ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel vs ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate
Side-by-side comparison of ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Levlen, Triphasil
Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Sprintec
Amethia is a birth control pill that you take every day to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin.
Iclevia is a birth control pill. It contains two hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, to prevent pregnancy.
Amethia is used by women to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones that work together to stop you from getting pregnant. You must take it exactly as directed to prevent pregnancy.
Iclevia is used by women who can get pregnant to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones, a progestin and an estrogen. These hormones work together to prevent ovulation and change the lining of the uterus.
Amethia works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. The hormones in Amethia also change the lining of the uterus.
Iclevia contains two hormones: levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. These hormones prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). They also change the lining of the uterus, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant.
- • Irregular or heavy uterine bleeding
- • Weight gain
- • Acne
- • Nausea
- • Breast tenderness
- • Headache
- • Heavier menstrual bleeding
- • Nausea
- • Painful periods
- • Acne
- The drug did not work 16
- Feeling sick to your stomach 15
- Throwing up 13
- Stomach pain 10
- Exposure to the drug during pregnancy 9
No adverse event reports.
Cigarette smoking increases your risk of serious heart problems from birth control pills. This risk is higher if you are over 35 and smoke. If you are over 35 and smoke, you should not use Amethia.
Cigarette smoking increases your risk of serious heart problems from birth control pills. This risk is higher if you are over 35 and smoke more cigarettes. If you are over 35 and smoke, you should not take Iclevia.
Amethia should not be used during pregnancy. It is also not recommended if you are breastfeeding, as it can reduce milk production and small amounts of the drug can pass into breast milk.
Do not use Iclevia if you are pregnant. Iclevia can reduce milk production while breastfeeding, so another form of birth control is recommended. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
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How to Read This ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel vs ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate Comparison
ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel is classified in the Combined Oral Contraceptive drug class, while ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate sits within the Combined Oral Contraceptive class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory — but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel has 63 submissions while ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate has 0. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.