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Jolessa Coupon - Jolessa 91 tablets of 0.15mg/0.03mg package

levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol

Generic Seasonale
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

Jolessa is a combined oral contraceptive (COC). It contains 2 medications: levonorgestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). They prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and blocking implantation. Jolessa is an extended-cycle birth control that comes in a 91-day pack. Each pack contains 84 active hormone pills and 7 placebo pills. Jolessa is monophasic, meaning the hormone level is the same in each active pill (0.15 mg of levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol). Common side effects of this birth control include headache, heavy periods, and nausea.

Jolessa is the generic of the discontinued brand name Seasonale. Other generics that are like Jolessa include Setlakin and Introvale.

Last reviewed on September 6, 2024
basics-icon

What is Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)?

What is Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) used for?

How Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) works

Jolessa is a combination of two hormones, levonorgestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). These two hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:

  • Stopping ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary)

  • Thickening cervical mucus (fluid from the cervix), which makes it hard for sperm to move and fertilize an egg

  • Thinning the lining of the uterus (womb) so a fertilized egg can't live

Are you looking for information on Setlakin (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) extended cycle or Amethyst (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) continuous cycle instead?
When does Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsJolessa, Introvale, Seasonale (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) essentials

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Avg retail price
$107.76(save 72.17%)
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$29.99
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What are the side effects of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache (21%)
  • Heavy periods (12%)
  • Nausea (8%)
  • Period cramps (6%)
  • Acne (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Mood swings
  • Weight gain
  • Migraine
  • Breast tenderness
  • Feeling depressed

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain, belly discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
  • Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
  • Liver or gallbladder problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, pain in the right upper stomach, dark urine
When do Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Headache
Menstrual changes
Breast tenderness
Mood changes
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • New or worsening migraines or headaches
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
  • Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
  • Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
  • Nausea
  • Weight gain
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)

thumbs-up

Pros

Once-daily dosing

Taken by mouth

Period only once every 3 months

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Can cause unpleasant side effects, like headache and period cramps

Might worsen certain medical conditions, such as chloasma and hereditary angioedema

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)

pharmacist
  • Try to take Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) around the same time every day. Consider setting an alarm to remind yourself to take your doses at the scheduled time.

    • If you missed one tablet of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol), take your missed dose as soon as possible and take your next scheduled dose at the regular time. You might need to take two tablets in one day. If you've missed more than one tablet in a blister pack, refer to the instructions that came with your pack or call your gynecologist or pharmacist for further instructions.

      • It's normal to have irregular bleeding (a small amount of vaginal bleeding) while using Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol). This doesn't mean that your medication isn't working. Continue to take Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) every day as directed by your gynecologist. Speak with your gynecologist if your bleeding doesn't stop or if you missed your period.

        • Let your gynecologist know if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening mood while taking Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol). In cases of serious depression, your gynecologist might ask you to stop taking this medication.

          • Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can interact with many medications. Let your gynecologist or pharmacist know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements, before you start this medication. Talk with your gynecologist or pharmacist if you have any questions about interactions with Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol).

            • If you've had a skin condition that causes brownish patches on your skin, these patches can reappear or darken while taking Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol). Avoid exposing your skin to the sun or ultraviolet radiation (e.g., tanning booths, sun lamps) while you're taking this medication.

              More on Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) tips

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)

