Falessa

Q: What is FaLessa?

FaLessa is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that contains 2 hormones: 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and 0.1 mg of levonorgestrel (a progestin). Both hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by 1) suppressing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary), 2) changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement, and 3) creating an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg by changing the lining in the uterus (womb). FaLessa comes as a 28-day pack, with 21 active tablets (contain hormones) and 7 inactive (hormone-free) tablets. Unlike other packs of birth control pills, each pack of FaLessa also contains folate 1 mg tablets to protect against birth defects in cases of pregnancy during treatment or after stopping the medication.

Q: Is FaLessa still available?

No, FaLessa has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States. Speak to your provider about other [birth control](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/birth-control) options.

Q: Why was FaLessa discontinued?

It isn't clear why FaLessa was discontinued.

Q: Is there another product called FaLessa that isn't birth control?

The same manufacturer of FaLessa birth control pills, Avion Pharmaceuticals, used to make a prescription folate tablet also called [FaLessa](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=149304). It didn't contain hormones and was made as a supplement for females to take prior to pregnancy. It's no longer [listed on their website](https://avionrx.com/product/prescription-prenatal-dietary-supplements/) as one of their products, but the same active ingredient is now included in their prenatal vitamin, [PrimaCare](https://primacarerx.com/complete-nutritional-support/folate-as-quatrefolic/).

Used for Birth Control

FaLessa is a combined hormonal birth control pill that's taken by mouth every day. It's a monophasic birth control, meaning all of the active pills contain the same doses of estrogen and levonorgestrel. In addition, each FaLessa kit contains folate, an important vitamin for preventing birth defects . This medication has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 17, 2022

What is FaLessa?

What is FaLessa used for?

To prevent pregnancy

Are you looking for information on Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) monophasic extended cycle, Portia (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) monophasic, or Balcoltra (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) monophasic instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsFaLessa(brand no longer available)

Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityDiscontinued

Common questions about Falessa

Falessa is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that contains 2 hormones: 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and 0.1 mg of levonorgestrel (a progestin). Both hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by 1) suppressing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary), 2) changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement, and 3) creating an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg by changing the lining in the uterus (womb). Falessa comes as a 28-day pack, with 21 active tablets (contain hormones) and 7 inactive (hormone-free) tablets. Unlike other packs of birth control pills, each pack of Falessa also contains folate 1 mg tablets to protect against birth defects in cases of pregnancy during treatment or after stopping the medication.

No, Falessa has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States. Speak to your provider about other birth control options.

It isn't clear why Falessa was discontinued.

The same manufacturer of Falessa birth control pills, Avion Pharmaceuticals, used to make a prescription folate tablet also called FaLessa. It didn't contain hormones and was made as a supplement for females to take prior to pregnancy. It's no longer listed on their website as one of their products, but the same active ingredient is now included in their prenatal vitamin, PrimaCare.