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Alesse Birth Control Pill
Alesse
Alesse
Aleese-21, Alesse-28

How to get your Alesse medication filled online

With Felix, you can get Alesse prescribed by a licensed healthcare practitioner and delivered to your door for free.

At a glance
Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel
21: 20/100mcg tablets; 28: 20/100mcg tablets
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Prescribed by a Canadian healthcare professional
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What is
Alesse
?

Alesse is an oral contraceptive (birth control) medication that is a combination of two female sex hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol.

Alesse is primarily used to prevent pregnancy in people assigned as female at birth.

In some cases, Alesse is also used to treat moderate acne in people over the age of 14, who have been assigned female at birth.

For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Alesse, please review the product monograph.

How does
Alesse
work?

As a contraceptive and as a treatment for acne, Alesse works through gonadotropin suppression.

As a contraceptive, this prevents eggs from being released during the menstrual cycle, which prevents pregnancy.

As a treatment for acne, it’s believed that androgenic action, including stimulation of sebaceous glands, is necessary for acne to form. Suppressing gonadotropin leads to decreased ovarian production of the androgens that are believed to cause acne.

What is
Alesse
used to treat?

Alesse’s primary use is as a form of contraceptive (birth control) that’s taken orally.

In some cases, Alesse is also used in the treatment of moderate severity acne, in people that were assigned female at birth and are over the age of 14.

How do you take
Alesse
?

Alesse prescriptions are available as both 21-day (Alesse 21) and 28-day (Alesse 28) blister packs.

Each kind of Alesse includes 21 pink ‘active’ pills, but in Alesse 28, there are an additional 7 white ‘inactive’ pills.

Each type of Alesse follows a 28-day cycle, in which you take one pink pill per day for 21 consecutive days.

If you have the Alesse 28, you’ll then take one white pill per day for an additional 7 days to finish the cycle. With Alesse 21, you would take nothing during the 7 days between the end of one cycle and the beginning of the next.

When taking the Alesse pills, they should be taken at the same time of the day, each day. This will help maximize the effect of the medication.

How long does
Alesse
last after you take it?

What are the common side effects of
Alesse
?

The most common side effects of taking Alesse include:

  • Pharyngitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Metrorrhagia (bleeding from the uterus)
  • Sinusitis (inflammation or swelling of the sinuses)
  • Flu syndrome
  • Vaginal moniliasis
  • General pain
  • Back pain
  • Breast pain
  • Acne
  • Rhinitis (i.e., congestion, runny nose, etc.)
  • Emotional lability
  • Vaginitis
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Bronchitis
  • Depression
  • Asthenia (weakness or lack of energy)
  • Vomiting
  • Amenorrhea (not getting your period for 3 months or more)

If you start to experience any of these side effects, be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner from Felix. They may be able to suggest alternative medications that could work better for you

Who shouldn't take
Alesse
?

There are a number of people who shouldn’t use Alesse. Don’t take this medication if you have or have ever experienced:

  • A history of heart attack, chest pain (angina), stroke
  • Blood clots in the legs, lungs, eyes, or elsewhere
  • Hereditary or acquired blood clotting disorders
  • Known or suspected cancer of the breast, sex organs, liver, or certain estrogen-dependent cancers
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • Jaundice
  • Migraine headaches with aura
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Partial or full loss of vision, or vision problems caused by vascular diseases
  • Heart valve or heart rhythm disorders (associated with blood clots)
  • Pancreatitis associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia

You also shouldn’t use Alesse if you’re:

  • Over the age of 35 and smoke
  • Pregnant or suspect they may be pregnant
  • Using antiviral medications to treat Hepatitis C
  • Hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in Alesse
  • Diabetic

In addition to these people, there are other patients who should be extra cautious when using Alesse.

Be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner at Felix before requesting an online Alesse prescription if you:>

  • Have a history (or family history) of breast cancer
  • Have breast disorders (i.e., pain, discharge from the nipples, thickenings, or lumps)
  • Have diabetes
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have abnormal levels of fats in your bloodstream (high cholesterol or triglycerides)
  • Are a cigarette smoker
  • Have heart or kidney disease
  • Epilepsy or seizures
  • Have a history of depression
  • Have fibroid tumours of the uterus
  • Have gallbladder or pancreatic disease
  • >Have a history of liver disease or jaundice
  • Have a family history of blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes
  • May be pregnant or are breastfeeding
  • Have systemic lupus erythmatosus
  • Have inflammatory bowel disease (i.e., Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Have haemolytic uremic syndrome
  • Have a sickle cell disease
  • Have problems with the valves in your heart and/or have irregular heart rhythm
  • Wear contact lenses
  • Have Hepatitis C

What happens if
Alesse
is taken regularly by men?

