Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Coupons & Prices

Looking for a Viorele coupon? Viorele is a low-dose combination birth control pill (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol) and the generic version of Mircette. Mircette is no longer marketed as a brand in the U.S., so Viorele and its fellow generics are how this particular pill is filled today. Cash prices can still vary widely from one pharmacy to the next, which is exactly why comparing matters. Rx.com checks prices across more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies so you can find a lower price near you — enter your ZIP above to see today's price on Viorele.

What is Viorele and how does it work?

Viorele is a combination hormonal contraceptive that pairs a progestin (desogestrel) with an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). It is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose to use an oral contraceptive. Each 28-day pack is taken in a set sequence: 21 active tablets (0.15 mg desogestrel / 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol), 2 inert (inactive) tablets, and then 5 tablets containing a small amount of ethinyl estradiol (0.01 mg). Taking one pill at the same time each day is what keeps it working.

Like other combination pills, Viorele works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) and by making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. Combination oral contraceptives are also sometimes prescribed for other reasons, but your prescriber will decide what is right for you. This information is educational and is not a substitute for advice from your own healthcare provider.

Viorele cost and how to save without insurance

Because Viorele is a generic, it is generally one of the more budget-friendly birth control pills — but "generic" does not mean every pharmacy charges the same. Cash prices for the exact same pack can differ significantly between a big chain, a grocery pharmacy, and an independent down the street. If you are paying without insurance, or your plan does not fully cover it, comparing prices is the simplest way to avoid overpaying.

Rx.com compares Viorele prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies and shows a free discount coupon you can use at the counter. There are no fixed dollar figures to quote here because prices change and are shown live for your area. Enter your ZIP code above to see today's price and print or text yourself the coupon.

Viorele vs. Mircette and other alternatives

Viorele is a generic version of the brand-name pill Mircette (the Mircette brand is no longer marketed in the U.S.). It uses the same distinctive schedule — 21 days of desogestrel 0.15 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg, then 2 inert tablets, then 5 days of low-dose ethinyl estradiol 0.01 mg — so it is designed to work the same way as the original.

A few other generics follow this exact same regimen and dosing and are considered therapeutically equivalent to Viorele, meaning a pharmacist or prescriber can generally treat them as interchangeable: Kariva and Azurette (along with brand Mircette). If your pharmacy is out of one of these, a prescriber can often switch you to another.

Some other desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol pills are not the same product. Apri and Desogen are monophasic pills — 21 identical active tablets of desogestrel 0.15 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg followed by 7 inert tablets. They carry a higher estrogen dose and a different pack schedule, so they are a separate contraceptive rather than a drop-in substitute for Viorele. Only your prescriber can decide whether one of these different-dose options is appropriate for you. You can compare the price of each on Rx.com to see which is cheapest near you.

Important safety information

Viorele carries a boxed warning: cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious heart and blood-vessel problems from combination birth control pills. This risk rises with age, and women over 35 who smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day should not use combination contraceptives. Combination pills can also raise the risk of blood clots (including in the legs or lungs), stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure.

Viorele is not for everyone. It should not be used during pregnancy, or by people with undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast or other estrogen-sensitive cancer, liver tumors or liver disease, or a history of blood clots. Use caution if you have migraine with aura. It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Some medicines (such as rifampin, certain seizure medicines, and the herbal supplement St. John's wort) and missed pills can make it less effective. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about your full health history and all medicines you take before starting Viorele.