Alysena 28 is a birth control pill containing two sex hormones (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol).

Birth control pills such as Alysena work by inhibiting the monthly release of an egg(s) by the ovaries. Some studies have demonstrated changes in the endometrium (lining of the womb) and mucus produced by the cervix (opening of the uterus) with the use of birth control pills.

Take Alysena 28 tablets orally, every day at approximately the same time of day. The tablets should be taken in order.

You may start the pill on any day of your cycle, but you should use backup birth control (like condoms) for two weeks until the pill becomes effective. If you miss a pill, please refer to this website from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada about what to do next:

Patients may experience breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, and bloating when starting Alysena or other COCs (Combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives).

These symptoms typically resolve quickly. Sometimes in the first three months, you might have unscheduled bleeding (spotting, or periods at unexpected times), which usually clears up. Some people report low mood or decreased libido when taking COCs. And although there’s a lot of patient concern over this, there’s no evidence that COCs cause weight gain.

Good to note: be patient when taking COCs for the first time as it may take a few weeks to adjust to the new medication.

Yes, Alysena is the generic, non-branded version, or the brand name birth control Alesse.

You should not take Alysena 28 if you are pregnant. In addition, if you have experienced any of the following conditions: Blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, breast disease, circulation problems, migraine with aura, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Smokers over 35 should not take Alysena 28.

There are many different options for birth control. You can learn more about deciding which option is right for you here.

Alysena 28 is a combination pill, meaning it contains a combination of estrogen and progestin. This makes Alysena 28 a combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive (COC), which is what people typically refer to when they talk about “the pill” or birth control pills. Alysena 28 is a low-dose COC and is, like other low-dose COCs, a safe and reliable contraceptive for the majority of women. It contains only 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic estrogen, and a progestin called levonorgestrel. The low estrogen content can help prevent the side effects that some people experience when taking the pill, such as headaches, mood changes, and breast tenderness. However, the low estrogen can also increase the risk that you will get spotting. Spotting is light vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods, and while it generally isn’t something to worry about, it can be annoying and potentially embarrassing. Higher-estrogen pills can be a good option for those experiencing spotting on Alysena 28. Different COCs also contain different types of progestin. Through discussion with your healthcare practitioner and a bit of trial and error, you can find the pill that you feel best on.

It takes Alysena 28 up to 7 days to work. Like other combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs), it can take about a week for Alysena 28 to take effect when taken correctly, and it is advisable to use a backup method of birth control for two weeks after you start taking the pill to be protected from pregnancy. Alysena 28 should be taken at the same time every day to be effective, and taking it at different times of day will reduce its efficacy and increase the chances of experiencing an unwanted pregnancy. You can begin taking Alysena 28 at any point in your cycle. Once you’ve been taking it at the same time every day for two weeks, you can stop using your backup method of birth control since you’ll be experiencing the full effectiveness of your oral contraceptive. If you ever go off of Alysena 28 and resume taking it in the future, you should wait the full two weeks again to make sure you’re protected. It is also important to remember that oral contraceptives like Alysena 28 are not effective against STIs, only against pregnancy. If you require protection from STIs a barrier method of protection, such as a condom, is needed.

Alysena 28 does not cause weight gain directly. However, you may have heard that oral contraception, or the pill, is tied to weight gain when a woman starts taking it. The main reason some people who take oral contraceptives may feel this way is that higher estrogen in the body can lead to higher water retention, leading to a bloated feeling. Different people naturally retain water at different levels, so those who are already more naturally inclined towards higher retention may have this exasperated when they take oral contraceptives. Birth control options with high estrogen levels may also increase insulin levels, which can, in turn, convert energy from carbohydrate sources into fat cells. Progestin, the other hormone in combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives, can also stimulate the hunger hormone. Weight gain is possible if you eat more due to the increase in this hormone. A low-dose oral contraceptive, such as Alysena 28, can help you avoid the bloating that can come from taking an estrogen-containing pill as well as the higher insulin and hunger hormone levels. Non-hormonal forms of birth control can also be a solution if you are concerned, but it is worth noting that despite the factors discussed here, most studies are unable to attribute weight gain to birth control conclusively.

You can get an Alysena 28 prescription online by using an online healthcare provider like Felix. You’ll start by setting up a quick online visit which will be reviewed by a doctor, who can then write you a prescription for Alysena 28. In Canada, only licensed healthcare practitioners can write prescriptions, but by getting your Alysena 28 prescription online you won’t have to go to a doctor’s office at any point in the process. Once you have your prescription Felix can also have it filled by a registered pharmacist and delivered straight to your door. Felix takes care of all of this without you having to go to a doctor’s office or pharmacy. Realizing you’re out of your birth control and need to pick more up can be annoying and disruptive, but Felix can take care of that hassle too. You can have your Alysena 28 delivered to you at a regular schedule of your choosing, so you won’t find yourself having to rush to the pharmacy at the last minute so you don’t miss your birth control dose. Even if you don’t have a family doctor at the moment, you can easily get your Alysena 28 prescription and have your first order on its way to you in no time.