Ovcon
® (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription
birth control pill. It is a type of "monophasic" birth control pill, which means that there is only one strength of hormones in each pack (unlike biphasic or triphasic pills, which have different phases of pills that contain different strengths of hormones in each pack). Ovcon comes in two different strengths, Ovcon 35 and Ovcon 50. Compared to most other birth control pills that are currently available, Ovcon 50 contains more estrogen.
(Click Ovcon Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Ovcon is made by Warner Chilcott Company, Inc. Generic Ovcon 35 (sold under the name
Balziva™) is made by Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(see Generic Ovcon for more information). No generic Ovcon 50 is available at this time.
Ovcon is a "combined"
oral contraceptive, which means that it contains two different types of hormones. It contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norethindrone). Combined oral contraceptives are the most common type of birth control pills used today. Generally, combined oral contraceptives are more effective than progestin-only birth control pills.
Most importantly, the hormones in Ovcon prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, minor ways. Ovcon changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Lastly, Ovcon alters the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
Ovcon 50 (but not Ovcon 35) contains more estrogen than most other birth control pills that are currently available. This may increase the risk of dangerous side effects (such as blood clots and
strokes), because estrogen is responsible for these problems. You should only take Ovcon 50 if your healthcare provider thinks that it is the best option for your situation. For instance, high-estrogen birth control pills may be useful for women who experience very heavy menstrual bleeding or heavy bleeding between periods while on regular birth control pills.
