sprintec is not available over the counter. Hormonal birth control isn’t suitable for all women, so you have to talk with a medical professional to make sure Sprintec is safe for you to use.
Potential side effects that occur when using Sprintec could have a significant impact on your health. When you use hormonal birth control, you should have check-ups with our clinician to make sure it’s still the right choice for you.
Why should I buy Sprintec online with Treated?
Answer:
At Treated, our clinicians can consider your medical history to recommend the right birth control option for you to choose. Talk to us about your specific needs and we’ll help you to find the right option.
Once you have your prescription, you can access our aftercare service, where we want to know about any issues you’re having with the medication and any changes in your health in general. We’re here every step of the way.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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