Updated on October 31, 2023
With your doctor's prescription, you can easily buy birth control pills at any drug store. There are many brands and combinations available in the market, but contraceptives are not for all women. It is why it is essential to consult your ob-gyn first to determine your medical eligibility and if the pill or other birth control methods suit you.
Before he prescribes anything, your doctor needs to take into account your cycle, health, family health history, and lifestyle. Your doctor is also the best person to explain how a pill works, the effectiveness, side effects, contraindications, and precautions. He can give you the best answers to common questions like unusual pain, bleeding, and what to do if you miss a pill.
What other parents are reading
Cost guide of birth control pills in the market
Below are brands available at popular pharmacies in the National Capital Region of the Philippines, their active ingredients, retail price, and feedback from women from our Parent Chat and Smart Parenting Village communities who have used them.
This list is meant to show you the prices of the available brands. Information written here does not substitute a medical professional’s advice and does not apply to all users as side effects can vary for every woman. It is always best to consult your doctor.
Althea
Active Ingredients: Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinylestradiol
Price: Php489 per pack
Althea has an active ingredient that helps clear up severe acne and excessive hair growth in the face and areas of the body. It is an affordable alternative to expensive brands that have the same ingredient.
Honest feedback
“Althea [was] prescribed by my OB because I have PCOS. It's effective. Also, it makes my skin clear, and I feel so light. So far, I have not experienced negative effects. I take it before going to bed.” - Julie Sula, Smart Parenting Village member
“I've been using Althea for four months now, and okay naman sya. Mas nag-glow skin ko since I took my first pack. I experienced headaches nung una pero eventually nawala na sya. Baka kase siguro nag-a-adjust pa yung katawan ko sa pills.” - cupcakesnpastries, Parent Chat member
What other parents are reading
Cerazette
Active Ingredient: Desogestrel
Price: Php610 per pack
Cerazette, which has only one active progestogen ingredient, desogestrel, is a progestin-only pill (POP) that can be prescribed to breastfeeding women. It is one of two kinds of POPs (the other being lynestrenol) available in the Philippines. It has a higher percentage of cycles in preventing ovulation than lynestrenol preparation, according to the Department of Health (DOH). POPs must be taken at the same time every day to make it more effective. Significant side effects have been noted in the use of desogestrel, so see a doctor first to get a prescription.
Honest feedback
"Just had my checkup, and my OB prescribed Cerazette since I was breastfeeding. She said 'di daw dadatnan while taking that pill." - mami_chel, Parent Chat member
"I'm using Cerazette. Three weeks yung period ko tapos nawala for around 10 days lang and then meron na naman!" - kulotski, Parent Chat member
Charlize
Active Ingredients: Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel, and Ferrous Fumarate
Price: Php89 per pack
Charlize has the same ingredients as Trust pills (a product from the same manufacturer) but with more levonorgestrel. According to the brand’s website, it can also be used to treat menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and menorrhagia.
Honest feedback
"Charlize pills kasi nirecommend ng OB ko. I used Diane 35 hind ko kasi sya hiyang sumasakit ulo ko and nagsusuka ako." - Carrie, Parent Chat member
Cybelle
Active Ingredients: Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinylestradiol
Price: Php500 per packAlthough Cybelle is a contraceptive and can treat acne, it is only recommended if an acne treatment has not improved after long-term use of topical treatments and antibiotics. According to MIMS Philippines, it should be reserved for women requiring treatment for severe hirsutism and not solely for contraception.
Honest feedback
“Sa ’kin po pumayat ako. Kasi sabi ko sa OB ko yung hindi nkakataba ang ireseta.” - Rachel P. Smart Parenting Village member
“Ang gusto ko sa Cybell Pills is hindi ako tinitigyawa't or nag-gain ng weight at regular ang menstruation ko.” - Christiana Singcuenco, Smart Parenting Village member
What other parents are reading
Diane-35
Active Ingredients: Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyloestradiol
Price: Php690 per pack
Manufactured by Bayer, Diane-35 is the first popular combination pills of its kind in the Philippines. It is known to address skin problems like acne and excessive hair growth. Like other contraceptives containing cyproterone, this type of combination pills is not for every woman and long-term use must be with the approval of your doctor.
Honest feedback
“Hiyang [ako]. [Side effects include] severe headache, sobrang severe nya for me, I can’t focus, and the best way is to sleep. Weight gain also.” - A.T., Smart Parenting Village member
“Diane-35 ang gamit ko. Masakit sa ulo nong first hanggang fourth tablet. After four days nawala na. Advice sa 'kin ng OB ko after dinner mag-take ng Diane-35.” - Aragtrz, Parent Chat member
Exluton
Active Ingredient: Lynestrenol
Price: Php189 per pack
Exluton is an imported brand from the Netherlands, according to FDA Philippines. It is a progestin-only pill (POP) prescribed by doctors to lactating mothers, which means it will not affect breast milk production. In November 2017, it had been one of the 51 contraceptives declared by the FDA as non-abortifacients.
