Seasonale (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Seasonale Information:

Seasonale (generic name: Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol, also known as Jolessa, Quasense, Seasonique) is a birth control pill for the prevention of pregnancy. Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol are female hormones that prevent ovulation. Seasonale 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. Seasonale 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. Seasonale usually comes in a 91 day birth control pack, unlike other pills that come in multiples of 28. Seasonale may be prescribed for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.

• Seasonale is more preferred by women who experience light to moderate bleeding.
• Using Seasonale also will deregulate your period to every three months, but the menstrual cycle lasts for only 4 days.
• With Seasonal there are still some signs of bleeding and cramping.
• Seasonale is good but has a slightly higher risk of pregnancy.
• Seasonale is an extended birth control options, has active days and placebo intervals.

Seasonale Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects from taking Seasonale including breast pain, breast tenderness, swelling, mild headache, fatigue, irritability, bloating, stomach pain, mild nausea, vomiting, weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, problems with contact lenses, loss of interest in sex, darkening of the facial skin, loss of scalp hair, increased hair growth and changes in menstrual periods. More serious side effects may include sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with speech or balance, bloating, chest pain, general ill feeling, change in pattern or severity of migraines, jaundice and depression. If you experience any side effects you must seek medical attention immediately for safety.

Seasonale Directions:

You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Seasonale to you. Directions and dosage information can also be found on the pack or leaflet inside the pack. Seasonale comes in tablet form. You should swallow Seasonale whole with a glass of water. Seasonale 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, Seasonale is designed to be taken every day without any breaks. Seasonale comes in a 91 day birth control pill pack, with two trays of 28 pills and one tray of 35 pills.

Seasonale Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Seasonale, you should avoid taking it and inform your doctor. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking any pill, you may not be protected and so should take another. You must consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions including a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone related cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease, liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, severe migraines, a heart valve disorder or a history of jaundice. You must consult your doctor if you are taking any other medications as they may interact with Seasonale, including antibiotics which commonly prevents Seasonale from working and can result in pregnancy, acetaminophen, phenylbutazone, prednisolone, theophyllin, cyclosporine, seizure medications, barbiturates and HIV/AIDs medications. It is important that you inform your doctor if you become pregnant or breastfeeding as Seasonale may cause harm to unborn and new born babies. You should not stop taking Seasonale without using another form of contraceptive. Seasonale 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 Seasonale or other birth control medications, as this increases the risk of stroke and heart disease/heart attack.