Ashlyna

Ashlyna is a prescription birth control pill used to help prevent pregnancy. It is an extended-cycle combined oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. Ashlyna is a generic for Seasonique.

• The first 84 tablets contain levonorgestrel 0.15 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg.
• The final 7 tablets contain a lower dose of ethinyl estradiol, 0.01 mg.
• Those final 7 tablets contain hormone - they are not inactive placebo pills.
• Ashlyna mainly works by preventing ovulation.
• One complete pack lasts 91 days and is taken continuously.
• Ashlyna does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

This extended-cycle schedule is different from birth control packs that include a hormone-free or placebo week.

Take one Ashlyna tablet by mouth at the same time every day, following the tablets in the order shown in your pack. You take all 91 tablets and then begin the next pack without an extra break.

• Take the 84 blue combination-hormone tablets first.
• The final 7 yellow tablets contain low-dose ethinyl estradiol rather than being hormone-free.
• Taking your tablets consistently is important for maintaining pregnancy protection.
• Missing one blue tablet is handled differently from missing two or more tablets.
• Special instructions apply if you miss pills, start your next pack late, vomit, have prolonged diarrhea, or switch birth control methods.

Follow the Patient Information that comes with Ashlyna for detailed starting and missed-pill instructions.

Possible side effects of Ashlyna include irregular or heavier bleeding, spotting between scheduled periods, weight gain, acne, nausea, headache, and breast tenderness. Unscheduled bleeding can be more noticeable when you first start an extended-cycle pill. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

• Combined birth control pills can increase the risk of serious blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
• Seek urgent medical care for sudden shortness of breath, severe chest pain, persistent leg pain, sudden vision loss, or sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking.
• People over age 35 who smoke cigarettes should not use Ashlyna because smoking increases serious cardiovascular risk.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop significant new or worsening headaches or other concerning symptoms.

See Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information.

Ashlyna requires a prescription, and your healthcare provider should review your health history before prescribing it. Tell them if you smoke or have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart problems, migraines, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver problems, breast cancer, or depression. Also mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent childbirth, upcoming major surgery, or long periods of limited movement. Share all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements you take so your provider can decide whether Ashlyna is appropriate for you.

Yes. Ashlyna is an FDA-approved generic product with the same active hormone strengths and extended-cycle pattern as Seasonique. Both use levonorgestrel 0.15 mg with ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg for the first 84 days, followed by 7 tablets containing ethinyl estradiol 0.01 mg. Generic products may differ in inactive ingredients, pill appearance, packaging, or manufacturer, so follow the instructions for the exact product you receive.

If you miss one blue pill, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking the remaining pills on schedule. Backup contraception is not required for one missed blue pill. Instructions change if you miss two or more blue pills, and backup birth control may be needed. Follow the Patient Information for the exact steps or contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

The yellow pills contain low-dose ethinyl estradiol, but the missed-pill instructions are different from those for the blue pills. If you miss a yellow pill, discard the missed tablet and continue taking the remaining pills on schedule. Backup contraception is not required solely because a yellow pill was missed. Make sure you start your next Ashlyna pack on time.

Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea may prevent your body from fully absorbing Ashlyna and could reduce pregnancy protection. Additional contraception may be needed while these symptoms continue. Keep taking your pills unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, and check the Patient Information or contact your provider or pharmacist for guidance if vomiting or diarrhea continues.

Yes. Some medicines and herbal products can reduce pregnancy protection. Examples include certain seizure medicines, rifampin or rifabutin, and St. John’s wort. Backup contraception may sometimes be needed. Ashlyna can also affect other medicines, including lamotrigine, so tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about everything you take before starting Ashlyna or adding a new medication.

Not having scheduled bleeding does not always mean you are pregnant. However, pregnancy should be considered if you missed pills, started a pack late, or have pregnancy symptoms. If you do not have your expected bleeding and are unsure about your pregnancy risk, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and follow the Patient Information that comes with Ashlyna.

ASHLYNA - levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol and ethinyl estradiol kit / Source: DailyMed

Link: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=407a9f63-9abf-4886-864a-d3dd0e429762 / Published: January 29, 2026