Honest feedback
"Ito gamit while breastfeeding. Wala naman side effect sa 'kin, pero nag-bleeding ako." - Czy, Parent Chat member
"I am a breastfeeding mom, and my OB prescribed this pill to me. Pansin ko, naglabasan ang pimples ko using this." - luckybee, Parent Chat member
Daphne
Active Ingredient: Lynestrenol
Price: Php168 per pack
A lot of breastfeeding mothers from our Smart Parenting community has been prescribed Daphne. Women who take this may experience irregular bleeding or altered menstrual cycles though this can also be caused by breastfeeding exclusively.
Honest feedback
“Daphne, walang choice kasi it’s for lactating mom. [Side effects for me] less sex drive, haha. Free lang siya sa city hospital ko.” - R. Rhed, Smart Parenting Village member
"Wala naman siya side effect sa 'kin. Hindi din ako nagka-pimples or tumaba. Pero after ko naman mag-stop uminom, eh, balik normal na ulit period ko." - preciouslara, Parent Chat member
Gynera
Active Ingredients: Ethinylestradiol and Gestodene
Price: Php535 per pack
The active ingredients in Gynera prevent a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg. It thickens the cervical mucus to make it hard for the sperm to reach the egg, but it thins the lining of the uterus to prevent embryo implantation. Gynera is an alternative to Sophia now that the latter has been phased out in the local market.
Honest feedback
“Gynera yung nirecommend sa akin ng OB ko. So far, ok naman siya, nakakaganda ng balat and katawan. Pero sabi sa akin hiyangan lang daw talaga, depende pa rin sa yo.” - kranki, Parent Chat member
What other parents are reading
Lady
Active Ingredients: Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel
Price: Php51 per pack
Lady is one of the most affordable pills in the market. It has the same ingredient as the most affordable brands but without a ferrous fumarate. The last set of seven tablets are inactive, meaning it does not contain hormones and is added to help the user form a habit of taking it daily.
Honest feedback
“Lady pills lang po. Nahiyang ata ako. Flat na flat puson ko dun. Hehe..” - Klara G., Smart Parenting Village member
"Nag-Lady ako dati pero grabe nag-gain talaga ako ng weight kaya tinigil ko muna.” - Zelobenia, Parent Chat member
Liza
Active Ingredients: Ethinylestradiol and Drospirenone
Price: Php681 per pack
Drospirenone can help reduce acne and greasiness of the skin and hair, according to MIMS Philippines. It also contains lactose. Those who want to use it should consult a doctor first, especially if she has sugar intolerance.
Honest feedback
"Maganda sa akin at walang side effects. Hindi ka din papatabain. Medyo pricey than Trust. Pero maganda naman sya kaya worth it. By the way, not allowed yan sa breastfeeding." - MJ Uy, Smart Parenting Village member
Lizelle
Active Ingredients: Ethinylestradiol and Drospirenone
Price: Php703 per pack
Lizelle has a mild ethinylestradiol content. It can also help manage premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a health problem that is similar but more serious than premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Lizelle comes with a sticker to help the user keep track of her intake.
Marvelon 28
Active Ingredients: Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol
Price: Php121 per pack
Marvelon 28 is a combination pill containing estrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progestin (desogestrel), man-made (synthetic) hormones that trigger changes in your body and prevent pregnancy. DOH classifies Marvelon as a low-dose combined oral contraceptive (COC) under monophasic preparation.
Honest feedback
“I'm using Marvelon28. Effective siya basta wala lang palya sa pag-inom nun. Ang nagustuhan ko is nakakakinis siya ng balat, isa sa mga side effect niya. Minsan may times na nahihilo ako lalo na pag malapit na period ko.” - Sheila Senar, Smart Parenting Village member
“I choose Marvelon 28, which has similar ingredients as Gracial pills. Ok siya sa akin walang side effect and the same manufacturer of Organon. Marvelon 28 is way cheaper than Gracial." - purple10, Parent Chat member
What other parents are reading
Meliane
Active Ingredients: Ethinylestradiol and Gestodene
Price: Php512 per pack
Just like Gynera, Melanie contains the same ingredients but with a lower dosage of ethinylestradiol, making it ideal for women who are prone to side effects of this estrogen.
