provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx Provider Mode. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare providers.
Kelnor Coupon - Kelnor 28 tablets of 1mg/35mcg package

kelnor

Generic Demulen
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

Kelnor is a type of birth control called a combined oral contraceptive (COC). It's taken by mouth every day to prevent pregnancy. This medication is a monophasic birth control, which means it contains the same amount of hormones in each active pill and doesn't vary from one week to the next. Kelnor (and some of its branded generics) comes in a high-dose estrogen version that typically isn't used unless your provider thinks it's medically needed.

Last reviewed on July 26, 2022
basics-icon

What is Kelnor?

What is Kelnor used for?

  • To prevent pregnancy

How Kelnor works

Kelnor is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that contains 2 hormones: ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and ethynodiol diacetate (a progestin). Both hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:

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

  • Changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement

  • Creating an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg by changing the lining in the uterus (womb)

Drug Facts

Common BrandsKelnor, Zovia, Demulen (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

basics-icon

What are the side effects of Kelnor?

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

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps and bloating
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Spotting
  • Change in the flow of period
  • Missing periods
  • Swelling
  • Breast changes
  • Weight changes
  • Depression
  • Vaginal yeast infection

Other Side Effects

  • Skin condition that causes brown spots or patches
  • Migraine
  • Allergic rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain, stomach 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 problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, stomach pain

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 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
Advertisement
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Kelnor

thumbs-up

Pros

Once-daily dosing

Works better to prevent pregnancy compared to some other birth control methods

Pills are in an easy-to-follow blister pack

Can make menstrual (period) cycles more regular

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Can't be used by females over 35 who smoke because of high risk of blood clots

Can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches

Raises risk of blood clots

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Kelnor

pharmacist
  • Set an alarm to help you remember to take Kelnor at the same time every day. Take it with a meal or at bedtime to help with side effects like stomach upset and nausea.

    • It's normal to have spotting (light bleeding outside of your period) or feel sick to your stomach for the first few packs of Kelnor. This should get better over time, but if it doesn't contact your provider.

      • If you have vomiting or diarrhea, or take certain medications, Kelnor might not work as well for you. Always use a back-up birth control method until you're able to check with your healthcare provider.

        • Contact your eye provider right away if you wear contact lenses and notice vision changes when wearing them or when wearing your glasses while taking Kelnor.

          • If you've been taking Kelnor as instructed and have missed two periods in a row or feel like you might be pregnant, call your provider. Studies haven't confirmed a risk of birth defects in females who've used birth control pills before pregnancy or during early pregnancy, but it's no longer necessary to take them once you're pregnant.

            • Oral contraceptives like Kelnor can lower the amount of breast milk you're able to produce and aren't recommended during breastfeeding. Additionally, some babies have experienced yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and larger breasts after drinking breastmilk from mothers on COCs like Kelnor. If you're breastfeeding, ask your provider about alternative birth control options.

              • If you want to stop taking this medication and become pregnant, speak to your provider. There might be a delay in getting pregnant after taking Kelnor. It might help to wait until you have regular menstrual cycles again after stopping Kelnor before you try to get pregnant.

                • Kelnor has been prescribed specifically for you, so don't share it with anyone who wants to take birth control. Their provider should evaluate them to make sure they get a safe option.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Kelnor

                  Is Kelnor with 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol a better choice for me than Kelnor with 50 mcg of ethinyl estradiol?
                  Talk with your prescriber if you have questions about which dose of ethinyl estradiol is more appropriate for you in your birth control pills. In general, people are moving away from using combination birth control pills with an ethinyl estradiol dose of 50 mcg or higher, possibility because of the higher risk of clots. Today, most providers prescribe birth control pills that contain less that 50 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Sometimes, providers might consider a birth control with a higher dose of ethinyl estradiol if they think it's appropriate for medical reasons (ex. in the case of a drug interaction).
                  What makes Kelnor (and it's branded generics) unique compared with some other oral birth controls?
                  There are many different forms of COCs available, and they differ in the dose of estrogen and progestin they contain. They also differ in terms of the type of progestin they contain. What makes Kelnor unique compared with some other COCs is that it contains a first-generation progestin called ethynodiol diacetate. This older class of progestins tends to have more side effects, such as acne and bloating from body fluid, compared with newer second- and third-generation progestins. Another factor that makes Kelnor stand out is that it's a monophasic COC, meaning the amount of hormones in each active pill doesn't vary from one week to the next. Talk with your provider about which medication is best for you.
                  How well does Kelnor work to prevent pregnancy?
                  Hormonal birth control pills like Kelnor are more than 99% successful at preventing pregnancy in the first year of use when used consistently everyday. But with typical use (when some doses are missed or taken late), there's about a 5% chance of getting pregnant during the first year. Your chance of getting pregnant while taking Kelnor is higher if you don't take it as instructed. If you're having trouble remembering to take your pill, talk to your provider.
                  How should I start taking Kelnor?
                  If you're not currently taking another form of hormonal birth control, the two most common ways to start taking Kelnor are the Day 1 Start and the Sunday Start methods. For the Day 1 Start, you'd begin taking Kelnor during the first 24 hours of your period. If you choose the Sunday Start method, you'd begin taking Kelnor on the Sunday after your period starts (even if you're still bleeding). For this method, you need to use another non-hormonal method of birth control (e.g., condom or spermicide) for 7 days. If you're switching from another hormonal birth control, discuss the best way to start taking Kelnor with your provider.
                  What should I do if I miss a pill of Kelnor?
                  It's important for you to take Kelnor every day for the medication to prevent pregnancy. But if you missed a dose, your next steps depend on when you missed it and how many pills you missed. If you only missed 1 pill, you can take the missed pill as soon as you remember and continue taking the next pill at your regular time. If you missed pills multiple days in a row, you might have to take 2 pills on the same day and next day to make up for it. Or you might have to throw away your current pack and start a new pack. Make sure to follow the instructions on the patient information sheet that was provided with your medication, or contact your provider or pharmacist. Also, ask them if you need to use another method of birth control to prevent pregnancy during this time.
                  GoodRxEducationalIcon

                  How to save using GoodRx

                  Compare Prices
                  1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                  Select your free coupon
                  2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                  Show coupon to your pharmacist
                  3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                  Get free couponLearn more
                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Kelnor?

