Annylyn

Annylyn is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) — a low-dose, monophasic pill containing Ethinylestradiol (EE) 0.02 mg (oestrogen) and Gestodene 0.075 mg (progestin). Every active tablet contains the same hormone dose.

Gestodene is a third-generation progestin with high specificity for the progesterone receptor, effective at low doses. This reduces androgenic side effects like acne, oily skin, and weight gain compared to older progestins. The EE 20 mcg / Gestodene 75 mcg formula is identical to Meliane, Femodette, and Millinette 20/75 sold internationally.

Annylyn comes in two formats: 21 tablets (all hormone — take all then wait 7 days before starting a new pack) and 28 tablets (21 hormone + 7 placebo — take continuously, no gap needed, reducing the chance of forgetting to restart).

Contraception (primary use): Prevents pregnancy through three mechanisms — suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation.

Cycle regulation: Helps make periods regular, lighter, and less painful.

Period delay: Can be taken continuously (skipping the 7-day break) to temporarily delay menstruation for travel or special occasions.

Starting: Begin the first tablet within days 1–5 of your period (day 1 is best — contraceptive cover is immediate). Take 1 tablet daily at the same time. Bedtime is recommended to reduce nausea.

21-tablet pack: Take all 21 tablets → wait 7 days (a withdrawal bleed will occur) → start a new pack on day 8, whether or not bleeding has stopped.

28-tablet pack: Take all tablets in arrow order (21 hormone + 7 placebo) → start a new pack the day after finishing. No gap needed.

Missed pills: Missed by less than 12 hours — take immediately, continue as normal. Missed by more than 24 hours — take the missed pill immediately and use condoms for 7 days. If you miss multiple pills in a row, consult your pharmacist.

Common side effects (usually improve within 1–3 months):

• Nausea — most common at first; taking before bedtime helps
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding — common in the first 3 months, then improves
• Mood changes

Less common side effects:

• Slight weight change
• Decreased libido
• Melasma (skin pigmentation)

Warning signs — stop and seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe one-sided leg pain, swelling, redness, warmth (possible blood clot)
• Chest pain, difficulty breathing
• Sudden severe headache, blurred vision
• Jaundice (yellow eyes/skin)

Do not use:

• Pregnant or suspected pregnancy
• History of or high risk for blood clots (DVT, PE, stroke, heart attack)
• Migraine with aura
• Diabetes with vascular damage
• Severe liver disease or liver tumours
• Hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g. breast cancer)
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Use with caution:

• Smokers over 35 — significantly increased clot risk; combined hormonal contraceptives are not recommended
• Overweight women — may have slightly reduced efficacy
• Postpartum — wait at least 21 days (non-breastfeeding) or 6 weeks (breastfeeding) before starting

Annylyn vs. Preme (Drospirenone + EE): Preme contains Drospirenone, which has anti-androgenic effects — better for acne and water retention. Annylyn uses Gestodene, a standard formula with fewer side effects overall.

Annylyn vs. Yasmin / Yaz (Drospirenone + EE): Yasmin and Yaz also contain Drospirenone. They're best for those specifically wanting anti-androgenic benefits. Annylyn is ideal for those wanting a reliable, easy-to-use option.

Annylyn vs. Marvelon (Desogestrel + EE): Both use third-generation progestins. Head-to-head studies suggest Gestodene in Annylyn tends to cause less spotting than Desogestrel in Marvelon.

Medications that reduce Annylyn's effectiveness (use backup contraception):

• Antiepileptics: Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Topiramate
• Certain antibiotics: Rifampicin, Rifabutin — significantly reduce contraceptive effectiveness
• Some HIV antiretrovirals
• Herbal: St. John's Wort

Interactions requiring caution (consult your pharmacist):

• Lamotrigine — the pill may lower Lamotrigine blood levels, risking seizure recurrence
• ACE Inhibitors / ARBs — minimal impact but inform your doctor

Safe to use together:

• Common painkillers (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
• Antihistamines

Annylyn provides contraceptive protection as long as you take it correctly. After the first tablet, ovulation suppression begins within 7 days. If started on day 1 of your period, protection is immediate.

After stopping, your body returns to normal within 1–3 months. Most women can conceive within 1–3 cycles after discontinuation. Long-term use does not reduce fertility.

Gestodene has a half-life of approximately 12–15 hours and Ethinylestradiol approximately 12–24 hours, which is why daily timing is important to maintain consistent hormone levels.

Annylyn is a pharmacist-dispensed medication. You can order online from Intimo Life.

Can I buy Annylyn online?

Yes. Order through Intimo Life — choose the 21 or 28-tablet pack, consult with a licensed pharmacist online, and receive your medication at home.

Do I need a prescription?

No prescription needed, but it must be dispensed by a pharmacist. Our pharmacist will review your health history, current medications, and risk factors to confirm suitability.

How does Intimo Life ship orders?

We deliver nationwide in Thailand with discreet packaging — no product names on the outside.