Access
Available by prescription. Manitoba pharmacists can prescribe — book a consultation.
Medication information
Prescription
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills
Estrogen + progestin pills — taken daily
Combined oral contraceptives (Tri-Cyclen, Apri, Yaz, etc.) contain estrogen and progestin. Taken daily on a 21-day or 28-day cycle. Effective when taken on time. Multiple brands differ mainly in progestin type and hormone dose.
How the pharmacy helps
In Manitoba, pharmacists can prescribe and renew oral contraceptives directly under the Pharmacist Prescribing program. Talk to us at the counter.
Access framing
Available by prescription. Manitoba pharmacists can prescribe — book a consultation.
Forms and strengths
Medication entries grouped here
Strengths, dosage forms, brands, or package entries may vary. Your prescription label and pharmacist counselling are the instructions to follow.
| Brand / Generic | Strength | Form | DIN | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alesse Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel | 20/100mcg | Tablet | Active |
Take it as soon as you remember. If 24+ hours late, depending on which week of the pack, may need backup contraception. The package insert or the pharmacist can guide.
Increased risk over baseline, especially with smoking + age 35+, recent surgery, or family history of clots. The prescriber/pharmacist screens before starting.
Most antibiotics do NOT reduce effectiveness — that myth is outdated. Rifampin and a few others do. Always tell the pharmacist when starting an antibiotic.
Have questions about this medication?
Call the pharmacy or bring the medication to the counter. We can help compare labels, dosing schedules, storage needs, and questions to ask your prescriber.
Back to medication information