Why was Ogestrel discontinued?

It isn't clear why Ogestrel was discontinued. But, it wasn't due to [safety reasons or because it didn't work well](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-04-28/pdf/2017-08583.pdf) to prevent pregnancy. Generally, people are moving away from using combination birth control pills with an ethinyl estradiol dose of [50 mcg or higher](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304327/#:~:text=%E2%80%98high%2Ddose%E2%80%99%20(50%C2%A0%C2%B5g%20or%20more)), possibility because of the [higher risk of clots](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/). Today, most birth control pills in the United States contain [less that 50 mcg of ethinyl estradiol](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/).

ogestrel

Q: What is Ogestrel?

Ogestrel is a combined hormonal [birth control pill](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/birth-control/birth-control-pill) that contains two hormones, ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norgestrel (a progestin), that work together to prevent pregnancy. It's a monophasic birth control and is taken by mouth every day.

Q: What birth control pill can I take instead of Ogestrel?

There are many [birth control pill options](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/birth-control/birth-control-pill) available today. Which birth control pill you choose can depend on things like what other health conditions you might have, side effects, and whether or not you want to go for a [longer time without getting your period](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/birth-control/how-to-delay-your-period-tips-risks). Your provider will guide you to the best option based on your individual needs or preferences. Speak with your provider about the different options available.

Generic Ovral

Used for Birth Control

Ogestrel is a combined hormonal birth control pill that's taken by mouth every day. It's a monophasic birth control, meaning all of the active pills contain the same doses of estrogen and norgestrel. This medication, along with its equivalent brand-name medication Ovral, has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Connie Zheng, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 21, 2022

What is Ogestrel?

What is Ogestrel used for?

To prevent pregnancy

Are you looking for information on Cryselle (norgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) monophasic instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsOgestrel, Ovral (both brands no longer available)(both brands no longer available)

Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityDiscontinued

Common questions about Ogestrel

Ogestrel is a combined hormonal birth control pill that contains two hormones, ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norgestrel (a progestin), that work together to prevent pregnancy. It's a monophasic birth control and is taken by mouth every day.

One thing that makes Ogestrel different from other birth control pills is that it contain a higher dose of estrogen compared with newer birth control pills. Higher doses of estrogen can lead to more side effects, and raise your risk for blood clots. Today, many combined hormonal birth control pills contain a lower dose of estrogen (10 mcg to 35 mcg).

No, Ogestrel has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

It isn't clear why Ogestrel was discontinued. But, it wasn't due to safety reasons or because it didn't work well to prevent pregnancy. Generally, people are moving away from using combination birth control pills with an ethinyl estradiol dose of 50 mcg or higher, possibility because of the higher risk of clots. Today, most birth control pills in the United States contain less that 50 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.

There are many birth control pill options available today. Which birth control pill you choose can depend on things like what other health conditions you might have, side effects, and whether or not you want to go for a longer time without getting your period. Your provider will guide you to the best option based on your individual needs or preferences. Speak with your provider about the different options available.