Further reading

02387875, 02387883

We’d love to tell you more

Health Canada regulations require us to confirm your patient status to access further information on Alesse.
The drug identification number (DIN) is easy to find. It’ll be printed on your Alesse packaging and the receipt from your pharmacist.

Sorry the DIN you entered is incorrect. Please verify the number and try again.

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How Felix works

Step 1

Tell us about your health

Answer a few simple questions about your health.

Step 2

Receive a treatment plan

Your healthcare practitioner will build a personalized plan just for you.

Step 3

Get your medication

We’ll deliver your medication directly to your home for free in discreet packaging.

Trusted by over 500,000 Canadians

Very easy and professional experience. Quick response from the doctor and easy ordering, billing and shipped and delivered on time. Hassle free.
Warren
Customer
Great service and products. Everything always arrived in a timely manner.
Tim
Customer
Simple, respectful, professional with good follow up and guidance, and fast service and delivery.
Scott
Customer
Best place to get birth control. No more annoying doctor visits
Savannah
Customer
Within an hour . . . a doctor contacted me to make sure that particular medication was what I wanted. Doctor was friendly and knowledgeable. Within minutes . . . being confirmed my order was put through and I received my medication after 2 days.
Samantha
Great service! I really appreciate being able to put my auto-refill on pause.
Rowan
Easy and simple.
Pete
Customer
The best service!!! So happy I never have to try and get myself to the pharmacy anymore. This is the future!!!
Paige
The whole process of signing up with Felix, the online visit, and getting my prescription in the mail was very easy and very convenient.
Paul
Customer
Super convenient, and amazing customer service! The team always responds +++ fast and answers every question and concern. Very pleased with Felix!
Nicole
Customer
Discreet, quick, very professional, and feels totally safe. This is such a convenient service and I'm a huge fan already.
Nicky
Customer
Sign up was a breeze, and items shipped faster than expected. A positive, painless experience from start to finish!
Jon
Customer
Felix gets you into contact with doctors discreetly online to address personal matters that you'd rather not go to a doctor in person to see, you get the prescription best suited to your needs, and they'll deliver it to your local pharmacy or even your house!
Matt
Customer
Very quick and easy to do. Can ask the doctor any questions about the medication.
Maren
Customer
The process was a whole lot easier and faster than I imagined. And the doctor was absolutely helpful and answered relatively fast. I highly recommend Felix.
Kristian
Customer
Super convenient and affordable! Much easier than having to book a doctors appointment and wait to get a prescription filled.
Jillian
Customer
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Frequently asked questions

Alesse

How effective is Alesse?

Alesse is over 97 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. To be taken as directed, you should take the pill every day. When taken correctly, a 97 percent effectiveness rate means that if 100 women take Alesse correctly for a year while being sexually active, three will get pregnant yearly. 

This makes Alesse a very effective method of birth control. As a baseline, 60 to 85 women out of 200 will become pregnant in a year if no birth control is used. Using condoms, between two and 12 women out of 100 will become pregnant in a year. A combination estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive like Alesse, provided it contains at least 20 micrograms of estrogen, will only result in up to three women becoming pregnant, making it an efficient choice. 

It is also important to remember that Alesse takes up to seven days to work. Like other combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs), it can take about a week to take effect when taken correctly. Using a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, for two weeks after taking the pill is advisable to be protected from pregnancy.

What alternatives are there to Alesse?

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

What are the side effects of Alesse?

Patients may experience breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, and bloating when starting Alesse 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.

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


Is Alesse a combination pill?

Alesse is a combination pill containing a combination of estrogen and progestin. Pills containing both hormones are called combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs), which people generally refer to when they talk about “the pill.” 

Alesse is considered a low-dose COC and a safe and reliable contraceptive for most women. It contains 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic estrogen, and a progestin - levonorgestrel. The low dose doesn’t make Alesse any less effective than higher-dose oral contraceptive pills. 

The low estrogen content in Alesse can be beneficial for people experiencing side effects such as headaches, nausea,  mood changes, and breast tenderness. However, it’s worth noting that a low dose of estrogen can also increase the risk that you will experience spotting. Spotting, also known as breakthrough bleeding, is light vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods. 

