Switching Birth Control Pills: What to Know & Potential Risks

Question
I ran out of orthotriclyin lo and started taking some YAZ pills.  I finished the pack of YAZ and have nothing else to take. My friend gave me a pack of loestrin 24.  Will it harm me to start taking that pack. I really don't want to get pregnant and don't have the money to fill my ortho prescription.

Thanks.

Answer
Although I don't think it's been studied a lot, I think changing from one pill to another doesn't really cause problems, and you'll be protected as long as you keep taking some pill.  I think you can take the Loestrin pack without a problem.  Because it's 24 days of active pills, your period will come a little later, and will probably be light.