How do Ashlyna and Amethia compare as extended-cycle birth control options. What are the key differences in their uses, side effects, and dosage. How do these medications interact with other drugs.

Understanding Extended-Cycle Birth Control: Ashlyna and Amethia

Extended-cycle birth control pills like Ashlyna and Amethia are innovative contraceptive options that reduce the frequency of menstrual periods. These medications contain a combination of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, two hormones that work together to prevent pregnancy. While both Ashlyna and Amethia serve the same primary purpose, there are subtle differences between them that may influence a woman’s choice.

What is extended-cycle birth control?

Extended-cycle birth control refers to oral contraceptives designed to be taken continuously for an extended period, typically 84 days, followed by a 7-day break or low-dose hormone pills. This regimen results in fewer menstrual periods per year compared to traditional birth control pills.

Composition and Mechanism of Action

Both Ashlyna and Amethia contain the same active ingredients:

• Ethinyl estradiol: A synthetic form of estrogen
• Levonorgestrel: A progestin hormone

These hormones work synergistically to prevent pregnancy through multiple mechanisms:

1. Suppressing ovulation
2. Thickening cervical mucus to impede sperm movement
3. Altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation

Key Differences Between Ashlyna and Amethia

While Ashlyna and Amethia share the same active ingredients and general purpose, there are some differences worth noting:

Dosage Schedule

Both medications follow a similar extended-cycle regimen, but there may be slight variations in the number of active and inactive pills per pack. It’s essential to follow the specific instructions provided with your prescription.

Brand vs. Generic

Amethia is often considered the brand-name version, while Ashlyna may be marketed as a generic alternative. This distinction can affect pricing and availability.

Manufacturer

Different pharmaceutical companies produce these medications, which may lead to variations in inactive ingredients or packaging.

Effectiveness and Reliability

When used correctly, both Ashlyna and Amethia are highly effective in preventing pregnancy. Their effectiveness rates are comparable to other combination oral contraceptives, with a typical use failure rate of about 9% and a perfect use failure rate of less than 1%.

How reliable are extended-cycle birth control pills?

Extended-cycle pills like Ashlyna and Amethia are as reliable as traditional birth control pills when taken consistently and correctly. The key to maximizing effectiveness is adhering to the prescribed dosage schedule and not missing any doses.

Common Side Effects and Considerations

As with all hormonal contraceptives, Ashlyna and Amethia may cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes
• Irregular bleeding or spotting

It’s important to note that many women experience fewer side effects as their bodies adjust to the medication over time.

Managing breakthrough bleeding

Breakthrough bleeding is a common concern with extended-cycle birth control. To manage this issue:

1. Maintain consistent pill-taking habits
2. Be patient, as bleeding often improves over time
3. Consult your healthcare provider if bleeding persists or becomes heavy

Potential Benefits of Extended-Cycle Birth Control

Choosing Ashlyna or Amethia over traditional birth control pills may offer several advantages:

• Fewer menstrual periods per year
• Reduced menstrual symptoms
• Improved quality of life for women with menstrual-related conditions
• Convenience of fewer cycles to manage

Who might benefit most from extended-cycle birth control?

Extended-cycle birth control may be particularly beneficial for women who:

• Experience severe menstrual cramps or heavy bleeding
• Have conditions exacerbated by menstruation, such as endometriosis or migraines
• Prefer to have fewer periods for lifestyle reasons
• Struggle with iron-deficiency anemia related to menstrual blood loss

Contraindications and Precautions

While Ashlyna and Amethia are safe for many women, they are not suitable for everyone. Contraindications include:

• History of blood clots or certain clotting disorders
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Certain types of migraines
• Liver disease or tumors
• Breast cancer or other estrogen-sensitive cancers
• Smoking, especially in women over 35

Assessing your risk factors

Before starting Ashlyna or Amethia, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and risk factors with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if these medications are safe and appropriate for you.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Ashlyna and Amethia may interact with other medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Some notable interactions include:

• Antibiotics (e.g., rifampin)
• Antiseizure medications
• HIV medications
• St. John’s Wort
• Certain antifungal medications

Managing potential drug interactions

To minimize the risk of drug interactions:

1. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking
2. Use backup contraception if prescribed interacting medications
3. Consult your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new medications while on Ashlyna or Amethia

