Levlen
Levonorgestrel, Ethinylestradiol
0.03/0.15mg
Utilised to manage ovulation cycles to prevent unwanted conception and support predictable menstrual patterns.
From$0.88/ tabletView
Contraception
Combined contraceptive tablets pair an oestrogen with a progestogen, and the brands here differ mainly in which progestogen is used and whether a tablet is also given for a second reason, such as acne. Which one suits a person is a decision to reach with a prescriber, since it depends on individual health history as well as preference.
Yaz
Ethinylestradiol, Drospirenone
0.02mg + 3mg
Formulated to alleviate hormonal acne and symptoms of PMDD to support pregnancy prevention and target cycle regularity.
From$1.90/ tabletView
Diane 35
Cyproterone Acetate, Ethinylestradiol
0.035mg + 2mg
Intended to relieve androgenic skin breakouts and hirsutism to support clear skin and target reproductive cycle control.
From$3.23/ tabletView
Ginette-35
Cyproterone Acetate, Ethinylestradiol
0.035mg + 2mg
Developed to mitigate androgen-related acne and hair growth to support clear skin and target hormone normalisation.
From$2.07/ tabletView
Ortho Tri-cyclen
Norgestimate, Ethinylestradiol
0,25mg/ 0,035mg
Intended to relieve hormonal fluctuations to support cycle control and target reliable pregnancy prevention.
From$0.54/ tabletView
Key points
- Combined pills contain both an oestrogen and a progestogen; progestogen-only pills do not contain an oestrogen.
- WHO and NHS describe combined pills as working mainly by stopping ovulation.
- Every tablet here pairs ethinylestradiol with levonorgestrel, drospirenone, cyproterone acetate, norgestimate or desogestrel.
- Diane 35 and Ginette-35 are also used for hirsutism and androgen-dependent acne, alongside or instead of contraception.
Ingredient pairings in this group
Ethinylestradiol is the oestrogen in all seven tablets. Levlen pairs it with levonorgestrel; Mircette and Desogen pair it with desogestrel; Yaz pairs it with drospirenone; and Ortho Tri-Cyclen pairs it with norgestimate. Which progestogen a brand uses does not change that main action. The UAE’s Emirates Drug Establishment lists Yaz as a tablet combining drospirenone with ethinylestradiol.
Why Diane 35 and Ginette-35 also treat acne and hair growth
Diane 35 and Ginette-35 pair ethinylestradiol with cyproterone acetate, an anti-androgen, and both are used for hirsutism and androgen-dependent acne. Diane 35 is also used for contraception; Ginette-35’s role here is treating acne and excess hair growth linked to androgen activity rather than preventing pregnancy. Desogen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Yaz also treat acne vulgaris alongside contraception, and Yaz additionally treats premenstrual dysphoric disorder.