Honest feedback
“Irregular ang mens ko before, tapos nung nagka-baby na ako, I used Meliane pills and then naging regular na period ko. Wala siyang side effect, pero tinigil ko siya kasi medyo mahal.” - mommyrose, Parent Chat member
Mercilon
Active Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol
Price: Php681 per pack
Mercilon has the same active ingredient as Marvelon but with a lower dosage of ethinylestradiol, an estrogen. A high level of estrogen in the body can create hormonal imbalance resulting in mood swings, among others. Pills with lower estrogen are said to minimize fluid retention.
Honest feedback
“Mercilon and Marvelon ang na-try ko. Weight gain ang side effect nya sa 'kin.” - Rhea E., Smart Parenting Village member
“I was a Yaz user talaga after ko manganak. Mercilon ang recommended ni OB. Sabi niya mas konti side effects at nakakapayat pero syempre it depends pa din sa user kung san hiyang.” - laneyval, Parent Chat member
Micropil
Active Ingredients: Norethisterone and Ethinyl Estradiol
Price: Php69 per pack
Micropil's active ingredient is norethisterone, a progestin, used in various treatments for abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis (a condition that causes pelvic pain), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and breast cancer. Micropil is not to be confused with progestin-only pills or the “mini-pill.”
Honest feedback
“I’ve been using Micropil for nine years. It works well for me and has no side effects. It regulates my period to three days only plus it costs less.” - Juvelyn Namoc, Smart Parenting Village member
Micropil Plus
Active Ingredients: Norethisterone, Ethinyl Estradiol, and Ferrous Fumarate
Price: Php88 per pack
Micropil Plus has the same ingredient as Micropil but with ferrous fumarate, an iron supplement that helps produce red blood cells. According to WebMD, the recommended dietary allowance for iron for women 19-50 years is 18mg/day. The ferrous fumarate in Micropil can make up for about 80% of the elemental iron needs of a woman, provided she does not have an iron deficiency.
Honest feedback
"[I’ ve] been using [this] pills for a year and eight months already. Effective siya. I like it kasi pwede syang mabili sa mga pharmacy. Side effects sa 'kin nasusuka ko, mood swings sobra." - S. Aguilar, Smart Parenting Village member
What other parents are reading
Minipil
Active Ingredients: Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel
Price: Php243 per pack
Minipil the brand (it should not be confused with progestin-only pills or the “mini-pill”) is a combination pill but not meant for breastfeeding. Compared to other brands, it has a lower dose of active ingredients.
Honest feedback
“[Minipil] di sya nakakataba, [pero] lagi naman masakit ulo ko. Ayun pinalitan ng iba. Pinalitan na ng OB ko.” - MJ, Smart Parenting Village member
Nordette
Active Ingredients: Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel
Price: P197 per pack
Manufactured by Pfizer, Nordette has a high microgram dose of levonorgestrel. According to WebMD, levonorgestrel alone is used as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy after birth control failure.
Honest feedback
"Before ang gamit ko ay Logynon but now Nordette na. Ok naman sa akin walang side effect. I suggest consult ka muna sa OB mo para sure ka." - Nickie, Parent Chat member
"Lady pills ang una ko ginamit, kaso may headache ako lagi lalo na every morning. So ngayun pinalitan ko ng Nordette." - Jadz1826, Parent Chat member
Qlaira
Active Ingredients: Estradiol Valerate and Dienogest
Price: Php1,150 per pack
A product of Bayer, Qlaira is the first of its kind. It contains estradiol valerate, which is rapidly metabolized to estradiol in the body. Estradiol is the estrogen identical to the one produced by the female body. Qlaira is the first oral contraceptive to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.
Honest feedback
“My husband recommended this brand kasi he read somewhere nakakalaki daw ng boobs. He paid for the price just to see it on me, haha. My breast did feel heavy. Too heavy, it was not comfortable. Hindi ako makapag-jogging or work out. I used it only once, no major side effects on me.” - Mrs. B, Parentchat member.
Trust
Active Ingredients: Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel and Ferrous Fumarate
Price: Php53 per pack
Trust has seven tablets containing ferrous fumarate, an iron supplement that helps improve hemoglobin content in blood during monthly periods. While Trust is an affordable brand, it is still essential to consult with your doctor to understand the side effects that may vary per user.
Honest feedback
“Ok sa akin ang trust pills, no pimples, nadagdagan pa ng konti ang boobs, no dramatic weight gain. Very convenient sa akin ito. Ayoko namang bumalik ng injectables.” - adaengkantada, Parent Chat member
“Trust pills po gamit ko. Then parang lagi akong bloated.” - Bel H., Smart Parenting Village member
Yasmin
Active Ingredients: Ethinylestradiol and Drospirenone
Price: Php906 per pack
Yasmin is the first to use progestin drospirenone. It helps minimize a person’s reaction to hormonal changes and makes PMDD manageable. But a user needs to seek medical advice before taking brands containing this ingredient. This version of synthetic progesterone is often prescribed to treat acne or excessive hair growth. A report from BBC says it can have a side effect that can result in hormonal imbalance.
