provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Wera Coupon - Wera 28 tablets package

cyonanz

Generic Brevicon
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

Wera 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 ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. But compared with other monophasic birth controls with the same ingredients, it contains a lower dose of norethindrone. It works well to prevent pregnancy, but isn't the best choice for females with certain medical conditions.

Last reviewed on August 2, 2022
basics-icon

What is Wera?

What is Wera used for?

  • To prevent pregnancy

How Wera works

Wera (along with its branded generics) is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that contains 2 hormones: ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norethindrone (a progestin). Both hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:

  • Suppressing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary)

  • Changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement

  • Creating an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg by changing the lining in the uterus (womb)

Are you looking for information on Nortrel 1/35 (norethindrone / ethinyl estradiol) monophasic instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsWera, Necon 0.5/35, Nortrel 0.5/35, Cyonanz, Brevicon (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$35.21(save 60.41%)
GoodRx discount
$13.94
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Wera?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Bloating
  • Spotting
  • Breast tenderness
  • Weight changes (up or down)
  • Headache
  • Depression

Other Side Effects

  • Yeast infection
  • Spotty darkening of skin
  • Change in sex drive
  • Acne
  • Change in appetite

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
  • Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
  • Serious liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, stomach pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • New or worsening migraines or headaches
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
  • Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
  • Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Wera

thumbs-up

Pros

Once-daily dosing

Works better to prevent pregnancy compared to some other birth control methods

Pills are in an easy-to-follow blister pack

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Need to take your pill at the same time every day for it to work well

Not a good option for females over 35 who smoke

Can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and mood changes

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Wera

pharmacist
  • Set an alarm to help you remember to take Wera at the same time every day. Forgetting to take your pill raises the chance of getting pregnant. If you miss a dose, refer to the instructions or call your provider.

    • It's normal to have spotting (light vaginal bleeding outside of your period) or feel sick to your stomach for the first few packs of Wera. This should get better over time, but if it doesn't contact your provider.

      • If you have vomiting or diarrhea, or take certain medications, Wera might not work as well for you. Always use a back-up birth control method until you're able to check with your healthcare provider.

        • If you've been taking Wera as instructed and miss your period or feel like you might be pregnant, check in with your provider so they can confirm whether or not you're pregnant and provide prenatal care if needed. While Wera shouldn't cause any birth defects if you accidentally take it during early pregnancy, you'll no longer need to take it when you're pregnant.

          • Oral contraceptives like Wera can lower the amount of breast milk you're able to produce while breastfeeding. Small amounts of it can pass into breast milk and could lead to side effects in your baby. If you're breastfeeding, ask your provider about alternative birth control options.

            • You can stop taking Wera any time you wish, but if you're sexually active and want to prevent pregnancy talk with your provider about alternative birth control options.

              • Wera has been prescribed specifically for you, so don't share it with anyone who wants to take birth control. Their provider should evaluate them to make sure they get a safe option.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Wera

