Sprintec (norgestimate & ethinyl estradiol) birth control prescription available online
If you want to prevent pregnancy, Sprintec birth control pills can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Sprintec (norgestimate & ethinyl estradiol) today from a caring, board-certified doctor online.*
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Hormonal birth control for pregnancy prevention
Available as a tablet
Combination of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Sprintec birth control
Sprintec is considered a contraceptive, which releases certain hormones in your body to reduce the chances of pregnancy. Like any birth control pill, this medication can only help prevent pregnancy. It is ineffective against existing pregnancies because the hormones will not affect the existing growth of the fetus.
Sprintec is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation. The active ingredients in Sprintec are ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. Multiple brand names use a similar formulation, including Mono-Linyah, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Estarylla.
Sprintec may be prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
Due to the hormones the birth control pills release in the body, you must ask your doctor for medical advice if you want to stop using the medication. Suddenly stopping the hormonal birth control pills can lead to specific adverse reactions. Many birth control pills, including Sprintec, contain two types of hormones: an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a preotestin (norgestimate). These two hormones work together to prevent pregnancy.
Sprintec uses
Sprintec is FDA approved for contraception and also for acne in certain populations. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your certified online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Prevent pregnancy
Hormonal birth control uses two different types of hormones to provide better efficacy in pregnancy prevention.
The two hormones that these birth control pills use include:Ethinyl estradiol (A type of estrogen)
Norgestimate (A type of progestin)
The norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol combination work together to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus to make it less receptive to implantation.Acne
Sprintec is FDA approved for the treatment of moderate acne in females over the age of 15 years old who do not have any contraindications to birth control pills.
Sprintec birth control side effects
The side effects associated with taking Sprintec are typically mild or moderate. Sprintec has some common side effects. They may include:
Breast tenderness
Irregular uterine bleeding
Headaches
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Cardiovascular events: There have been reports of people experiencing cardiovascular events in patients that smoke and are over the age of 35 years old when they use Sprintec birth control pills or other combined oral contraceptives. The FDA has also demanded a boxed warning for this population and recommend against using combined oral contraceptives for these patients. The birth control pills may cause the patient to experience an increased risk for stroke or a heart attack.
Vascular disease: It is also possible for birth control pills to affect the vascular health of the patient. This includes a risk of blood clots forming. It is important for patients to understand these side effects of sprintec when they take the birth control pill. When using Sprintec birth control pills, patients should also learn about the potential symptoms of coronary artery disease. Regular checkups can also help them determine if the birth control pills are causing high blood pressure.
Liver changes: In rare instances, combined birth control pills can lead to benign growths on the liver called hepatic adenomas.
Apart from these, it is important for patients who take birth control pills to be wary of breakthrough bleeding, which can be typical in the first three months of use. Patients should also tell their healthcare provider if they experience severe headaches, irregular bleeding, more than usual bleeding and other concerning side effects of Sprintec.
You should call your doctor if you notice these side effects of Sprintec or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms.
How to take Sprintec
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Sprintec prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions on the blister pack. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
What to avoid while taking Sprintec
While no specific studies about drug interactions with Sprintec, some potential adverse events have been reported. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
When you use combined oral contraceptive substances, the birth control pills can sometimes alter the metabolism of other drugs you take. This can cause the serum concentration of these drugs to be higher or lower than it should be.
Some examples of drugs that may be affected in this way by birth control pills include:
Cyclosporine
Theophylline
Voriconazole
Tizanidine
Temazepam
Lamotrigine
Salicylic acid
Morphine
It is also important to note that drugs like Colesevelam may reduce the concentration of Ethinyl estradiol and other hormones used in birth control pills. This reduces the efficacy of these birth control pills, making them less effective at preventing pregnancy.
Please note that this information is for general knowledge only, and you should always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Sprintec.
Medication alternatives to Sprintec
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another ethinyl estradiol, norgestimate combination, or birth control pills in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Other combined hormonal contraceptives:
Progesterone only contraceptives:
Birth control implant
Some women may prefer the use of an implant compared to the daily use of birth control pills. In this case, there are several options that they can explore with their healthcare provider. Some implants also use ingredients like Ethinyl estradiol and other hormonal birth control options. Please note that telemedicine physicians are unable to prescribe birth control implants as these have to be placed by a medical provider in a clinic setting
You can ask our physicians for medical advice about the side effects of these implants. They may also lead to breakthrough bleeding, severe headaches, high blood pressure, and similar adverse reactions commonly reported with Sprintec.
Sprintec prescription FAQs
How much does Sprintec cost?
Sprintec tablets do not require any medical devices to be implanted. Instead, they come as birth control pills that you take daily. The price largely depends on the dose that you are prescribed.
How can I refill my Sprintec prescription?
You need to refill your prescription every month at a local pharmacy in your area. Visit the pharmacy that holds your prescription to obtain a new pack of Sprintec every month.
What type of birth control is Sprintec?
Sprintec is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that uses two different hormones to help with birth control. These hormones are ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. They work together to help prevent pregnancy.
Is Sprintec a robust birth control?
Sprintec is considered a highly effective birth control option. It is also more effective than other birth control pills that only use a single hormone.
Does Sprintec make you gain weight?
It is important to note that weight changes with birth control medications can vary from person to person. Some patients may gain weight and some may not.
What side effects does Sprintec have?
Sprintec birth control may cause tenderness in the breasts, as well as headaches and nausea. There are also more serious side effects. This includes serious cardiovascular events, severe headaches, breakthrough bleeding, high blood pressure, and more.
Who should not take Sprintec?
Do not take Sprintec if you are already pregnant. While the drug does not affect breast milk production, it can pass into breast milk. Do not use the drug if you are breastfeeding a baby. Other contraindications to combined oral contraceptives include but are not limited to:
History of migraines with aura
History of blood clots
History of strokes or heart attacks
Personal history of breast cancer
Age >35 years old and smoking
High blood pressure
What happens if I miss a dose of Sprintec?
A missed dose can affect the efficacy of birth control, but you should not take a double dose to make up for it. If you remember about the missed dose when it is not too close to the next dose, then take it. Otherwise, it is usually better to simply skip the missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Sprintec?
Never take more than prescribed. The risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, breast tenderness, severe migraine headaches, and several other complications are significantly increased.
3 simple steps to request your Sprintec prescription online
Step 1
Book a Sprintec prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Sprintec prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Sprintec prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How to talk to your doctor about Sprintec birth control:
Taking control of your reproductive health requires making an informed decision. At PlushCare, we understand that every woman has unique needs and preferences when it comes to birth control. Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol) is a popular combination birth control pill that might be a good fit for your lifestyle. Here are some questions that might be helpful to ask your doctor during your appointment:
How effective is Sprintec in preventing pregnancy?
Is Sprintec right for me if I have irregular periods?
Can Sprintec help improve acne or other skin conditions?
How does Sprintec compare to other birth control options?
What are the potential side effects of Sprintec, and how common are they?
Is Sprintec safe for me if I have a history of blood clots or migraines?
Can I smoke or use alcohol while taking Sprintec?
How long does it take for Sprintec to start working?
How can I get a refill for my prescription?
Sprintec prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Sprintec prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
"MTM Sprintec." Drugs.com, Accessed on October 6, 2023, www.drugs.com/mtm/sprintec.html.
"Sprintec Drug Information." RxList, Accessed on October 6, 2023, https://www.rxlist.com/sprintec-drug.htm
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.