Honest feedback
“[Sa] Yasmin pumayat ang hipag ko pero sa akin tumaba naman ako.” - Hazel R. Smart Parenting Village member
“I tried [Daphne] pills and ang init ng ulo ko lagi. Wala naman headache pero lagi akong galit sa mundo plus grabe parang gutom na gutom ako lagi. I switched to Yasmin pill, okay talaga sya.” - C. Parc, Smart Parenting Village member
Yaz
Active Ingredients: Ethinyl Estradiol and Drospirenone
Price: Php891 per pack
Yaz is often prescribed to women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and PMDD. It is also used to help regulate periods and clear acne. The drospirenone content of Yaz helps the body flush out fluids instead of retaining them and result in less weight gain.
Honest feedback
“Yaz was prescribed for my teen daughter, not as a contraceptive but to control her heavy acne, which kept recurring even after continuous treatment for three months by a dermatologist. She responded to this brand better than Diane, which gave her migraines. I gave her the talk on pills already para aware siya what she’s taking.” - MJ, Parent Chat member
“[With Yaz, I] never experienced side effects other women say about taking pills. My skin got better. Fewer breakouts, less oily skin.” - Joanne Paula Rivera-Peñano, Smart Parenting Village member
Frequently asked questions about birth control pills
1. How can using birth control pills benefit your reproductive health?
Birth control can offer several benefits to reproductive health. It can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies, manage conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, and provide better control over family planning. Birth control methods, such as hormonal contraceptives, can also alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and heavy menstrual bleeding.
2. What are the common side effects of using birth control pills and how to avoid them?
Birth control pills may have side effects that vary among individuals. Common side effects include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding. To minimize these effects, it's crucial to take the pill as directed and at the same time daily. If side effects persist, consult with your healthcare provider to explore alternative birth control methods or adjust the pill type.
3. What to do if you miss a birth control pill?
Missing a birth control pill can reduce its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. If you forget to take a pill, follow the instructions provided with your specific brand of birth control. Generally, taking the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day, is recommended. Additional contraceptive methods, like condoms, should be used for the next seven days. Check your pill pack's patient information for guidance.
4. Are there risks or dangers associated with birth control pills?
Birth control pills are generally safe when used as prescribed. However, like any medication, they come with potential risks. Common concerns include a slightly increased risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, and interactions with other medications. It's essential to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting birth control. They can help assess the benefits and risks based on your individual health.
For individuals who cannot or prefer not to use birth control pills, numerous alternative methods are available. These include condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), birth control implants, the birth control shot, the patch, fertility awareness-based methods, and sterilization procedures (tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men). Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable alternative based on your health and preferences.
Alternative birth control methods
Here are alternative birth control methods and their respective considerations.
Condoms
Condoms are a widely accessible form of birth control that can be used by both men and women. They provide protection against both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes condoms as an effective method for birth control and STI prevention.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that a healthcare provider inserts into a woman's uterus. There are two main types of IUDs: hormonal and copper. Hormonal IUDs release hormones that prevent pregnancy, while copper IUDs create an environment in the uterus that is hostile to sperm. IUDs are highly effective and can provide protection for several years, depending on the type. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Birth Control Implant
A birth control implant is a small, flexible rod that is inserted under the skin of a woman's upper arm. It releases hormones that prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. The implant can provide protection for up to three years and is considered highly effective, with a failure rate of less than 1%, as stated by the ACOG.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception, often known as the "morning-after pill," can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It is available over-the-counter or as a prescription medication, depending on the specific type. It should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse and can be effective up to 72 hours or even longer, depending on the type used. According to Planned Parenthood, emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89% when taken within 72 hours.
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FAM)
Fertility awareness-based methods involve tracking a woman's menstrual cycle and identifying fertile and infertile periods. This includes methods such as tracking basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and calendar-based calculations. While these methods are non-invasive, they require a high level of commitment, accuracy, and regularity to be effective. The CDC notes varying typical-use failure rates, with the calendar-based method being less effective than other FAM techniques.
Sterilization
Sterilization procedures are permanent methods of birth control. They include tubal ligation (for women) and vasectomy (for men). These procedures involve blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes or vas deferens to prevent the sperm and egg from meeting. They are considered highly effective and are intended for individuals who are certain they do not want to have more children.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the most suitable birth control method based on individual health, preferences, and family planning goals.
What other parents are reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod