From Alesse to Triphasil

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2003
From Alesse to Triphasil
1
Sun, 06-06-2004 - 10:14am
Hello everyone

So I've made the (reluctant) switch from Alesse to Triphasil. I liked Alesse, but no longer live in the US. I live in Japan and the closest thing they have to Alesse here is something called "Ange", which is really just Triphasil's Japanese name!

I'm wondering what the switch will be like. I've read mixed reviews (on this site) about Triphasil. I've never been on a triphasic pill. What should I expect? Has anyone had any difficult transitions?

Also, I've been on the pill for about a year and a half, so I know my way around pretty well, but there was nothing mentioned in the info the doctor gave me so I'll ask anyways. I'm normally a Sunday Starter. I'm assuming I can take Triphasil in the exact same way I've been taking Alesse (I usually get my period on a Wednesday and start a new pack of pills on the Sunday after that.) Is this a correct assumption?

If anyone can ease my anxieties, I'd really appreciate it!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 06-06-2004 - 11:50am
Hi jhl13, welcome!

Some women find a triphasic pill affects their moods more than does a monophasic one. The hormones are the same in Aleese and Triphasil but the dosages are quite different.

Alesse: 20 mcgm of ethinyl estradiol and 0.10 mg of levonorgestrel

Triphasil: 30/40/30 mcgm of ethinyl estradiol and 0.05/0.075/0.125 mg of levonorgestrel

You can start your new pack on the same day that you would have begun your next pack of Aleese. The same cautions apply as with any other oral contraceptive. You should be prepared in case your period is a bit different. I hope that Triphasil works well for you. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck

      Jill