Comprehensive medication guide to Alyacen 1/35 including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0 copay under most ACA-compliant insurance plans; Tier 1–2 on most formularies. Medicaid coverage typically available at $0–$3. Medicare Part D generally does not cover contraceptives.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$25–$77 retail per 28-tablet pack without insurance; as low as $14–$26 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
62/100
Summarize with AI
On this page
Alyacen 1/35 is a combination oral contraceptive pill (OCP) manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. It is a branded generic equivalent of Ortho-Novum 1/35 and contains two active synthetic hormones: norethindrone 1 mg (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg (a synthetic estrogen). It is available in a 28-day blister pack containing 21 active peach tablets and 7 inert light-green reminder tablets.
Alyacen 1/35 is FDA-approved for the prevention of pregnancy and is also used off-label to treat dysmenorrhea (painful periods), menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and acne vulgaris. When taken correctly, it has a failure rate of less than 1% per year.
Bioequivalent alternatives with the same active ingredients include Nortrel 1/35, Dasetta 1/35, Pirmella 1/35, Cyclafem 1/35, and Nylia 1/35. All are FDA AB-rated as interchangeable with Alyacen 1/35.
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
Alyacen 1/35 works through three complementary mechanisms to prevent pregnancy. The primary mechanism is suppression of ovulation: the combined progestin and estrogen suppress the pituitary release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), preventing the ovarian follicle from maturing and releasing an egg. Without ovulation, fertilization cannot occur.
The second mechanism is cervical mucus thickening: norethindrone makes cervical mucus denser and more viscous, creating a physical barrier that impedes sperm penetration. The third mechanism is endometrial modification: the hormones create an endometrial lining that is less receptive to implantation of a fertilized egg, serving as a backup layer of protection.
These same mechanisms that provide contraceptive efficacy also explain Alyacen 1/35's non-contraceptive benefits: stabilized hormone levels reduce menstrual pain and bleeding, suppression of ovarian activity helps manage PCOS symptoms, and reduced androgen production can improve acne in some patients.
1 mg / 0.035 mg — tablet
21 active peach tablets (norethindrone 1 mg + ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg) and 7 inert light-green reminder tablets per 28-day blister pack. Debossed with A1 (active) and A2 (inert).
Alyacen 1/35 is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list as of 2026, but it is flagged as a limited-distribution medication on some pharmacy platforms. Because it is a branded generic produced by a single manufacturer (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals), it is not universally stocked across all pharmacy locations. Patients may find it readily at some pharmacies and completely unavailable at others depending on their region and the specific pharmacy network.
Several bioequivalent alternatives — Nortrel 1/35, Dasetta 1/35, and Pirmella 1/35 — contain the identical active ingredients and are more widely stocked. In most states, pharmacists can substitute these without a new prescription. Patients who specifically need Alyacen 1/35 by brand should request their pharmacist order it from their wholesaler (typically 1-business-day delivery) or use a pharmacy search service.
Use medfinder to quickly find which pharmacies near you have Alyacen 1/35 in stock. medfinder is a paid service that contacts pharmacies on your behalf and texts you the results — no hold music required.
Alyacen 1/35 is not a controlled substance, so there are no DEA scheduling restrictions on prescribing it. Any licensed prescriber with authority to prescribe medications can write a prescription. This includes physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants across all relevant specialties.
OB/GYNs (Obstetrician-Gynecologists): The most common specialists for birth control prescriptions and reproductive healthcare.
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and Family Medicine doctors: Routinely prescribe oral contraceptives during annual wellness visits.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs): Can prescribe in all 50 states. Common at urgent care, community health centers, and telehealth platforms.
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs): Can prescribe oral contraceptives in most states.
Pharmacists (in select states): California, Colorado, Hawaii, Tennessee, and other states allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives directly.
Telehealth platforms such as Nurx, Hey Jane, and Wisp can prescribe Alyacen 1/35 (or a bioequivalent) online without an in-person visit. Prescriptions can be sent to a local pharmacy or delivered by mail, making birth control more accessible than ever in 2026.
