Alternatives to Dasetta 1/35 28 Day If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

Your Pharmacy Is Out of Dasetta 1/35 28 Day — Now What?

You've been on Dasetta 1/35 28 Day, and it's been working well. But now your pharmacy doesn't have it, and you need a refill before your current pack runs out. What are your options?

The good news is that Dasetta 1/35 is one of many brands containing the exact same active ingredients. In most cases, switching to an equivalent brand is seamless. And if you want or need a completely different birth control option, there are plenty of those, too.

This guide walks you through every alternative — from direct generic equivalents to other oral contraceptives your doctor might recommend.

What Is Dasetta 1/35 28 Day?

Dasetta 1/35 28 Day is a monophasic combination oral contraceptive. That means every active pill in the pack contains the same dose of hormones:

• Norethindrone 1 mg (a progestin)
• Ethinyl Estradiol 0.035 mg (an estrogen)

Each pack has 21 active orange tablets and 7 white placebo tablets for a complete 28-day cycle. It's manufactured by Northstar Rx LLC and is FDA-approved for pregnancy prevention and the treatment of moderate acne in women 15 and older.

To understand more about this medication, see our complete guide: What Is Dasetta 1/35 28 Day? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

How Does Dasetta 1/35 28 Day Work?

Dasetta 1/35 prevents pregnancy through three mechanisms:

1. Suppresses ovulation: The combination of Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
2. Thickens cervical mucus: This makes it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.
3. Thins the uterine lining: This makes it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.

For a deeper dive, read How Does Dasetta 1/35 28 Day Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Direct Generic Equivalents (Same Active Ingredients, Same Dose)

These medications contain exactly the same active ingredients as Dasetta 1/35 — Norethindrone 1 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol 0.035 mg — in a monophasic 28-day pack. The FDA considers them therapeutically equivalent, meaning they should work the same way in your body.

Nortrel 1/35

Manufacturer: Teva Pharmaceuticals

Nortrel 1/35 is one of the most widely available versions of this formulation. It's often the brand that pharmacies stock when they don't carry Dasetta. If your pharmacy has Nortrel 1/35, your pharmacist can usually substitute it without a new prescription.

Typical cost: $10–$50 per pack without insurance; often $0 with insurance under the ACA.

Alyacen 1/35

Manufacturer: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals

Another widely available equivalent. Alyacen 1/35 contains the same hormones at the same doses. Some patients report minor differences in inactive ingredients (fillers, dyes), but the active medication is identical.

Typical cost: $10–$45 per pack without insurance.

Necon 1/35

Manufacturer: Actavis/Allergan

Necon 1/35 has been on the market for years and is a trusted equivalent. It uses the same 21-active/7-placebo format.

Typical cost: $15–$55 per pack without insurance.

Cyclafem 1/35

Manufacturer: Lupin Pharmaceuticals

Cyclafem 1/35 is another option your pharmacist may stock. Same formulation, different manufacturer.

Typical cost: $10–$40 per pack without insurance.

Other Combination Oral Contraceptives to Consider

If none of the direct equivalents are available, your doctor may suggest a different combination pill. These contain different hormones or different doses but serve the same purpose. Here are some common alternatives:

Dasetta 7/7/7 (Triphasic)

This is the triphasic version of Dasetta. Instead of a fixed dose throughout the cycle, the Norethindrone dose changes across three phases (0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg) while the Ethinyl Estradiol stays at 0.035 mg. Some women prefer the more gradual hormone changes. Talk to your doctor about whether a triphasic pill would work for you.

Lo Loestrin Fe

A low-dose combination pill containing Norethindrone Acetate 1 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol 0.01 mg. This is a good option if you want a lower estrogen dose. It's a brand-name medication and tends to cost more ($50–$150 without insurance), but manufacturer coupons are available.

Sprintec (Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Sprintec uses a different progestin (Norgestimate) with 0.035 mg of Ethinyl Estradiol. It's widely available, inexpensive ($9–$30 with coupons), and a very common birth control pill. It's FDA-approved for pregnancy prevention and acne.

Levlen / Levora (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol)

These pills use Levonorgestrel as the progestin instead of Norethindrone. They're monophasic like Dasetta 1/35 and have a long track record. Typical cost is $10–$35 per pack with a coupon.

How to Switch Safely

If you're switching from Dasetta 1/35 to an equivalent brand (like Nortrel 1/35 or Alyacen 1/35), the process is straightforward:

• Finish your current pack of Dasetta 1/35
• Start the new brand the day after your last placebo pill — just like you would a new Dasetta pack
• No backup contraception is needed since the active ingredients are the same

If you're switching to a different formulation (different hormones or doses), follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You may need to use backup contraception (like condoms) for the first 7 days on the new pill.

Always talk to your prescriber before making any changes. Need help finding a provider? See our guide.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to find Dasetta 1/35 28 Day is frustrating, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. Direct equivalents like Nortrel 1/35, Alyacen 1/35, Necon 1/35, and Cyclafem 1/35 contain the identical medication and can often be substituted at the pharmacy counter. If those aren't available either, your doctor can help you find another oral contraceptive that fits your needs.

To search for Dasetta 1/35 or its alternatives at pharmacies near you, visit Medfinder. And for more information, check out our guides on the latest shortage updates and how to save money on your prescription.