Choosing Between Ashlyna and Amethia

When deciding between Ashlyna and Amethia, consider the following factors:

• Cost and insurance coverage
• Availability in your area
• Personal preference for brand-name vs. generic medications
• Any specific recommendations from your healthcare provider

Factors to consider when selecting an extended-cycle birth control option

To make an informed decision:

1. Discuss your medical history and lifestyle with your healthcare provider
2. Consider your tolerance for potential side effects
3. Evaluate the convenience of the dosing schedule
4. Assess your long-term family planning goals

Transitioning to Extended-Cycle Birth Control

Switching from traditional birth control to Ashlyna or Amethia requires some adjustment. Here’s what to expect:

• Initial irregular bleeding or spotting
• Possible changes in menstrual symptoms
• Adjustment period for your body to adapt to the new hormone regimen

Tips for a smooth transition

To ease the transition to extended-cycle birth control:

1. Start the new regimen on the first day of your period for immediate protection
2. Be patient and allow your body time to adjust
3. Keep a record of any side effects or bleeding patterns to discuss with your doctor
4. Use backup contraception for the first seven days if not starting on the first day of your period

Long-Term Considerations and Follow-Up Care

While Ashlyna and Amethia can be used safely for extended periods, regular follow-up care is essential. Long-term considerations include:

• Annual check-ups with your healthcare provider
• Monitoring for any changes in health status or risk factors
• Assessing the continued appropriateness of extended-cycle birth control
• Discussing any concerns or side effects that may arise over time

When to reevaluate your birth control choice

Consider reassessing your birth control method if:

• You experience persistent or severe side effects
• Your health status changes significantly
• You’re planning to become pregnant in the near future
• You develop new risk factors that may contraindicate hormonal contraception

By staying informed and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can ensure that Ashlyna or Amethia remains a safe and effective contraceptive choice for you over time.

Amethia Alternatives Compared – Drugs.com

Amethia Alternatives Compared – Drugs.com
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View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.

</p> ”> Prescription only Prescribed for Birth Control. Amethia may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.	Prescription only Prescribed for Birth Control, Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. Mirena may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.	Prescription only Prescribed for Birth Control. Nexplanon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.	Related suggestions Birth Control (Contraception) Lo Loestrin Fe NuvaRing Sprintec Depo-Provera Yaz Norethindrone
More about Amethia (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel)	More about Mirena (levonorgestrel)	More about Nexplanon (etonogestrel)
Generic Status
Lower-cost generic is available	Lower-cost generic is available	No lower-cost generic available
Ratings & Reviews
Amethia has an average rating of 5. 8 out of 10 from a total of 44 ratings on Drugs.com. 33% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 28% reported a negative effect.	Mirena has an average rating of 6.0 out of 10 from a total of 2588 ratings on Drugs.com. 46% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 32% reported a negative effect.	Nexplanon has an average rating of 5.1 out of 10 from a total of 4846 ratings on Drugs.com. 32% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 42% reported a negative effect.
View all 44 reviews	View all 2588 reviews	View all 4846 reviews
Drug Class
Contraceptives	Contraceptives Progestins	Contraceptives Progestins
Side Effects
See also: Amethia side effects in more detail.	See also: Mirena side effects in more detail.	Common side effects include: irregular menses weight gain See also: Nexplanon side effects in more detail.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 182 each Dosage biphasic extended cycle Per Unit* $0.94 Cost* $170.65 View all Amethia prices and generic prices	Quantity 1 device Dosage 52 mg Per Unit* $1,169. 59 Cost* $1,169.59 View all Mirena prices and generic prices	Quantity 1 implant Dosage 68 mg Per Unit* $1,159.88 Cost* $1,159.88 View all Nexplanon prices
Get free Discount Card	Get free Discount Card	Get free Discount Card
Dosage Form(s) Available
Oral tablet	Intrauterine device	Subcutaneous implant
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.
45 hours	45 hours	25 hours
CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.	Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.	Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
See the full pregnancy warnings document.	See the full pregnancy warnings document.	See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions
A total of 448 drugs are known to interact with Amethia: 48 major drug interactions (130 brand and generic names) 354 moderate drug interactions (1275 brand and generic names) 46 minor drug interactions (509 brand and generic names)	A total of 240 drugs are known to interact with Mirena: 36 major drug interactions (103 brand and generic names) 190 moderate drug interactions (594 brand and generic names) 14 minor drug interactions (67 brand and generic names)	A total of 227 drugs are known to interact with Nexplanon: 35 major drug interactions (101 brand and generic names) 183 moderate drug interactions (549 brand and generic names) 9 minor drug interactions (49 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as levonorgestrel. You… View more	Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as levonorgestrel. You… View more	Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as etonogestrel. You… View more
Disease Interactions
Smoking Abnormal genital bleeding Abnormal vaginal bleeding Carcinomas (estrogenic) Hypercalcemia in breast cancer Hypertension Thromboembolism/cardiovascular Hepatic neoplasms Intracranial HTN Thromboembolism Breast malignancy Liver disease Angioedema Gallbladder disease Hypercalcemia Hyperlipidemia Liver disease Melasma Depression Fluid retention Glucose intolerance Retinal thrombosis Thyroid function tests Hyperlipidemia Weight gain	Abnormal genital bleeding Hepatic neoplasms Intracranial HTN Thromboembolism Breast malignancy Liver disease Depression Fluid retention Glucose intolerance Retinal thrombosis Thyroid function tests Hyperlipidemia Weight gain	Abnormal genital bleeding Hepatic neoplasms Breast malignancy Liver disease Thromboembolism Depression Fluid retention Retinal thrombosis Gallbladder disease
First Approval Date
N/A	December 06, 2000	July 17, 2006
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.
N/A	N/A	N/A
More Information
Side effects Pregnancy warnings Dosage information Drug images Drug interactions Pricing and coupons En Español	Side effects Pregnancy warnings Dosage information Drug interactions Support group Pricing and coupons En Español	Side effects Pregnancy warnings Breastfeeding warnings Dosage information Drug images Drug interactions Support group Pricing and coupons En Español
Patient resources
Overview Advanced reading	Overview	Overview
Professional Resources
Prescribing information	Prescribing information	Prescribing information

