Viorele is a combination oral contraceptive pill (OCP, birth control medication, birth control pills). It prevents pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation), and thickening the cervical mucus, blocking sperm from getting into the uterus and getting to the egg. Viorele is also prescribed to: treat acne, reduce the risk of ovarian cysts (as in polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS]), treat painful or heavy periods, and more. Read More
Viorele is super easy to use.
Just take one pill every day, at the same time each day.
Many women find that taking Viorele before bedtime or just after their evening meal helps reduce nausea and other side effects.
After taking 21 days of active pills, then comes 2 inactive pills with no hormones that are there to keep you in the habit of taking a pill every day, then there are 5 pills with 10 mcg of estrogen.
Pandia Health doctors recommend starting the medication on days 3-5 of your menstrual period d because you will most likely have less spotting on your 1st pack.
Viorele uses a blend of two hormones, estrogen (Ethinyl Estradiol 20 mcg) and progestin (Desogestrel 0.15 mg).
The risks are very low, but some women have experienced unwanted side effects when taking Viorele. Minor ones include breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, swollen feet or ankles, and slightly elevated blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
Positive side effects are also a possibility, too — reduced acne, fewer mood swings, and other perks are fairly common. The chances of serious side effects are extremely unlikely, but some cases have been documented. Symptoms include heart disease, blood clotting, shortness of breath, migraines, vision problems, slurred speech, confusion, and fainting. Those who wear contacts or are nearsighted may notice vision problems as well.
These may sound scary, but remember — they’re very rare. The risk is about 3-6 women out of 10,000 per year using the medication might get a blood clot.
FREE with insurance, $24/Pack without
FREE Delivery & Goodies
Online prescription (skip the Dr. office visit and pharmacy lines)
This depends on your definition of low dose. In the old days, pills had 110mcg of estrogen and then 50 mcg. So, when research says low dose, they mean anything under 50 mcg of estrogen. When we say low dose at Pandia Health we mean anything less than 30 mcg of estrogen which is NOT good for your bones if you are under the age of 30 years old. We recommend that you use at least 30mcg if you are under 30 years old.
Some women worry about weight gain when taking Viorele and other birth control pills. While it might give you the munchies, it’s mostly water retention (and not actual fat) that’s to blame.
TLDR: they’re the same except for colors and manufacturer. Viorele and Kariva birth control are both generic brands that have the same active ingredients and the same dosage: Ethinyl Estradiol (20 mcg) and Desogestrel (0.15 mg). They both have 28 tablets in each pack, 21 tablets of Ethinyl Estradiol (20 mcg) and Desogestrel (0.15 mg), 2 inactive pills with no hormones, and 5 pills with 10 mcg of estrogen.
See this video explaining generic vs. brand
Yes, Viorele can help with acne by reducing circulating androgen (testosterone) levels. Androgens promote sebum production, an oil made by your skin. Too much sebum can lead to clogged pores, which create breeding grounds for acne.
TLDR: Viorele reduces sebum production and thus acne.
5.0 -