Eden Prairie, MN
A 21-year-old female asked:
What are some side effects from switching birth control brands? do you have to get your period before starting the new brand?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Melanie Jonesanswered
Specializes in Family Medicine
Switch uninterrupted: If you will be using the same method (oral contraceptives), you can switch brands without interrupting pill schedule. However, if you will be transitioning from pills to iud, patch, etc you will need to use back-up method and discuss timing issues with your gynecologist (each has different protocols..).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctoranswered
47 years experience
Changes in flow: Changes in flow can result from changing from one bcp to another; other examples might be either an increase or decrease in:quantity, length in days, facial acne, & cramping .
It is not necessary to wait for a new period to change from one pill to another although the symptoms or changes may occur more readily.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 10, 2015
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