Higher dose estrogen pills, such as Mirvala, can be a good alternative if you experience spotting on Alesse. Different COCs also contain different types of progestin. Through discussion with your healthcare practitioner and trial and error, you can determine if Alesse is a good choice.

How do you take Alesse?

Take Alesse 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:

What does Alesse do?

Birth control pills such as Alesse work by inhibiting the monthly release of an egg (or eggs) 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.

What is Alesse?

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


Who should not take Alesse?

You should not take Alesse 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 Alesse.

Felix 101

What is Felix?

Felix is Canada’s first truly integrated healthcare platform. We provide on-demand treatment for everyday health needs like weight loss, mental health, sexual health, and more. Founded in 2019, our digital-first approach to healthcare includes everything from diagnosis to prescription — all accessible from the comfort of home.

Who can use Felix?

Anyone who is 18 years or older older (16 or older for acne and birth control prescriptions), and is located in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan or Ontario. We cannot ship medication outside of these provinces at this time.

Does Felix replace my doctor?

No. Felix provides a faster, hassle-free way for you to get a prescription to certain medications but our service does not replace your primary care provider. For matters that extend beyond obtaining a prescription lifestyle medication safely and easily, we encourage you to consult your primary health practitioner in person — whether for checkups, personal health concerns, or to inform them about the medications you are currently using.

Can I be accurately assessed remotely?

Absolutely. Our online assessments have been designed to ask all the necessary questions required for diagnosis. We've worked with specialist to create an assessment process that can provide sufficient information for the healthcare practitioner to determine whether or not you are eligible for a prescription and craft an appropriate treatment plan.

It's an emergency. What do I do?

Call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room immediately. Felix is not intended for medical emergencies. Once the emergency has been addressed or resolved, contact your prescribing practitioner to inform them of your experience as this may impact your current treatment plan.

Online Visits

How does this visit work?

After creating an account, you will complete a medical assessment for evaluation by one of the Felix healthcare practitioners. 

During your assessment, you will have the opportunity to send your practitioner questions via secure messaging.  

In most cases, practitioners will complete your assessment with secure messaging alone but sometimes they may determine you require an audio or video visit and/or further diagnostic testing to help determine the best treatment plan for you. 

If your practitioner has determined a prescription treatment is appropriate, they will approve your visit and write you a prescription. Our pharmacy will then ship your prescription to your home.

You’ll be able to message your healthcare practitioner if you have questions about your medication or want to make changes to your treatment at any time.

Do I need to complete my online visit at a scheduled time?

No. We use an asynchronous telemedicine model so you can complete your online visit in your own time and we save your progress so you can come back later to finish it.

If you are completing a visit in the mental health or weight loss categories, your healthcare practitioner may require a phone or video call to discuss your medical profile further during the assessment process.

Does the online visit require a phone or video appointment?

Most assessments do not require a phone or video conversation. Once a prescriber has reviewed the info in your assessment they will respond to you via secure instant messages that you can access within your Felix account.  

If you are completing a visit in the mental health or weight loss categories, your healthcare practitioner may require a phone or video call to discuss your medical profile further during the assessment process.

How quickly will a healthcare practitioner review my online visit?

You can expect to receive a response from a healthcare practitioner within 24 hours of submission. If you’ve been waiting longer than this, please email hello@felixforyou.ca and we’ll look into it.

Can I just get the medication and skip the online visit?

No. A prescription written by a licensed healthcare practitioner is required for all medication currently provided through Felix’s service. If you already have a prescription with at least one refill remaining, you can transfer it to the Felix Pharmacy network.

Please email our Customer Support team at hello@felixforyou.ca and they will be able to assist you with the transfer.

‍

Shipping

How long will it take to get my medication?

Not long. After completing your assessment, a practitioner will generally respond within 24 hours, and often much sooner.

The pharmacy will process and fill your prescription within 2-3 business days of your prescription approval date if there is nothing blocking them from doing so.

All packages are shipped via Express Post, which usually takes 2-3 business days. You will receive an email with your tracking number once your treatment has been shipped.

Is your packaging discreet?

Absolutely. All Felix shipments arrive in a nondescript blister package so you can have your medication shipped wherever makes sense for you as long as there is someone there to sign for it.

Do I have to be home to receive my package?

A signature upon delivery may be required.

How much does it cost for shipping my medication?

There is currently no cost to have your medication sent to you from our Felix Pharmacy network.

What courier do you use for shipping?

Our pharmacy partners use Canada Post and/or Purolator for shipping.

