What are the dosing options for Ashlyna (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) oral contraceptive?

From the Guidelines

Ashylna is not a recognized oral contraceptive medication, and therefore, there are no dosing options available for it. If you're seeking information about oral contraceptive dosing options, common combined hormonal contraceptives typically contain an estrogen (usually ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin in various formulations. Standard dosing for most combined oral contraceptives involves taking one active pill daily for 21 days, followed by either 7 hormone-free days or 7 placebo pills, during which withdrawal bleeding occurs. Extended or continuous regimens are also available, where active pills are taken for longer periods (84 days followed by 7 hormone-free days, or continuously with no breaks) 1. Progestin-only pills ("mini-pills") must be taken at the same time each day without breaks. The specific dosing regimen depends on the particular formulation prescribed.

Some key points to consider when selecting an oral contraceptive include:

• The type and dose of estrogen and progestin
• The regimen (e.g., 21-day, 28-day, extended, or continuous)
• The presence of any contraindications or precautions, such as a history of blood clots or breast cancer
• The potential for drug interactions with other medications

It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best oral contraceptive option for your specific health needs and preferences. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks of different options and choose a medication that is safe and effective for you 1.

In terms of managing missed pills or late starts, the recommendations vary depending on the specific situation, but generally, it's advised to take the missed pill as soon as possible and continue with the regular schedule, using backup contraception if necessary 1.

Ultimately, the choice of oral contraceptive and dosing regimen should be individualized and based on a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.

From the FDA Drug Label

Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day. The failure rate may increase when pills are missed or taken incorrectly. To achieve maximum contraceptive and PMDD effectiveness, drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets must be taken exactly as directed, in the order directed on the blister pack. Single missed pills should be taken as soon as remembered.

The dosing options for Ashlyna oral contraceptive, also known as drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, are as follows:

• Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day.
• The patient can start taking the tablets either on the first day of her menstrual period (Day 1 Start) or on the first Sunday after the onset of her menstrual period (Sunday Start).
• The patient should take one brown to reddish brown tablet daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one white to off-white inert tablet daily on Days 25 through 28.
• The tablets should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day, preferably after the evening meal or at bedtime with some liquid, as needed.
• The patient should use a non-hormonal contraceptive as back-up during the first 7 days of taking the tablets 2.

From the Research

Dosing Options for Ashlyna Oral Contraceptive

• The Ashlyna oral contraceptive is a type of extended-cycle combined oral contraceptive pill that contains levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol 3, 4.
• The typical dosing regimen for Ashlyna consists of 84 days of active pills containing 20 μg of ethinyl estradiol and 100 μg of levonorgestrel, followed by 7 days of pills containing 10 μg of ethinyl estradiol 3, 4.
• This dosing regimen is designed to provide a low-dose, extended-cycle option for women who want to reduce the frequency of their menstrual periods 3, 4.
• The efficacy and safety of Ashlyna have been studied in several clinical trials, which have shown that it is effective in preventing pregnancy and has a similar adverse effect profile to other extended-cycle oral contraceptives 3, 5.
• The choice of oral contraceptive pill, including Ashlyna, should be based on a woman's individual needs and medical history, as well as her personal preferences and values 6, 7.

Benefits and Risks

• The benefits of Ashlyna include its ability to reduce the frequency of menstrual periods, improve menstrual symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and endometriosis, and provide effective contraception 3, 4, 5.
• The risks associated with Ashlyna are similar to those of other combined oral contraceptives, and include an increased risk of venous thrombosis and other cardiovascular events 6.
• Women who are considering using Ashlyna should discuss their individual risks and benefits with their healthcare provider, and should be counseled on the proper use of the medication and the potential side effects 6, 5, 7.