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Ethinyl Estradiol and Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel 91 Day Oral Tablet Pack 0.01 mg [7] and 0.02mg/0.1 mg[84], 0.03 mg/0.15 mg [84]

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Ethinyl Estradiol and Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel 91 Day Oral Tablet Pack 0. 01 mg [7] and 0.02mg/0.1 mg[84], 0.03 mg/0.15 mg [84]

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

• acne
• birth control
• depression
• endocrine disorder
• menstrual problem

Brand Name(s): Amethia, Amethia Lo, Ashlyna, Camrese, Daysee, Fayosim, Jaimiess, Lojaimiess, LoSeasonique, Quartette, Rivelsa, Seasonique, Simpesse

Generic Name: Ethinyl Estradiol and Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel Quadriphasic

Instructions

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

If this is the first time that you are using this medicine, please speak with your doctor about when you should start this medicine.

If you are switching from a different birth control pill, start this medicine on the same day you would start your other birth control pack.

If you are using a birth control pack with 28 pills, start the first pill of a new pack on the day after the last pill of the previous pack.

If you are using a birth control pack that has 21 pills, wait 7 days after taking the last pill of the empty pack before you take the first pill of a new pack.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, you are allowed to take 2 doses at once. Return to your normal dosing schedule on the following day. If you miss more than one dose, ask your doctor what you should do to get back on schedule.

Ask your doctor about using an extra form of birth control if you forget any doses of your medicine.

You may have mild vaginal bleeding or spotting while on this medicine. Do not stop taking the medicine if this happens. Contact your doctor if bleeding is heavy or lasts more than a few days.

This medicine may cause dark patches to appear on your face. Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen lotion to minimize further darkening of these skin patches.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Vomiting or diarrhea can prevent birth control pills from working well. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, ask if you need to use an extra form of birth control (such as condoms).

Cautions

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Ask your doctor how to do a breast self-exam. Check monthly. Report any changes to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about getting a complete physical exam every year while on this medicine.

Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• bloating
• breast pain or swelling
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• severe or persistent abdominal pain
• breast lumps
• chest or jaw pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• depression or feeling sad
• fainting
• severe or persistent headache
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• shortness of breath
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.

There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.

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https://api.meducation.com/V2.0/fdbpem/727

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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.