                How should I start taking Wera?
                If you're not currently taking another form of hormonal birth control, the two most common ways to start taking Wera are the Day 1 Start and the Sunday Start methods. For the Day 1 Start, you'd begin taking Wera during the first 24 hours of your period. If you choose the Sunday Start method, you'd begin taking Wera on the Sunday after your period starts (even if you're still bleeding). For this method, you need to use another non-hormonal method of birth control (e.g., condom or spermicide) for 7 days. If you're switching from another hormonal birth control, discuss the best way to start taking Wera with your provider.
                Why are there two different colored pills in my Wera blister pack?
                Your pack begins with 21 active pills (meaning they contain hormones in them) followed by seven inactive pills (they don't contain hormones). The active pills are a different color than the inactive pills, and each brand might have different colored pills. If you have questions about which pill in your pack contains hormones, refer to the label that comes with your pack or ask your pharmacist or provider.
                How well does Wera prevent pregnancy?
                Based on clinical studies, there's about a 5% chance you might get pregnant during the first year of using birth control pills like Wera with typical use. "Typical use" of Wera means that you might forget to take your pill sometimes. Your chance of getting pregnant while taking Wera is higher if you don't take it as directed. If you're having trouble remembering to take your pill and want to consider other birth control options, talk to your provider.
                What should I do if I miss a pill of Wera?
                It's important for you to take Wera every day for the medication to prevent pregnancy. But if you missed a dose, your next steps depend on when you missed it and how many pills you missed. If you only missed 1 pill, you can take the missed pill as soon as you remember and continue taking the next pill at your regular time. This means you might take 2 pills on the same day. If you missed pills multiple days in a row, check the instructions that came with your pack or ask your provider or pharmacist what to do. Also, ask them if you need to use another method of birth control to prevent pregnancy during this time.
                When will I get my period when I'm taking Wera?
                While you're taking Wera, you'll typically get your period after you've finished the 21 active tablets in your pack and started the placebo tablets. Make sure to start a new pack on the day after you finish your placebo tablets, even if you're still bleeding. If you don't have any bleeding during the placebo week, contact your provider so they can make sure you aren't pregnant.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Wera?

                Wera can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems

                • Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke cigarettes

                  If you smoke cigarettes, using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) like Wera raises your risk for serious health problems, such as strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Females age 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk for these problems. If you smoke, talk with your provider about safer birth control alternatives.

                  risk-warning

                  Blood clots and strokes

                  • Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke | Females over 40 years old who don't smoke | Recent surgery with a long period of bed rest | Starting Wera less than a month after childbirth | High blood pressure | People identified as obese | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen

                    Wera raises your risk of blood clots. These clots can occur anywhere in your body, including your lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE), legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot:

                    • Brain: weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, trouble speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion

                      • Eyes: trouble seeing, bulging eye, double vision

                        • Heart: chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness

                          • Lungs: trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough

                            • Legs: cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness

                              If you need to have surgery, tell your provider you're taking Wera. They might have you stop taking it 4 weeks before until 2 weeks after your surgery to lower your risk of blood clots.

                              risk-warning

                              Risk of breast and cervical cancer

                              • Risk factors: History of breast cancer | Taking COCs for a long time

                                Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Wera and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

                                Don't use Wera if you have breast cancer because some types of breast cancer grow faster in the presence of estrogen, an ingredient in this birth control pill. To help with early breast cancer detection, you can do monthly breast self-checks at home and yearly breast exams with your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

                                Get medical help right away if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, or pain during sex, since these could be signs of cervical cancer.

                                risk-warning

                                Liver problems

                                • Risk factors: Liver problems or infection in the liver | Taking COCs with 50 mcg of estrogen or higher | Using COCs for 4 years or longer

                                  Though rare, Wera can cause liver problems, such as liver damage and liver tumors. These problems are linked more with earlier formulations of COCs that contained higher levels of estrogen (50 mcg or higher), and less so with Wera since it only contains 35 mcg of estrogen. Don't use this medication if you already have liver problems. Call your provider right away if you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as tiredness, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

                                  risk-warning

                                  High blood sugar and triglycerides

                                  • Risk factors: Prediabetes or diabetes | Personal or family history of high triglycerides | High dose

                                    COCs like Wera might raise your blood sugar and triglyceride (fat) levels. If you have diabetes, let your provider know if you experience any changes in your blood sugar. Make sure to go to all of your check-ups so your provider can monitor any changes.

