Alesse

Common Name: levonorgestrel - ethinyl estradiol

How does Alesse work?

Levonorgestrel - ethinyl estradiol is a progestin (levonorgestrel) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) combination birth control pill used for the prevention of pregnancy. The ingredients of the medication work by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and causing changes in the mucus of the cervix which make it difficult for sperm to penetrate and for an egg to implant. This medication may also be taken to treat acne in women 14 years of age and older or to regulate the menstrual cycle. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Alesse?

21 day pack: Take 1 tablet daily for 21 days, then take no pills for 7 days, and then begin the next pack 28 day pack: Take 1 tablet daily for 21 days, then take 1 "reminder" pill daily for 7 days, and then begin the next pack Talk with your doctor about the best time to start your pills. The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is known as "Day 1." Your doctor may have you start your pills on the first Sunday after your period starts or on Day 1 or Day 5 of your period. The pills should be taken approximately the same time every day, preferably after the evening meal or at bedtime. It is advisable to use a second method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) for the first seven days of the first cycle of pill use. Many women have spotting or light bleeding or may feel sick to their stomach during the first three months taking the pill. If you do feel sick, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If it does not go away, check with your doctor or clinic. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take certain medications (such as antibiotics), your pills may not work as well. If you start a new medication while taking birth control pills, check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that it will not reduce the effectiveness of the pills. Use a back-up method of birth control, such as latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel, until you can check with your doctor or pharmacist. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss pills at any time, the risk of becoming pregnant increases. If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. This means that you might take two pills in one day. If you miss two pills in a row during the first two weeks of your cycle, take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day. Then take one pill a day until you finish the pack. Use a second method of birth control if you have sex in the seven days after you miss the pills. If you start your pills on Sunday and you miss two pills in a row during the third week of your cycle or three or more pills in a row anytime in your cycle, keep taking one pill a day until Sunday. On Sunday, safely discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack that day. If you start your pills on Day 1 and you miss two pills in a row during the third week of your cycle or three or more pills at anytime during your cycle, safely dispose of the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day. Use another method of birth control if you have sex in the seven days after you miss the pills. You may not have a period this month. If you miss two periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic. See package insert for additional information on where to start and what to do should you forget to take a pill.

What form(s) does Alesse come in?

Alesse® is available in a 21-day package and a 28-day package. 21: Each pink tablet contains levonorgestrel 100 µg and ethinyl estradiol 20 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, polyethylene glycol, synthetic red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and wax E. 28: Each pink tablet contains levonorgestrel 100 µg and ethinyl estradiol 20 µg. The green tablets are inactive. Nonmedicinal ingredients: pink tablets: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, polyethylene glycol, synthetic red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and wax E; green tablets: FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, polyethylene glycol, synthetic yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and wax E.

What should I NOT take with Alesse?

This medication should not be taken by anyone who: has or has had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders has or has had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., stroke) has had a heart attack has or has had coronary artery disease has active liver disease has or has had benign or malignant liver tumours has, has had, or may have breast cancer has, has had, or may have an estrogen-dependent tumour has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding has any eye lesion resulting from vascular disease of the eye, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields is or may be pregnant

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Alesse?

Regular check-ups: Physical examinations and follow-up visits should be done yearly by your doctor. Breast cancer: Increasing age and a strong family history of breast cancer are the most significant risk factors for the developing this disease. Other established risk factors include obesity, not having children, and a late age at the first full-term pregnancy. The identified groups of women that may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer before menopause are long-term users of birth control pills (more than 8 years) and those who start taking it at an early age. In a few women, the use of birth control pills may speed up the growth of an existing but undiagnosed breast cancer. If you are taking birth control pills, you should learn breast self-examination. Notify your doctor any time you detect a lump. A yearly clinical breast examination is also recommended because, if a breast cancer should develop, medications that contain estrogen may cause the cancer to grow quickly. Cigarette smoking and heart disease: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious heart disease and death. Birth control pills increase this risk, especially with increasing age. Convincing data are available to support an upper age limit of 35 years for birth control pill use in women who smoke. All women are urged not to smoke while taking this medication. Other women who are at high risk for heart disease include those with diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, or a family history of these. It is unclear whether taking the birth control pill increases this risk. For low-risk, non-smoking women of any age, the benefits of using low-dose birth control pills outweigh the possible risks of heart disease. Consequently, birth control pills may be used by these women up to the age of menopause. Depression: Women with a history of depression may be more likely to have a recurrence while taking oral birth control medications. Diabetes: Current low-dose birth control pills affect glucose control very little. People with diabetes, or those with a family history of diabetes, should monitor blood glucose closely to detect any worsening of blood glucose control after starting birth control pills. Emotional problems: Women with a history of emotional disturbances may be more likely to have a recurrence while taking oral birth control medications. Eye disorders: Women who are pregnant or are taking birth control pills may experience fluid build-up in the cornea of the eye that may cause visual disturbances and changes in tolerance to contact lenses, especially of the rigid type. Soft contact lenses usually do not cause disturbances. If visual changes or alterations in tolerance to contact lenses occur, you may need to stop wearing them. Fibroids: This medication may worsen fibroids, causing sudden enlargement, pain, or tenderness. If you notice these effects, contact your doctor. Migraine and headache: The onset or worsening of a migraine or the development of new types of headaches which are recurrent, persistent, or severe should be reported to your doctor. Return to fertility: After stopping birth control therapy, you should delay pregnancy until at least one normal spontaneous menstrual cycle has occurred in order to date the pregnancy. An alternative birth control method should be used during this time. If you do not menstruate for six months or more after stopping birth control pills, notify your doctor. Sexually transmitted disease: Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. For protection against these, use latex condoms. Pregnancy: Do not take birth control pills if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking birth control bills, contact your doctor. Breast-feeding: It is not recommended to use birth control pills while breast-feeding. The hormonal components of the medication pass into breast milk and may reduce its quantity and quality. As well, their long-term effects on the developing child are not known.