              Can you take too many Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) pills?
              You should only take Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) as directed by your healthcare team or following the directions from the manufacturer. The typical dose of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) is to take 1 active pill by mouth daily for 84 days, followed by 1 placebo pill daily for 7 days. So it's possible to take too many Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) pills. There's limited research that looks into what happens when you take too many birth control pills. Based on existing reports, you're unlikely to get severely sick if you accidentally take more than the recommended dose, but you might experience severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
              What are the white pills in Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)?
              The white pills in Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) are placebo tablets, which means they are hormone-free. There are usually 7 placebo tablets in each pack to help you remember to take your medication every day before starting the next pack. You will usually have your period during these 7 days. If you're taking a branded generic of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol), the placebo pills might have a different color. Talk with your healthcare team if you have questions about a particular medication.
              Does Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) stop your period?
              Taking Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can change how often you have your period. Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) is an extended-cycle birth control, which means your period is most likely going to happen every 84 days while you take the 7 placebo tablets. But Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can stop periods as a side effect. In clinical studies, there were a few people who reported not having a period while taking the placebo tablets, even though they weren't pregnant. If you miss a period, let your healthcare team know. They might recommend that you take a pregnancy test to see if you're pregnant.
              Can you drink alcohol after taking Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)?
              Ask your healthcare team if you can drink alcohol after taking Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol). In general, birth control pills and alcohol don't have any serious interactions. But drinking alcohol, especially if you do so regularly, can worsen or raise the risk for certain side effects of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol), such as nausea or depression. In addition, drinking alcohol can impair your thinking, which might cause you to miss doses of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) when you do so regularly. Ask your healthcare team if you have more questions about alcohol and birth control pills.
              How long does it take for Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) pills to start working?
              If you are starting Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) for the first time or if you are restarting this medication after not taking it for a while, make sure to use a non-hormonal birth control, such as condom, for the first 7 days of the blister pack. It's important to take this medication at the same time every day so that it works well in preventing pregnancy.
              How effective is Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)?
              If you take Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) according to your gynecologist's directions without missing any pills, Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) is about 99% successful at preventing pregnancy. But if you miss doses here and there, Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) won't work as well. Consider setting an alarm or organize your medications with a pill box to remind yourself to take Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) daily if you've trouble remembering.
              Does Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) cause acne?
              Yes, Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can cause acne as a side effect. In one clinical study, about 5% of people who took this medication developed acne within a year of use. Keep in mind that not everyone who uses this medication experiences acne. In fact, many people have experienced their acne improving after taking Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol). There are some COCs that are FDA-approved to help with hormonal acne. Talk to your gynecologist if you're concerned about this side effect.
              Is Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) used as emergency contraception?
              Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) isn't an emergency contraception (morning-after pill) and shouldn't be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. This medication needs to be taken at the same time every day for it to work well. Talk to your gynecologist or pharmacist if you had unprotected sex and need an emergency contraception, such as levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) or Ella (ulipristal).
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              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)?

              Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems

              • Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke cigarettes

                If you smoke cigarettes, taking combined oral contraceptives (COCs) like Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) raises your risk for serious health problems, such as stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. Females ages 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk for these problems. If you smoke, talk with your OB-GYN provider or healthcare professional (HCP) about safer birth control alternatives.

                risk-warning

                Blood clots and strokes

                • Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke | Females over 40 years old who don't smoke | Recent surgery with a long period of bed rest | Starting Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) less than a month after childbirth | High blood pressure | People identified as obese | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen

                  Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) raises your risk of blood clots. These clots can occur anywhere in your body, including your lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE), legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot:

                  • Brain: weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, trouble speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion

                    • Eyes: trouble seeing, bulging eye, double vision

                      • Heart: chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness

                        • Lungs: trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough

                          • Legs: cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness

                            If you need to have surgery, tell your healthcare team you're taking Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol). They might have you stop taking it 4 weeks before until 2 weeks after your surgery to lower your risk of blood clots.

                            risk-warning

                            Risk of breast and cervical cancer

                            • Risk factors: History of breast cancer | Taking COCs for a long time

                              Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

                              Don't take Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) if you have breast cancer because some types of breast cancer grow faster in the presence of estrogen, an ingredient in this birth control pill. To help with early breast cancer detection, you can do monthly breast self-checks at home and yearly breast exams with your healthcare professional. Call your HCP if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

                              Get medical help right away if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, or pain during sex, since these could be signs of cervical cancer.

                              risk-warning

                              Liver problems

                              • Risk factors: Liver problems or infection in the liver | Taking COCs with 50 mcg of estrogen or higher

                                Though rare, Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can cause liver problems, such as liver damage and liver tumors. These problems are linked more with earlier formulations of COCs that contained higher doses of estrogen (50 mcg or higher), and less so with Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) since it only contains 30 mcg of estrogen. Don't take this medication if you already have liver problems. Call your HCP right away if you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as tiredness, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

                                risk-warning

                                High blood sugar and triglycerides

                                • Risk factors: Prediabetes or diabetes | Personal or family history of high triglycerides | High dose

                                  COCs like Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) might raise your blood sugar and triglyceride (fat) levels. If you have diabetes, let your HCP know if you experience any changes in your blood sugar. Make sure to go to all of your check-ups so your healthcare team can monitor any changes.

