Alesse (Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel)

Alesse Information:

Alesse (generic name: Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel) is a birth control pill containing a combination of female hormones. Alesse works in three ways: it prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries (ovulation), thickens the cervical mucus to deter sperm from entering the uterus and also thins the lining of the womb to prevent a fertilised egg from attaching. Although the birth control pill is a method of contraceptive, like all contraceptives it is not 100% safe and is noted as 99% effective, so it is advised that other methods of protection be used in addition for added protection, such as condoms. Alesse is a monophasic pill, meaning that the first 21 pills in the packet contain the same amount of the two hormones, estrogen and progestin, and the last 7 contain no active ingredients and are purely to keep the patient in the habit of taking the pill every day. The estrogen tricks the body into thinking that it is pregnant, thus preventing ovulation.

Alesse Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects from taking Alesse including mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, breast pain, tenderness of the breasts, freckles or darkening of the facial skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair, changes in weight or appetite, problems with contact lenses, vaginal itching or discharge, changes in menstrual periods, decreased sex drive, headache, nervousness and fatigue. More serious side effects may include sudden and severe headaches, sudden numbness or weakness, pain behind the eyes, vision problems chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder severe nausea, loss or appetite, jaundice, swelling in the hands or feet and depression. If you experience any side effects you must seek medical attention immediately for safety.

Alesse Directions:

You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Alesse to you. Directions and dosage information can also be found on the pack or leaflet inside the pack. Alesse comes in tablet form. You should swallow Alesse whole with a glass of water. Alesse should be taken at the same time every day, and should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. Unlike single hormone pills, Alesse is designed to be taken every day without any breaks.

Alesse Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Alesse, you should avoid taking it and inform your doctor. You must consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions including history of stroke or blood clots, circulation problems, hormone related cancers, adnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease of cancer of the liver, severe high blood pressure, severe migraines, heart valve disorders, a history of jaundice, history of depression, gallbladder disease, diabetes, seizure disorders, uterine fibroids, varicose veins and tuberculosis. You must consult your doctor if you are taking any other medications as they may interact with Alesse, including antibiotics, acetaminophen, prednisolone, theophylline, cyclosporine, St John’s Wort, seizure medications barbiturate sedatives and HIV/AIDs medications. It is important that you inform your doctor if you become pregnant or breastfeeding as Alesse may cause harm to unborn and new born babies. You should not stop taking Alesse without using another form of contraceptive. Alesse does not prevent STIs/STDs and therefore other forms of contraceptives are recommended such as condoms. It is advised that you do not smoke when taking Alesse or other birth control medications, as this increases the risk of stroke and heart disease/heart attack.