If you’ve been prescribed Alesse, heard somewhere that it’s been discontinued, or you’re simply trying to work out the difference between Alesse and Alysena, this guide is for you. The picture is a little confusing, so we’ll answer all your questions to clear things up.
Alesse is a low-dose combined birth control pill that’s been used in Canada for decades. It’s still available here, but most people who are prescribed it now actually leave the pharmacy with its generic, Alysena — the same medication under a different name.
Because the two medications are clinically identical, this guide sticks to what’s specific to Alesse, how it compares to the generic, and its approval for treating acne. For the day-to-day details, including how to take Alesse, side effects, and what to expect, our Alysena guide covers everything in full.
An Overview of Alesse Birth Control
Alesse is a combined oral contraceptive, often called “the pill.” Its two active ingredients are 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen) and 100 mcg of levonorgestrel (a progestin). At 20 mcg of estrogen, Alesse sits at the lower end of the dosing range, which is what people mean when they call it a “low-dose” pill.
In Canada, Alesse is approved for two uses:
- To prevent pregnancy
- To treat moderate acne in women aged 14 and older who have started their periods and also want contraception
That second approval is uncommon, and it’s one of the things that sets Alesse apart from most other contraceptive pills in Canada.
Alesse vs. Alysena: What’s the Difference?
Clinically, there is no difference between Alesse and Alysena.
Alysena is the bioequivalent generic of Alesse. This means Health Canada has confirmed it contains the identical hormones at the identical doses (100 mcg levonorgestrel and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol) and delivers them to your body the same way. Both medications come in 21- and 28-day packs and work the same.
The real differences between Alesse and Alysena are practical:
- Manufacturer: Pfizer makes Alesse; Apotex makes Alysena
- Price: As a generic, Alysena is usually the more affordable of the two
- Appearance: Small cosmetic differences in tablet markings and packaging
- Acne approval: The brand-name Alesse carries a formal Health Canada approval to treat moderate acne; Alysena’s only approved use is contraception.
In practice, the same active ingredients in both Alesse birth control (branded) and Alysena (generic) can help acne, but only the branded Alesse holds that specific approval. If you don’t have a particular reason to stay on the brand, the generic version does the same job for less.
Has Alesse Been Discontinued?
This is one of the most searched questions about Alesse, and the answer depends on where you are. In the United States, the Alesse brand has been discontinued. In Canada, it has not. Health Canada still lists Alesse as a marketed product, and it remains on provincial formularies.
So why does it feel like Alesse has vanished? Because, as described above, the generic Alysena has largely taken its place in day-to-day prescribing.
Generics are cheaper, and many clinics and pharmacies switched to them years ago, so a prescription written for “Alesse” is very often filled with Alysena. If that’s happened to you, nothing has gone wrong. You’ve simply received the same medication under its generic name.
Alesse for Acne
Alesse is one of only a few birth control pills that Health Canada has specifically approved to treat acne (for moderate acne in women 14 and older who have started menstruating and also want birth control). It’s worth noting that most combined pills improve acne as a side benefit, but few carry the formal approval.
The reason Alesse helps with acne comes down to hormones. The estrogen in Alesse raises a protein that mops up free testosterone, which in turn lowers the androgen activity that drives oil production in the skin. Less oil tends to mean fewer breakouts.
Alesse isn’t an overnight fix, though, and skin often takes a few cycles to respond. Depending on your situation, your doctor may also discuss topical options, such as tretinoin, alongside or instead of a contraceptive pill.
Alesse Side Effects
Alesse birth control side effects are the same as Alysena’s, since they’re the same medicine. Most are mild and tend to settle over the first few cycles. An important rare risk is blood clots, which is why combined pills generally aren’t recommended for people who smoke and are over 35, or for those with a history of clots or migraines with aura.
You’ll find the full breakdown of common and serious side effects, the weight-gain evidence, and the complete list of who shouldn’t take Alesse in our Alysena guide (which applies equally to Alesse).
Alesse Cost and Coverage in Canada
Brand-name Alesse birth control typically costs a little more than the generic Alysena, though what you actually pay depends on your pharmacy and your insurance. Your pharmacist can give you an exact figure.
British Columbia covers prescription contraception for residents. But it’s worth knowing that it’s the generic, Alysena, that’s fully covered at no cost. Brand-name Alesse is only partially covered, so staying on the brand usually means paying the difference (or you can ask your pharmacist to switch you to the free generic). Broader federal pharmacare funding is now extending coverage for prescription contraception across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Alesse 28 and Alesse 21? Both contain the same 21 active hormone pills. Alesse 28 simply adds seven inactive “reminder” pills so you take one every day, while with Alesse 21 you take a 7-day break before starting your next pack. They protect you in exactly the same way.
What is the generic version of Alesse? It’s Alysena, made by Apotex. Alysena contains the identical hormones as Alesse at the identical doses, so it works the same way.
Does Alesse cause weight gain? There’s no solid evidence that combined pills like Alesse cause meaningful weight gain. Some people notice minor water retention or appetite changes early on that tend to settle. We cover the evidence in more detail in our Alysena guide.
Is Alesse Right for You?
Alesse is a well-established low-dose contraceptive pill that has been used in Canada for decades. It’s also approved to treat moderate acne. Whether your pharmacy hands you brand Alesse or its generic, Alysena, the active ingredients in the pills are the same.
For most people, choosing between Alesse and Alysena really comes down to cost, since they perform identically and the generic is cheaper. Alesse’s one genuine edge is that formal acne approval, which can tip the balance if you’re treating breakouts as well as wanting contraception. Whether a combined pill is the right choice for you in the first place is the bigger question, and that depends on your health history, which is something a doctor can help you weigh up.
If you’d like to find out whether Alesse or Alysena is the better fit, you don’t have to wait for an in-person appointment. At Walk-In, Canadian-licensed doctors can review your health history through an online consultation, answer your questions, and send a prescription to your pharmacy. Book an online consultation to get started.
Speak to a Doctor Online About Birth Control
Please note:
Walk In does not provide medical advice. The contents of this website, including text, graphics, images and any other material are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Although efforts are taken to keep any medical information on the website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information on our website is correct or reflects the most up-to-date medical information.
Please consult your physician for medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on this website or on the internet.
