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Ocella

Generic Name: 

Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol

Brand Names: 

Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz

Ocella Description: 

Ocella is a generic form of Yasmin and Yaz, manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, that was released in July 2008. Ocella is used by women to prevent pregnancy, treat acne, and help lessen the symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Ocella contains the hormone estrogen and a type of progestin called drospirenone to prevent ovulation.

It is important to note that while this product is intended to prevent pregnancy, it is not a protection against HIV/AIDS or any other sexually transmitted diseases. The effectiveness of Ocella, like other birth-control pills, relies on being taken correctly. If any pills are missed, the chance of pregnancy will considerably increase. If taken correctly, the effectiveness of Ocella is over 99 percent.

Ocella Side Effects: 

Common side effects associated with the use of Ocella include:

  • Breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weight gain
  • Breakthrough bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Migraines

For more information, see our Ocella side effects page.

Ocella Uses: 

Ocella prevents ovulation, the process that occurs in women when a mature egg is released from the ovary. Since ovulation does not occur, an egg is not released for the sperm to fertilize following intercourse. Ocella also alters the uterine lining and causes the cervical lining to thicken, preventing pregnancy further by making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. The uterine lining also changes, making the uterus ill-prepared to host a fertilized egg.

Ocella is also prescribed as a treatment for moderate acne in adults and in adolescents over 14 years of age who have already started menstruating and choose to use birth control as a contraceptive.

Ocella can treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a serious and disabling form of pre-menstrual syndrome. Symptoms of PMDD include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Lack of energy
  • Sleep or appetite changes
  • Breast tenderness
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Weight gain
Ocella Interactions: 

The effectiveness and safety of taking Ocella may be affected if you are already taking:

  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • Carbamazepine (such as Tegretol)
  • Phenobarbital (Barbita)
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • Rifampin (Rifadin)
  • Cyclosporine (Neoral)
  • Theophylline (Elixophyllin)
  • Griseofulvin (Fulvicin)

If you are already taking medications that may increase potassium levels, you should have a blood test during the first month of taking Ocella to check potassium levels.

Ocella Dosage Information: 

Typical Dosage Recommendations

Ocella should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Each pill pack contains 28 pills, 21 of which are the “active” pills containing the hormones to prevent pregnancy, and 7 of which are inactive. Begin taking the first active pill on the first day of your period or on a Sunday. Take one pill at the same time daily until the pill pack is complete. Once the pill pack is out of pills, begin a new pack. Take doses no more than 24 hours apart to be most effective.

Missing a Dose of Ocella

If you miss a dose of Ocella, the risk of pregnancy increases. If an “active” pill is missed, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, or in the event that a whole day has passed, take two pills at the next regularly scheduled dose. After a missed pill a woman may become pregnant in the next seven days following the missed dose. A secondary form of birth control (such as condoms) must be used as a precaution during those seven days.

During the third or fourth week of the pill pack, if two pills are missed, throw away the remaining pack and begin a new pack.

Ocella Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have overdosed. Symptoms of an Ocella overdose include nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding.

Ocella FDA Approval: 

May 2008

Ocella Recall/Black Box Warning Information: 

A Black Box warning on Ocella states that cigarette smoking can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects occurring while taking the contraceptive, particularly for women over the age of 35. The risk increases with age and number of cigarettes smoked per day (especially if over 15 per day). Women are strongly advised to avoid smoking while taking Ocella.

Sources: 
  1. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/ucm192035.htm
  2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR600141