                                    risk-warning

                                    High blood pressure

                                    • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Older age | Using COCs for a long time | Kidney problems

                                      Wera and other COCs can raise your blood pressure. Your provider might ask you to check your blood pressure regularly. If you notice your blood pressure is higher while you're taking this medication, contact your provider. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, Wera might not be the best option for you.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Headache

                                      Headaches are a common side effect of COCs like Wera. But, if you experience a new migraine, a migraine that's worse than normal, or a new headache that keeps coming back or is severe, call your provider so you can be checked out.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Irregular bleeding

                                      Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common side effects of hormonal birth control pills. This is more common during the first 3 months of using Wera. Let your provider know if you experience any vaginal bleeding outside of your period, or if your period has stopped completely. There are other causes besides your birth control pills for irregular bleeding that your provider will evaluate.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Depression

                                      • Risk factors: History of depression

                                        Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening depression while taking Wera. In cases of serious depression, your provider might have you stop taking it.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Pregnancy outside of the womb

                                        Research suggests that females who take that COCs are at a higher risk of pregnancy occuring outside of the womb (ectopic pregnancy) if the birth control pills don't work like they're supposed to. The chance of becoming pregnant is higher when you don't take Wera as instructed at the same time every day. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include low back pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and cramping. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your provider.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Interactions with other medications

                                        Certain medications can make Wera get broken down faster in your body, making it less effective and can lead to pregnancy. Some examples include carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin). Use a back-up method or other form of birth control for at least 28 days after stopping any of these medications. Other medications can raise the amount of Wera in your body, which can lead to more side effects. Make sure to tell your provider or pharmacist all of your medications so they can make sure they don't interact with Wera.

                                        If you have hepatitis C and need to be treated with Viekira Pak (dasabuvir / ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir), immediately let your provider know that you're taking a COC. You'll need to stop Wera before starting Viekira Pak because taking them together can cause liver problems. You can start Wera again 2 weeks after you stop Viekira Pak.

                                        dosage

                                        Wera dosage forms

                                        The average cost for 1 package of 28 tablets of Wera is $13.94 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 60.41% off the average retail price of $35.21.
                                        package
                                        Package
                                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                        28 tablets1 package$13.94$13.94

                                        Typical dosing for Wera

                                        Your medication might look different and have slightly different directions depending on which branded generic your provider prescribes. Please take the medication as instructed by your provider. In general:

                                        Wera (and its branded generics) comes in a 28-day pack. There are 21 active tablets and they each contain 0.5 mg of norethindrone and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. There are 7 placebo tablets and they don't contain any active medications.

                                        • The typical dose is 1 active tablet by mouth daily for 21 days, followed by 1 placebo tablet daily for the remaining 7 days.

                                        drug-cost

                                        How much does Wera cost?

                                        To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                                        contraindications-icon

                                        Wera contraindications

                                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Wera will not be safe for you to take.
                                        • Currently have or history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or other blood clotting problems

                                        • Smoke and over age 35 years old

                                        • Cerebrovascular disease (problems with blood flow in the brain)

                                        • Coronary artery disease (problems with blood flow in the heart)

                                        • Certain heart valve or heart rhythm problems

                                        • Diabetes with blood vessel problems

                                        • Certain types of headaches with neurological symptoms

                                        • Major surgery and not being able to walk for a long period of time

                                        • Uncontrolled high blood pressure

                                        • Currently have or have a history of breast cancer

                                        • Currently have endometrial cancer or other estrogen-dependent tumor

                                        • Vaginal bleeding where the cause haven't yet been identified

                                        • History of jaundice during pregnancy or with prior pill use

                                        • Liver tumors

                                        • Liver problems

                                        • Pregnancy

                                        • Taking hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir

                                        alternatives

                                        What are alternatives to Wera?

                                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Wera. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                        Wera
                                        Used for:
                                        • To prevent pregnancy

                                        $13.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                        Used for:
                                        • To prevent pregnancy

                                        $29.97 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                        Used for:
                                        $29.10 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                        images

                                        Wera images

                                        White Round P And N - WERA 28-Day 0.5mg-0.035mg Tablet
                                        This medicine is White, Round Package Imprinted With "P" And "N".White Round P And N - WERA 28-Day 0.5mg-0.035mg Tablet

                                        Get savings updates for Wera

                                        Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Wera and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                                        By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                                        Browse medications

                                        View All

                                        Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.