Alesse (Ethinyloestradiol, Levonorgestrel)

General information

Alesse contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation. It contains a combination of two different types of hormones: an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (levonorgestrel). It also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Alesse is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Directions

Take Alesse exactly as it was prescribed for you. Starting at the beginning of the pack, take one tablet daily at the same time each day. The first 21 tablets contain the active ingredients. The last seven tablets contain no active ingredients. Breakthrough bleeding may occur, especially during the first 3 months. You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using Alesse. You may get pregnant if you do not use the drug regularly.

Precautions

Before using Alesse, tell your doctor if you have: high blood pressure, heart disease, gallbladder disease, diabetes, irregular menstrual cycles, varicose veins, tuberculosis. Taking hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35. It is advisable to use condoms in addition to the drug, because Alesse does not protect against HIV, AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Contraindications

Do not use Alesse if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, severe migraine headaches, breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or lips; weakness, problems with vision, headache, chest pain, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine. Less serious side effects may include: acne, changes in weight, changes in your menstrual periods, stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness.

Drug interactions

Before using Alesse, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs: prednisolone, cyclosporine, antibiotics, barbiturate sedative, ascorbic acid, theophylline, seizure medications, HIV or AIDS medications, protease inhibitors, Selegiline. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

Missed dose

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding or other menstrual changes.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.