Sprintec 28 Day is a combination oral contraceptive pill (birth control pill) containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, used to prevent pregnancy in women of reproductive age.

What Is Sprintec 28 Day?

Sprintec 28 Day is a monophasic combination oral contraceptive manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. It contains two hormones: norgestimate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). "Monophasic" means every active pill in the pack contains the same dose of hormones.

Sprintec is a generic version of the brand-name pill Ortho-Cyclen. Other generic equivalents include Estarylla, Previfem, Mono-Linyah, Mili, Femynor, MonoNessa, VyLibra, and Nymyo. All contain the same active ingredients at the same doses.

Sprintec is not a controlled substance and is available by prescription. It is one of the most widely prescribed oral contraceptives in the United States.

What Is Sprintec 28 Day Used For?

FDA-Approved Use

• Prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential

Common Off-Label Uses

While not FDA-approved for these purposes, doctors frequently prescribe Sprintec for:

• Acne treatment — The combination of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol can help reduce hormonal acne
• Regulation of menstrual cycles — Helpful for women with irregular periods
• Reduction of menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• Management of endometriosis symptoms
• Reduction of ovarian cysts

How Is Sprintec 28 Day Taken?

Each Sprintec pack contains 28 tablets:

• 21 active blue tablets — each containing norgestimate 0.25 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg
• 7 inactive green placebo tablets — no hormones (reminder pills)

Dosing Instructions

1. Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day.
2. Start with the 21 active (blue) tablets, then take the 7 inactive (green) tablets.
3. Your period will usually start during the inactive pill week.
4. Start a new pack the day after your last inactive tablet — do not skip days between packs.

When to Start

You can start Sprintec one of two ways:

• Day 1 Start — Take your first pill on the first day of your menstrual period. No backup contraception needed.
• Sunday Start — Take your first pill on the first Sunday after your period begins. Use backup contraception (like condoms) for the first 7 days.

Missed Pills

If you miss one active pill, take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at your regular time (you may take two pills in one day). If you miss two or more active pills, refer to the patient information leaflet or call your doctor. You may need backup contraception.

Who Should Not Take Sprintec 28 Day?

Sprintec is contraindicated (should not be used) in the following situations:

• Women over 35 who smoke — This is a boxed warning. Smoking significantly increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack with COC use.
• History of or current blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• History of or current stroke or coronary artery disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Diabetes with vascular disease
• Migraine with aura, or any migraine if over 35
• Current or past breast cancer or other estrogen-sensitive cancers
• Liver tumors or active liver disease
• Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
• Pregnancy
• Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir

Sprintec should not be used while breastfeeding, as it may reduce milk production. Women with diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol should use it with caution. For more details on what medications to avoid, see our guide on Sprintec 28 Day drug interactions.

How Much Does Sprintec 28 Day Cost?

Sprintec is available as a generic, which makes it very affordable:

• Retail cash price: approximately $15 to $50 per pack (average ~$21.52)
• With a GoodRx coupon: as low as $6.68
• With a SingleCare coupon: approximately $8.93
• With insurance: often $0 copay under ACA contraceptive coverage requirements

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol. Under the Affordable Care Act, most plans must cover FDA-approved contraceptives with no cost-sharing. Prior authorization is generally not required.

If you're uninsured or need help affording Sprintec, check out our full guide on coupons, discounts, and patient assistance for Sprintec 28 Day.

Final Thoughts

Sprintec 28 Day is a safe, effective, and affordable birth control pill used by millions of women. It's easy to take — one pill daily at the same time — and is available at most pharmacies as a low-cost generic. If you're considering Sprintec, talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you, especially if you have any of the contraindications listed above.

Ready to fill your prescription? Medfinder can help you find Sprintec 28 Day in stock near you.