Generic birth control and early PMS

[lots worried]

This month I went to my pharmacy to pick up my birth control pills, and the pharmacist told me I would be on generic pills now, but they were the same.  I asked if there was any precautions to take, and she said no.  I even researched online before I took them, and found nothing about them being ineffective.  I've been taking them exactly on time, and have not missed any pills.  However, my period isn't due for almost two weeks and I'm having terrible cramps.  These cramps are stronger than what I usually get.  No spotting, or anything else unusual.  Usually my PMS symptoms don't start until 1/2 way into the week before my period is due to start.  At times I feel waves a nausea, but it doesn't last long and I haven't gotten sick yet.  When I looked my symptoms up online, it all came back for signs of pregnancy.  I don't see how I could be pregnant, because my boyfriend and I are very careful and I've been consistently on birth control for three years.  We don't have sex when I'm ovulating, and he never ejaculates inside me.  Could the pills be causing this early PMS?  And are generic pills less effective?    

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

The change of pills may be the cause of your early PMS symptoms.  Anecdotally, women often report having different symptoms when making a change of pills.  That said, you should still be able to count on their contraceptive effectiveness.  

Best wishes,

Dr. Downing