Generic Modicon

There are currently generic versions of Modicon available. Generic Modicon is sold under the names Necon 0.5/35 and Nortrel 0.5/35. The FDA has assigned these generic versions of Modicon an "AB" rating, meaning that the generics are as good as the brand-name medication. Brevicon is also a birth control pill that is equivalent and interchangeable with Modicon. Although Brevicon is made by a generic manufacturer, it is usually considered a brand-name product.

 

Is a Modicon Generic Available?

Modicon® (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription birth control pill (also known as an oral contraceptive). It is classified as both a monophasic oral contraceptive and a combined oral contraceptive. It is a "combined" oral contraceptive because it contains two different hormones (both an estrogen and a progestin), and "monophasic" because it only contains one strength of hormones in each pack (unlike biphasic and triphasic pills, which have different phases of pills that contain different strengths of hormones in each pack).
 
Modicon is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. The patents for Modicon have expired, and generic versions are currently available.
 

Generic Modicon Names

The generic names of birth control pills can be very confusing -- the names are long, and several products can have the same generic name, even though they are very different. To avoid confusion, manufactures of generic birth control pills give their versions a "brand name," instead of using the standard generic name. These products are still generics, even though they seem like brand-name products, due to their names. Generic Modicon is sold under the names Necon® 0.5/35 (made by Watson Pharmaceuticals) and Nortrel® 0.5/35 (made by Barr Pharmaceuticals).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;