Plan B vs generic: are they the same? — for Switzerland
Plan B is the originator brand for the active ingredient Levonorgestrel. Once the original patent expired, authorised generic versions of the same active ingredient became available. For most users at 1.5mg, the practical question is: is the generic just as good, and what really differs?
Switzerland context
Authorised generics of Levonorgestrel are typically dispensed in Switzerland alongside or instead of branded Plan B. Swiss Apotheken/pharmacies are densely distributed with strict licensing; pharmacist counselling is integral to dispensing. Drogerien (drugstores) are unique to the Swiss system and sell category D and E medications without a pharmacist on staff. The pharmacist applies local equivalence rules at the point of dispensing; the brand vs generic price gap in CHF is usually the most decisive economic factor for ongoing use.
- Regulator
- Swissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products)
- Currency
- CHF
What is the same
Authorised generics of Levonorgestrel contain the same active substance at the same 1.5mg strength as Plan B, with regulator-required bioequivalence to the originator. Clinical effect is, on average, the same. According to the prescribing information, generics meet the same regulatory standard and can substitute for the brand in most patients.
What can differ
Differences include manufacturer, country of production, excipients, tablet appearance, packaging and price. A small minority of patients react to a specific excipient that varies between manufacturers. Price is usually significantly lower for generics — often the most decisive practical difference for chronic use.
Frequently asked questions
Is generic Levonorgestrel as effective as Plan B? ▾
For most users at 1.5mg, yes — authorised generics of Levonorgestrel are required to demonstrate bioequivalence to Plan B and produce the same clinical effect on average. Some users notice no difference; a few report subjective differences that are usually due to excipients or expectation.
Why does Plan B cost more than the generic? ▾
The price difference reflects the originator's development costs, brand recognition and marketing, plus the larger volume and competition among generic manufacturers. The active ingredient Levonorgestrel itself is identical between brand and authorised generic at 1.5mg.
Plan B vs generic: are they the same? in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.