Estarylla 28 Day Is a Combination Birth Control Pill

Estarylla 28 Day is a monophasic combination oral contraceptive that contains two hormones — Norgestimate 0.25 mg (a progestin) and Ethinyl Estradiol 0.035 mg (an estrogen) — taken daily to prevent pregnancy.

If you've been prescribed Estarylla 28 Day or are considering it, this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, what it treats, how to take it correctly, who should avoid it, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Estarylla 28 Day?

Here are the key facts:

• Generic name: Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol
• Brand-name equivalent: Ortho-Cyclen
• Drug class: Combination oral contraceptive (monophasic estrogen/progestin)
• Manufacturer: Sandoz Inc.
• Formulation: 28-day pack with 21 active blue tablets and 7 inert green tablets
• Controlled substance: No — Estarylla 28 Day is not a controlled substance
• Generic: Yes — Estarylla is itself a branded generic. Other generics of the same formulation include Sprintec, Previfem, Mono-Linyah, Mili, and Femynor.

Estarylla 28 Day is one of the most commonly prescribed monophasic oral contraceptives in the United States. "Monophasic" means every active pill contains the same dose of hormones, unlike triphasic pills (such as Tri-Sprintec) where the dose changes throughout the cycle.

What Is Estarylla 28 Day Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Prevention of pregnancy — The primary indication. When taken correctly, combination oral contraceptives are over 99% effective.
• Treatment of acne vulgaris — FDA-approved for moderate acne in females aged 15 and older who also want oral contraception.

Common Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Estarylla 28 Day for several conditions not listed on the FDA label:

• Regulating irregular menstrual cycles
• Reducing heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Managing endometriosis symptoms
• Reducing ovarian cyst formation
• Managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Reducing menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

How to Take Estarylla 28 Day

Each pack contains 28 tablets taken in order:

1. Days 1–21: Take one active (blue) tablet daily. Each contains Norgestimate 0.25 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol 0.035 mg.
2. Days 22–28: Take one inert (green) tablet daily. These contain no active hormones — they keep you in the habit of taking a daily pill. Your period will usually start during this week.
3. Day 29: Start a new pack immediately. Don't skip any days between packs.

Important Dosing Tips

• Take it at the same time every day. Consistency improves effectiveness and helps you remember.
• Starting options: You can start on Day 1 of your period (no backup needed) or the first Sunday after your period begins (use backup contraception like condoms for the first 7 days).
• If you miss one pill: Take it as soon as you remember, even if that means taking two pills in one day. No backup method needed.
• If you miss two or more pills: Follow the instructions in your package insert or call your doctor. You may need backup contraception.
• If you vomit within 4 hours of taking a pill: Treat it as a missed pill.

Who Should Not Take Estarylla 28 Day

Combination oral contraceptives are not safe for everyone. Estarylla 28 Day is contraindicated in people with:

• Known or suspected pregnancy
• Breastfeeding (first 4 to 6 weeks postpartum)
• History of or current blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• History of stroke or coronary artery disease
• Valvular heart disease with thrombogenic complications
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Diabetes with vascular involvement
• Migraine with aura (at any age)
• Known or suspected breast cancer or estrogen-dependent cancer
• Liver disease or liver tumors
• Unexplained abnormal uterine bleeding
• Smokers over age 35

The FDA boxed warning states: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects. Women over 35 who smoke should not use combination oral contraceptives.

Women with a BMI over 35 kg/m² may experience reduced effectiveness. Talk to your doctor about whether Estarylla 28 Day is appropriate for you.

For a detailed look at side effects, see our Estarylla 28 Day side effects guide.

How Much Does Estarylla 28 Day Cost?

With Insurance

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans are required to cover at least one form of generic oral contraceptive with no cost-sharing. This means Estarylla 28 Day is typically $0 with insurance. Prior authorization is generally not required, and step therapy is not typically applied.

Without Insurance

The retail cash price for Estarylla 28 Day ranges from $20 to $50 per 28-day pack. However, pharmacy discount cards can reduce the cost significantly:

• SingleCare: As low as approximately $9 per pack
• GoodRx: Prices vary by pharmacy but typically under $15
• BuzzRx, RxSaver, and other discount cards: Comparable savings available

For a complete breakdown of savings options, read our guide to saving money on Estarylla 28 Day.

Patient Assistance

Sandoz does not offer a dedicated manufacturer savings program or patient assistance program for Estarylla. However, patients without insurance or with financial hardship can access oral contraceptives through Planned Parenthood, community health centers, NeedyMeds, and state pharmaceutical assistance programs.

Final Thoughts

Estarylla 28 Day is a well-established, widely prescribed combination oral contraceptive that's effective for preventing pregnancy and treating acne. It's affordable — often free with insurance — and available at most pharmacies.

If you're currently taking Estarylla 28 Day or considering it, here are some helpful next steps:

• Learn how Estarylla 28 Day works in your body
• Review potential drug interactions
• Find a doctor who can prescribe it with our provider guide
• Use Medfinder to find Estarylla 28 Day in stock at a pharmacy near you