Progestin-only pill
Exluton pills: price, side effects and how to take them
Exluton (lynestrenol 500 mcg)
Quick answer
Exluton (lynestrenol 500 mcg) is a progestin-only pill with no estrogen, a common choice while breastfeeding.[src] All 28 tablets are active: one a day, no break, within 3 hours of the same time.
It costs from ₱218.50. Daphne has the same formula for less. It needs a reseta (Prescription. All birth control pills need one in the Philippines.).
Key facts
- Generic name
- lynestrenol 500 mcg
- Type
- Progestin-only pill (no estrogen)
- Pack
- 28 tablets: 28 hormone
- Prescription
- Required in the Philippines
- Price this month
- From ₱218.50 a pack
- Same formula
- Daphne
Exluton and Daphne are twins: both contain only lynestrenol (The progestin in Daphne and Exluton.) 500 mcg in a 28-tablet pack. The difference is price. Exluton was ₱218.50 at Watsons and ₱222.75 at Rose Pharmacy, while Daphne starts at ₱161. Exluton costs roughly a third more for the same tablets.[src][src] One practical plus for Exluton: Watsons showed a price for it, while Daphne's Watsons price was not listed when we checked. Our research does not name either maker.
Exluton price in the Philippines
Prices checked October 2026. Every pharmacy below requires a prescription.
| Retailer | Pack | Price | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| WatsonsPrescription required | 28 tablets | ₱218.50 | October 2026 |
| Rose PharmacyPrescription required | 28 tablets | ₱222.75 | October 2026 |
| Mercury Drug | No public online price | [TODO: verify] | |
| Southstar Drug | No public online price | [TODO: verify] |
Same formula, lower price: Daphne
Daphne has exactly the same active ingredients and dose as Exluton. It costs about ₱57.50 less a pack, roughly ₱748 a year. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if switching is right for you.
How to take Exluton
Take one tablet every day at the same time, following the arrows, and start a new pack the day after you finish. Every tablet is active; there are no inactive tablets and no break. If you are more than 3 hours late, WHO counts it as missed: take it when you remember, keep going, and use condoms for 2 days.[src]
When to start: WHO says a progestin-only pill can start within the first 5 days of your period with no extra protection, or any other day if you are reasonably sure you are not pregnant, with condoms for the first 2 days.[src] After a birth, your doctor or midwife will tell you when to begin.
If you miss a Exluton pill
Exluton is a progestin-only pill. If you are more than 3 hours late, take one as soon as you remember, keep taking one a day, and use condoms for the next 2 days (WHO handbook; follow your leaflet if it says longer).
If you had sex in the last 5 days and missed pills, talk to a doctor today about emergency options. If unsure, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Open the Missed Pill HelperExluton side effects and what Filipinas worry about
Bleeding changes come first: irregular bleeding, spotting, or no bleeding at all are the most common effects of progestin-only pills, and are not harmful.[src] Headaches and sore breasts can happen in the first months.
Nakakataba ba ang Exluton?
The big Cochrane review found no large weight effect, but it studied combined pills, not progestin-only pills like Exluton.[src] If you notice a change, track it and talk to your doctor.
Pwede ba sa nagpapadede?Can I take pills while breastfeeding?
Progestin-only pills (Daphne, Exluton, Cerazette) are the usual pill choice while breastfeeding. The NHS advises waiting until 6 weeks after birth before starting a combined pill if you are breastfeeding.
Read moreBakit may spotting kahit nag-pi-pills?Why am I spotting on the pill?
Breakthrough bleeding is common in the first few months on any pill and with progestin-only methods. It usually settles. Spotting after missed pills or after emergency options does not confirm or rule out pregnancy.
Read moreMabubuntis ba pag mali ang pag-inom ng pills?I missed a pill. Can I get pregnant?
Missing 1 or 2 combined pills carries little or no risk if you take one as soon as you remember and carry on. Missing 3 or more in a row (2 or more for 20 mcg pills like Yaz) means using condoms for 7 days. The Missed Pill Helper walks you through it by brand.
Read moreExluton while breastfeeding
With no estrogen, Exluton fits the usual advice for breastfeeding mothers. The NHS advises waiting until 6 weeks after birth before a combined pill if you are breastfeeding,[src] and WHO's eligibility criteria support progestin-only pills while breastfeeding.[src] See birth control while breastfeeding.
Who should not take Exluton
Who should not take it
Progestin-only pills suit most people, including smokers over 35, people with migraine with aura and people who are breastfeeding. A doctor will still check your history, including any current breast cancer or serious liver disease.
Common side effects
Irregular bleeding or spotting is the most common effect. Some people have no bleeding at all. Most settle within about 3 months. More on side effects.
When to get urgent help
Go to an emergency room now for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, a painful swollen leg, a sudden severe headache, vision changes or weakness on one side.
Check the product is registered
Buy only from licensed pharmacies. You can look up a product on the FDA Philippines verification portal.
Same formula, different price
Lynestrenol 500 mcg (progestin only). Same active ingredients and dose; pack and inactive tablets can differ.
Three legal routes
Get a prescription
Exluton needs a prescription in the Philippines. Pick the route that suits you. For adults 18 and over.
Free at a health center
Barangay health centers, RHUs, DOH hospitals and Likhaan. Subject to supply.
See an OB-GYN in person
Clinic visit, prescription in hand. Bring it to any licensed pharmacy.
Online consult
A licensed doctor by video or chat. From ₱700 on some platforms.
Online consult options
For adults 18 and over. Fees are set by each provider and can change.
Exluton FAQ
Is Exluton the same as Daphne?
Yes. Both are lynestrenol 500 mcg, 28 active tablets. Exluton costs from ₱218.50 and Daphne from ₱161 at the pharmacies we checked.
Pwede ba ang Exluton sa nagpapadede?
Oo. Walang estrogen ang Exluton, kaya karaniwan itong ginagamit habang nagpapadede. Itanong sa doktor kung kailan magsisimula pagkapanganak.
What if I take Exluton more than 3 hours late?
WHO counts it as missed. Take it as soon as you remember, keep taking one a day, and use condoms for the next 2 days. If you had sex in the last 5 days, talk to a doctor today.
Why am I spotting on Exluton?
Spotting and irregular bleeding are the most common effects of progestin-only pills. They are not harmful. See a doctor if bleeding is very heavy or you think you might be pregnant.
Does Exluton have a break week?
No. All 28 tablets are active. Start the next pack the day after you finish.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.
Sources
- Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Managing missed pills (Family Planning Handbook), WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, World Health Organization
- Combined pill: who can and cannot take it, NHS
- Combination contraceptives: effects on weight (Gallo et al.), Cochrane / PubMed
- Oral contraceptives category, Watsons PH
- Prescription Pharmacy: Contraceptive Agents, Rose Pharmacy
- Combined pill: risks and side effects, NHS