Can't find Sprintec 28 Day? Here are the best alternatives — from identical generics to similar oral contraceptives — so you don't miss your birth control.
Few things are more frustrating than showing up at the pharmacy only to find out your birth control is out of stock. If you've been prescribed Sprintec 28 Day and can't find it, don't worry — there are several solid alternatives that your doctor or pharmacist can help you switch to.
In this guide, we'll cover what Sprintec 28 Day is, how it works, and the best alternatives available if you can't fill your prescription.
Sprintec 28 Day is a combination oral contraceptive pill (COC) that contains two hormones:
It's manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and comes in a 28-day pack: 21 active (blue) tablets followed by 7 inactive (green) placebo tablets. You take one pill at the same time every day.
Sprintec is one of the most widely prescribed birth control pills in the U.S., and it's also sold under brand names like Estarylla, Previfem, Mono-Linyah, Mili, and MonoNessa.
Sprintec prevents pregnancy through three mechanisms:
When taken correctly, combination oral contraceptives like Sprintec are about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. With typical use (accounting for missed pills and timing inconsistencies), effectiveness drops to about 93%.
When looking for an alternative, the closest match is a medication with the same active ingredients. After that, medications in the same class with similar hormone profiles are the next best option.
Estarylla contains exactly the same active ingredients as Sprintec — Norgestimate 0.25 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol 0.035 mg. It's made by a different manufacturer (Northstar Rx) but is pharmacologically identical. Your pharmacist can substitute Estarylla for Sprintec without needing a new prescription.
Why consider it: It's the same medication under a different name. If your pharmacy is out of Sprintec, Estarylla is the easiest swap.
Previfem is another generic equivalent of Sprintec containing Norgestimate 0.25 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol 0.035 mg. It's manufactured by Qualitest/Endo Pharmaceuticals.
Why consider it: Like Estarylla, Previfem is interchangeable with Sprintec. If one brand is out of stock, this is another identical option to ask about.
Mono-Linyah is yet another equivalent to Sprintec, made by Northstar Rx. Same active ingredients, same doses, same monophasic formulation.
Why consider it: More options increase your chances of finding one in stock. Ask your pharmacist to check for Mono-Linyah if Sprintec, Estarylla, and Previfem are all unavailable.
Tri-Sprintec contains the same two hormones (Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol) but in a triphasic formulation — meaning the hormone doses change over the course of the 21 active pills. This is a slightly different approach than Sprintec's monophasic (same dose every day) design.
Why consider it: If no monophasic Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol product is available, Tri-Sprintec is a closely related option. You'll need a new prescription from your provider since it's a different formulation.
Junel Fe contains Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol — a different progestin but still a combination oral contraceptive in the same class. It's one of the most commonly prescribed birth control pills in the U.S.
Why consider it: If all Norgestimate-based options are unavailable, Junel Fe is a well-established alternative. Talk to your doctor about switching, as the different progestin may cause slightly different side effects.
Apri contains Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol. It's another popular combination oral contraceptive with a different progestin component.
Why consider it: Apri is widely available and commonly prescribed. Like Junel Fe, you'll need your provider to write a new prescription since it uses a different active ingredient.
If you're switching to an identical generic (like Estarylla, Previfem, or Mono-Linyah), your pharmacist can usually make the change without contacting your doctor. These are considered therapeutic equivalents by the FDA.
If you're switching to a different formulation (like Tri-Sprintec, Junel Fe, or Apri), you'll need a new prescription. Contact your doctor or use a telehealth service to get one quickly.
In most cases, you can start the new pill on the same day you would have started your next Sprintec pack. Your provider will give you specific instructions based on where you are in your current cycle.
Not being able to fill your Sprintec 28 Day prescription is inconvenient, but it doesn't mean you have to go without birth control. Start by asking your pharmacist about identical generics like Estarylla, Previfem, or Mono-Linyah. If those aren't available either, talk to your doctor about Tri-Sprintec, Junel Fe, or Apri.
You can use Medfinder to find pharmacies that have Sprintec or its alternatives in stock. And for more information about your medication, check out our articles on how Sprintec 28 Day works and drug interactions to be aware of.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