                                  risk-warning

                                  High blood pressure

                                  • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Older age | Using COCs for a long time | Kidney problems

                                    Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) and other COCs can raise your blood pressure. Your HCP might ask you to check your blood pressure regularly. If you notice your blood pressure is higher while you're taking this medication, contact your HCP. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) might not be the best option for you.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Headache

                                    Headaches are a common side effect of COCs like Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol). But, if you experience a new migraine, a migraine that's worse than normal, or a new headache that keeps coming back or is severe, call your HCP so you can be checked out.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Irregular bleeding

                                    Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common side effects of hormonal birth control pills. This is more common during the first 3 months of taking Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) and might get better over time. Let your HCP know if you experience any vaginal bleeding outside of your period, or if your period has stopped completely. There are other causes besides your birth control pills for irregular bleeding that your HCP will evaluate.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Depression

                                    • Risk factors: History of depression

                                      Let your HCP know if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening depression while taking Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol). In cases of serious depression, your OB-GYN provider or HCP might have you stop taking it.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Gallbladder problems

                                      Some studies suggest that Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can raise the risk of gallbladder disease since more progestin and estrogen can lead to higher chance of gallstones. Although the risk is low, talk to your gynecologist if you have a history of gallbladder disease before starting Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol).

                                      risk-warning

                                      Swelling attacks

                                      Let your healthcare team know if you or someone in your family has a genetic condition called hereditary angioedema. Taking estrogen-containing medications can trigger swelling attacks in people who have this condition. Get medical help right away if you notice swelling in the face, arms, legs, or if you have trouble breathing.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Interactions with other medications

                                      Certain medications can make Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) break down faster in your body, making it less effective. And this can lead to pregnancy. Some examples include carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin). Use a back-up method or other form of birth control for at least 28 days after stopping any of these medications. Other medications can raise the amount of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) in your body, which can lead to more side effects. Make sure to tell your HCP or pharmacist all of your medications so they can make sure they don't interact with Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol).

                                      If you're taking medications to treat hepatitis C, immediately let your HCP know that you're taking a COC. Certain hepatitis C medications can affect the level of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) in your body, either making it not work as well in preventing pregnancy or raising your risk of side effects. Your healthcare team can give you instructions about what to do if you're taking a hepatitis C medication that can interact with Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol).

                                      More on Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) warnings

                                      dosage

                                      Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) dosage forms

                                      The average cost for 1 package of 91 tablets of 0.15mg/0.03mg of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) is $29.99 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.17% off the average retail price of $107.76.
                                      package
                                      Package
                                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                      91 tablets of 0.15mg/0.03mg1 package$29.99$29.99

                                      Typical dosing for Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)

                                      Jolessa (and its branded generic) comes in a 91-day pack. There are 84 active tablets that contain 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol. There are 7 placebo tablets that don't contain any active medication.

                                      • The typical dose is to take 1 active tablet by mouth daily for 84 days, followed by 1 placebo tablet daily for the remaining 7 days.

                                      contraindications-icon

                                      Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) contraindications

                                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) will not be safe for you to take.
                                      alternatives

                                      What are alternatives to Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)?

                                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                      Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)
                                      Used for:
                                      $29.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      Used for:
                                      • To prevent pregnancy

                                      $32.08 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      Used for:
                                      • To prevent pregnancy

                                      $66.56 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      images

                                      Jolessa (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol) images

                                      White Round 208 And B - Jolessa 0.15mg-0.03mg Tablet
                                      This medicine is White, Round Package Imprinted With "208" And "B".White Round 208 And B - Jolessa 0.15mg-0.03mg Tablet

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                                      References

                                      Best studies we found

                                      American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Abnormal uterine bleeding.

                                      Bolanca, I., et al. (2008). Chloasma--the mask of pregnancy. Collegium Antropologicum.

                                      Cooper, D. B., et al. (2024). Oral contraceptive pills. StatPearls.

                                      View All References (9)

                                      Cortés, M. E., et al. (2014). The effects of hormonal contraceptives on glycemic regulation. The Linacre Quarterly.

                                      Etminan, M., et al. (2011). Oral contraceptives and the risk of gallbladder disease: a comparative safety study. Canadian Medical Association Journal.

                                      Hannaford, P. C., et al. (1997). Combined oral contraceptives and liver disease. Contraception.

                                      InformedHealth.org. (2022). Acne: Research summaries - Which birth control pills can help reduce acne? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.

                                      Latwal, B., et al. (2020). Authorized generics vs. branded generics: A perspective. Journal of Generic Medicines: The Business Journal for the Generic Medicines Sector.

                                      National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Estrogens and oral contraceptives. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.

                                      Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (2024). JOLESSA- levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                      Weerasinghe, M., et al. (2017). Overdose of oral contraceptive pills as a means of intentional self-poisoning amongst young women in Sri Lanka: Considerations for family planning. The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care.

                                      Xiromed, LLC. (2022). Introvale- levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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