Privacy and Security

Is my information private and secure?

Yes, your security is paramount to Felix’s mission. Personal health information provided during your medical assessment is strictly and legally confidential between you and the Felix healthcare practitioner.

Beyond that, all your account information (including the medical assessment, credit card, and shipping information, etc.) is also stored safely and securely. Felix is compliant with all federal and provincial health privacy legislation. It is our duty to protect your data with comprehensive security infrastructure and stringent data policies to ensure it stays private and secure.

Read more on our Privacy Policy.

Is this legal?

Yes! In Canada, only a licensed healthcare practitioner can write a prescription, and only a registered pharmacist can fill that prescription. We are supported by leaders in the Canadian pharmacology and specialized medical fields. Felix adheres strictly to all the regulations set forth by all applicable Colleges of Pharmacists and Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons in which we operate.

Is this safe?

Absolutely. All prescriptions obtained via Felix are provided by licensed Canadian healthcare practitioners—the same as you would get at a hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic. These practitioners do not provide prescriptions unless they deem it medically safe and appropriate to write them based on your medical profile and assessment answers. Our assessments have been crafted by the experts on our medical team. Finally, all Felix Pharmacies are provincially accredited just like any retail pharmacy.

How is my privacy protected?

Your privacy is our top priority. All your data is 256 bit SSL/TLS encrypted, and we take significant steps to keep your data secure. You can read our Privacy Policy for more information. 

Pricing and Payment

How much is the online visit?

Felix charges a fee for the online visit, but only if and when you are approved by the healthcare practitioner. In most cases the fee is $40 but varies by treatment category. The visit fee includes a prescription valid for up to a year (depending on the condition) and on-going support from the healthcare practitioner or pharmacist.

How much will my medication cost?

It depends. Medication costs vary from treatment to treatment but will be in line with what you would pay at a pharmacy in person. You will see the estimated cost of your medication before insurance, during the online visit but will only be charged once approved. Once approved, your prescription will be sent to the pharmacy and we will process the payment and fill the prescription within one to two days.

Keep in mind that you won’t necessarily need to pay the full price yourself. If you have insurance, Felix’s partner pharmacies will bill your insurer directly. You may also be eligible for financial support in your province.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards for any aspect of your treatment not covered by insurance or other financial support

When am I charged?

You will be charged for the online visit as soon as it is approved by the healthcare practitioner. From there, and after your prescription is activated by the pharmacy, you will be charged the medication cost for each shipment based on your chosen refill schedule. If you have provided insurance or benefits coverage details, it will be applied according to your plan.

Insurance

Am I covered by my insurance?

Medication coverage varies greatly between different insurance plans.

The good news is that if you are covered, Felix can bill your insurer directly, and then ship your medications right to your door at no additional cost to you. We recommend that you upload your private and/or provincial benefit card during the online visit so that our pharmacy partner can apply any coverage you are eligible for before shipping your meds.

Insurance coverage for medications through Felix doesn't include the cost of your visit.

Is the online visit covered by my insurance or provincial health plans?

A Felix online visit is considered asynchronous since it is conveniently completed through a secure chat bases system. Currently, asynchronous visits are not covered by insurance or provincial health plans so you will be charged a visit fee, depending on the category of treatment you are requesting.

Is the medication covered by my insurance or provincial health plans?

Medication coverage varies greatly between different plans, provinces, and has specific criteria that determine eligibility. For private insurance, we recommend contacting your benefits administrator with your details and the Drug Identification Number (DIN) and the drug name to determine your coverage.

For more details on provincial health plan coverage see below:

Alberta: Learn more about AHCIP here. Search for covered drugs here.

British Columbia: Learn more about MSP here. Search for covered drugs here.

Manitoba: Learn more about MHSIP here. Search for covered drugs here.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Learn more about MCP here. Search for covered drugs here.

Nova Scotia: Learn more about MSI here. Search for covered drugs here.

Ontario: Learn more about OHIP+ here. Search for covered drugs here.

Prince Edward Island: Learn more about Health PEI here. Search for covered drugs here.

Saskatchewan: Learn more about Saskatchewan Health Coverage here. Search for covered drugs here.‍

Is birth control covered by OHIP in Ontario?

OHIP+ covers some birth control for eligible residents of Ontario who are under 25 years old and do not have private insurance. You can check if your birth control medication is covered here. Make sure to upload your Ontario health card during your online visit so our pharmacy partners can apply your coverage directly.

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