Generic Yaz (Ocella)

Ocella is the generic version of Yasmin. Today, 7 in 10 prescriptions filled in the United States are for generic drugs. Generic drugs become available after the patent on the original, brand name drug has expired. The active ingredients in generic drugs are the same as those in the original drug, but the inactive ingredients often differ. This means that the hormones in Ocella are the same as those in Yasmin: 3 mg drospirenone and 30 mcg ethinylestradiol per tablet.

The inactive ingredients usually include any dyes that might be in the drugs, as well as ingredients that are used to bind the pill into holding its shape, or ingredients that act as a preservative. Occasionally the differences in inactive ingredients will cause minor side effects such as nausea or bloating, but the extent to which this happens varies from person to person and is dependent upon how each individual’s body reacts to certain inactive ingredients.

The FDA applies the same requirements to generic drugs as to brand name drugs. Quality standards are the same, and the FDA assures that the therapeutic effectiveness of the generic drugs is the same as that of the brand name drugs. Because brand name and generic drugs have the same active ingredients, and are held to the same FDA standards, all of the information on our website dealing with risks and side effects of Yaz & Yasmin also applies to Ocella.