OK- where to start- yes you will need a prescription- insurance helps cover mine- your insurance plan may as well- if not you could consider a place like planned parenthood or something of that nature- otherwise they should run like $25- $30 per month.

I have tried a bunch of differnet versions-
I will tell you that I did not like anything that was tri phase---the difference in hormone levels every week made me very moody!

I did not like the patch- had trouble keeping it in place

I have tried Ortho cyclen- it was ok- the Ortho brand is the only one who is authorized to market their product as clears up acne (they branded it)- but in reality all pills should help control the change in hormone levels which should ultimately result in clearer skin.

I have been given generics in the past- which I did not mind, but started having break through bleeding and my gyno said he has seen that more with generics than brand names.

I am now on Yasmin- seems to be ok so far. However, my personal favorite was Nordette 28---I took it years ago and not even sure that it is still on the market- but i had no issues at all with it.