                  Kelnor 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, using combined oral contraceptives (COCs), like Kelnor, raises your risk for serious health problems, such as strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Females age 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk for these problems. If you smoke, talk with your provider 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 Kelnor less than a month after childbirth | High blood pressure | People identified as obese | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen

                      Kelnor 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 provider you're taking Kelnor. 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 Kelnor and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

                                  Don't use Kelnor 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 provider. Call your healthcare provider 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, Kelnor can cause liver problems, such as liver damage and liver tumors. These problems are linked more with earlier formulations of COCs that contained higher levels of estrogen (50 mcg or higher), so keep this in mind if you're using the higher strength of this medication that contains 50 mcg of estrogen. Don't use this medication if you already have liver problems. Call your provider 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 pressure

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

                                      Kelnor and other COCs can raise your blood pressure. Your provider 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 provider. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, Kelnor might not be the best option for you.

                                      risk-warning

                                      High blood sugar and lipids (fats)

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

                                        COCs like Kelnor might raise your blood sugar and triglyceride (fat) levels. In addition, some progesterones could raise LDL levels ("bad" cholesterol). If you have diabetes, let your provider know if you experience any changes in your blood sugar. Make sure to go to all of your check-ups so your provider can monitor any changes.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Headache

                                        Headaches are a common side effect of COCs like Kelnor. 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 provider so you can be checked out.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Irregular bleeding

                                        Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common side effects of Kelnor. This is more common at first, but should get better over time. Let your provider know if you experience any irregular vaginal bleeding so they can help you figure out why you're bleeding.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Depression

                                        • Risk factors: History of depression

                                          Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening depression while taking Kelnor. In cases of serious depression, your provider might have you stop taking it.

                                          risk-warning

                                          Interactions with other medications

                                          Certain medications can make Kelnor get broken down faster in your body, making it less effective and lead to pregnancy. Some examples include rifampin (Rifadin) and phenytoin (Dilantin). Other medications can raise the amount of Kelnor in your body, which can lead to more side effects. Make sure to tell your provider or pharmacist about all of your medications so they can make sure they don't interact with Kelnor.

                                          If you have hepatitis C and need to be treated with Viekira Pak (dasabuvir / ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir), let your provider know right away that you're taking a COC. You'll need to stop Kelnor before starting Viekira Pak because taking them together can cause liver problems. You can start Kelnor again 2 weeks after you stop Viekira Pak.

                                          dosage

                                          Kelnor dosage forms

                                          package
                                          Package
                                          DosageAs low as
                                          28 tablets of 1mg/35mcg$19.89 for 3 packages
                                          28 tablets of 1mg/50mcg$13.28 for 1 package

                                          Typical dosing for Kelnor

                                          Your medication might look different and have slightly different directions depending on which branded generic your provider prescribes. Please take the medication as instructed by your provider. In general:

                                          Kelnor (and its branded generics) comes in a 28-day pack. There are 21 active tablets that each contain 1 mg of ethynodiol diacetate and either 35 mcg or 50 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. There are 7 placebo tablets, and they don't contain any active medications.

                                          • The typical dose is to take 1 active tablet by mouth daily for 21 days, followed by 1 placebo tablet daily for the remaining 7 days.

                                          drug-cost

                                          How much does Kelnor cost?

                                          To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                                          contraindications-icon

                                          Kelnor 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 Kelnor will not be safe for you to take.
                                          • Currently have or history of DVT, PE, or other blood clotting problems

                                          • Coronary artery disease

                                          • Cerebrovascular disease (problems with blood flow in the brain)

                                          • Currently have or have a history of breast cancer

                                          • Currently have or history of estrogen-dependent tumor

                                          • Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

                                          • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) with previous pregnancy or pill use

                                          • Currently have or history of liver tumors

                                          • Pregnancy

                                          • Taking hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir

                                          alternatives

                                          What are alternatives to Kelnor?

                                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Kelnor. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                          Kelnor
                                          Used for:
                                          • To prevent pregnancy

                                          $19.89 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                          Used for:
                                          • To prevent pregnancy

                                          $12.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                          images

                                          Kelnor images

                                          White Round B And 143 - Kelnor 1/35 28-Day 1mg-0.035mg Tablet
                                          This medicine is White, Round Package Imprinted With "B" And "143".White Round B And 143 - Kelnor 1/35 28-Day 1mg-0.035mg Tablet
                                          White Round B And 143 - Kelnor 1/35 28-Day 1mg-0.035mg Tablet
                                          This medicine is White, Round Package Imprinted With "B" And "143".White Round B And 143 - Kelnor 1/35 28-Day 1mg-0.035mg Tablet

                                          Get savings updates for Kelnor

                                          Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Kelnor and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                                          By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                                          Browse medications

                                          View All

                                          Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.