Aygestin vs Norethindrone: are they the same?
Aygestin is a commercial brand whose active ingredient is exactly Norethindrone. This page explains what that means in practice: where they differ (brand, manufacturer, price, available strengths), why they are clinically equivalent, and when the brand or an authorised generic is the better choice.
Are they the same?
Yes — Aygestin contains Norethindrone as its active ingredient. Talking about "Aygestin" in clinical terms is the same as talking about Norethindrone at the dose strengths 5mg. The differences from the authorised generic are brand, manufacturer (Various generics), excipients, tablet appearance and price — not the active molecule itself.
When Aygestin is used
Aygestin est autorisé dans les douleurs associées à l'endométriose, les saignements utérins anormaux d'origine hormonale et l'aménorrhée secondaire.
Mechanisms compared
Because they share the same active ingredient, the mechanism is identical: La noréthistérone se lie aux récepteurs de la progestérone et exerce des effets progestatifs : épaississement de la glaire cervicale, suppression du pic de LH, amincissement de l'endomètre et réduction de l'activité des…
Brand or generic — which to choose?
For most patients, authorised generics of Norethindrone are clinically equivalent substitutes for Aygestin and typically cost substantially less. The practical differences are manufacturer, excipients (rarely matters except in specific sensitivities), tablet appearance and price. The brand is preferred by some patients for personal reasons or insurance coverage; the generic is the default when cost matters.
Questions fréquentes
Is Aygestin the same as Norethindrone? ▾
Clinically yes — Aygestin is the brand and Norethindrone is its active ingredient. At equivalent doses (5mg) they produce the same effect. The difference is brand, manufacturer (Various generics) and price.
Is generic Norethindrone as effective as Aygestin? ▾
Yes. Authorised generics of Norethindrone must demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand. The active substance is the same; average effect is the same. Price is usually substantially lower.
Why does Aygestin cost more than generic Norethindrone? ▾
The price difference reflects originator development costs, brand recognition and competition among generic manufacturers. The molecule is identical; the cost is not.
Les informations publiées sur ce site sont fournies à titre documentaire et pédagogique. Elles ne remplacent pas l'avis d'un professionnel de santé qualifié.