No. Alyacen 1/35 is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a prescription medication — meaning a licensed healthcare provider must write a prescription — but it has none of the special restrictions that apply to controlled substances such as opioids or stimulants.
Because it is not controlled, prescriptions can be written for up to a year's supply with multiple refills. Prescription transfers between pharmacies are permitted without restrictions. In several states, pharmacists are authorized to prescribe hormonal contraceptives like Alyacen 1/35 directly, without requiring a physician visit.
Most side effects are mild and often resolve within 2-3 months as your body adjusts to the hormones:
Nausea (especially in the first few weeks; take with food or at bedtime)
Breast tenderness or swelling
Headaches (mild)
Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
Mild weight changes (often fluid retention)
Mood changes or decreased libido
Contact lens intolerance
Blood clots (DVT/pulmonary embolism): sudden leg pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Stroke: sudden severe headache, vision changes, slurred speech, face or arm weakness
Heart attack: chest pressure, jaw or arm pain, sweating
Sudden vision loss or eye pain (retinal thrombosis)
Severe abdominal pain or jaundice (liver problems)
Significant rise in blood pressure
Know what you need? Skip the search.
Nortrel 1/35
FDA AB-rated bioequivalent with identical active ingredients (norethindrone 1 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg). Most widely stocked alternative when Alyacen 1/35 is unavailable.
Sprintec
Norgestimate 0.25 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg. Different progestin but similar efficacy and safety profile. Very widely available and often lower cost.
Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol)
Drospirenone 3 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg. Anti-androgenic progestin; lower estrogen dose. Indicated for PMDD and acne in addition to contraception.
Nexplanon
Etonogestrel implant. Long-acting reversible contraceptive lasting up to 3 years. No daily pill to remember; eliminates pharmacy refill burden entirely.
Prefer Alyacen 1/35? We can find it.
Rifampin
majorSignificantly increases metabolism of both norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, reducing contraceptive efficacy. Use additional non-hormonal backup contraception during rifampin therapy and for 28 days after.
Enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate)
majorIncrease metabolism of oral contraceptive hormones, reducing contraceptive efficacy and causing breakthrough bleeding. Additional non-hormonal contraception is recommended.
Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir (HCV regimen)
majorCauses significant ALT elevations when combined with ethinyl estradiol-containing medications. Alyacen 1/35 must be discontinued before starting this HCV regimen.
St. John's Wort
moderateHerbal enzyme inducer that can reduce plasma concentrations of oral contraceptive hormones, potentially reducing efficacy. Avoid concurrent use or use additional backup contraception.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
moderateOral contraceptives increase lamotrigine metabolism, potentially lowering seizure control. Lamotrigine dose may need adjustment when starting or stopping Alyacen 1/35.
Grapefruit juice
minorMay slightly increase ethinyl estradiol levels by inhibiting intestinal metabolism. Not typically clinically significant at standard doses.
Alyacen 1/35 is a well-established, highly effective combination oral contraceptive with a strong safety record when used appropriately. It is not a controlled substance, is accessible via most prescribers including telehealth providers, and is covered at $0 cost-sharing by most ACA-compliant insurance plans. For patients with access or cost concerns, bioequivalent alternatives like Nortrel 1/35 and Pirmella 1/35 are clinically identical.
The most common challenge patients face is localized availability — some pharmacies simply don't stock Alyacen 1/35. Planning ahead, requesting 90-day supplies, enrolling in auto-refill, and knowing your bioequivalent options are the best defenses against supply gaps. If you find yourself unable to locate it at nearby pharmacies, a pharmacy search service can save you significant time.
If you're struggling to find Alyacen 1/35 in stock near you, try medfinder — a paid service that contacts pharmacies on your behalf to find which ones have your medication available. You provide your medication and location; medfinder does the calling and texts you the results.
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini