What Is Alyacen 1/35? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If you've been prescribed Alyacen 1/35 — or are considering it — you probably have questions. What exactly is it? What does it do? How do you take it? This guide answers all of those questions in plain language.

What Is Alyacen 1/35?

Alyacen 1/35 is a combination oral contraceptive pill (OCP) — commonly called "the pill" — manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. It contains two synthetic hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen). Each active tablet delivers 1 mg of norethindrone and 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol.

Alyacen 1/35 is a branded generic — meaning it's a generic drug sold under a brand name rather than by its chemical name. It is the generic equivalent of Ortho-Novum 1/35, and is bioequivalent to Nortrel 1/35, Dasetta 1/35, Pirmella 1/35, Cyclafem 1/35, and Nylia 1/35. These medications all contain the same active ingredients at the same dose.

What Is Alyacen 1/35 Used For?

The FDA-approved indication for Alyacen 1/35 is:

• Prevention of pregnancy (contraception): When taken correctly and consistently, oral contraceptives have a failure rate of less than 1% per year.

Healthcare providers also prescribe Alyacen 1/35 and similar combined oral contraceptives off-label (meaning for uses not listed on the FDA label) for:

• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) — reducing cramping and menstrual pain.

• Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) — lightening and regulating periods.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — regulating cycles and reducing androgen-related symptoms.

• Endometriosis — suppressing hormonal cycles to reduce pain and lesion growth.

• Acne vulgaris — hormonal regulation can reduce acne breakouts in some patients.

How Is Alyacen 1/35 Packaged and What Does It Look Like?

Alyacen 1/35 comes in a 28-day blister pack:

• 21 peach (active) tablets: Round, flat-faced, with 'A1' debossed on one side. Each contains 1 mg norethindrone and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol.

• 7 light green (reminder/placebo) tablets: Round, debossed with 'A2'. Contain only inert ingredients — no hormones. They exist to keep you in the pill-taking habit and mark the days of your period.

Store at room temperature, 68-77°F (20-25°C), away from moisture and light.

How Do You Take Alyacen 1/35?

Alyacen 1/35 is preset for a Sunday Start (you can also do a Day 1 Start at your provider's direction):

1. Start your first pill on the first Sunday after your period begins (or on Sunday if your period starts on Sunday).

2. Take one active (peach) tablet every day for 21 days at the same time each day.

3. Then take one light green (reminder) tablet every day for 7 days. Your period will typically occur during these 7 days.

4. After 28 tablets, immediately start the next pack — do not take a break between packs.

For first-time Sunday Starters, use a backup method of birth control (such as condoms) for the first 7 consecutive days of pill taking.

What Happens If You Miss a Pill?

• Miss 1 pill: Take it as soon as you remember. Take your next pill at the regular time — even if it means taking 2 pills in one day.

• Miss 2 pills in Week 1 or 2: Take 2 pills on the day you remember, and 2 pills the next day. Then continue normally. Use backup contraception for 7 days.

• Miss 2 pills in Week 3 or 3+ pills any week: Throw away the rest of the pack and start a new pack that day (Sunday Start users) or the next Sunday. Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Is Alyacen 1/35 a Controlled Substance?

No. Alyacen 1/35 is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It requires a prescription from a licensed provider, but there are no special controls on how it is prescribed or filled — unlike opioids or stimulants.

The Bottom Line

Alyacen 1/35 is a well-established, widely-used combination oral contraceptive with a proven safety and efficacy record. It's straightforward to use once you establish the habit. For a deeper dive into how it works, see our article on how Alyacen 1/35 works. And if you're having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, try medfinder to locate it near you.