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Alesse
(levonorgestrel - ethinyl estradiol)-
In this factsheet:
- How does Alesse work? What will it do for me?
- How should I use Alesse?
- What form(s) does Alesse come in?
- Who should NOT take Alesse?
- What side effects are possible with Alesse?
- Are there any other precautions or warnings for Alesse?
- What other drugs could interact with Alesse?
DIN (Drug Identification Number)
| 02236974 | ALESSE 21 TABLETS |
| 02236975 | ALESSE 28 TABLETS |
How does Alesse work? What will it do for me?
Levonorgestrel - ethinyl estradiol is a progestin (levonorgestrel) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) combination birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. The ingredients of this 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 used to treat acne in women 14 years of age and older or to helpt regulate the menstrual cycle.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
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. These pills can be taken with or without food.
You should use a second method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) for the first 7 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 3 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 backup 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 important that this medication be taken 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 2 pills in one day.
If you miss 2 pills in a row during the first 2 weeks of your cycle, take 2 pills on the day you remember and 2 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 7 days after you missed the pills.
If you start your pills on Sunday and you miss 2 pills in a row during the third week of your cycle or 3 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 2 pills in a row during the third week of your cycle or 3 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 7 days after you missed the pills. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic.
See the package insert for more information on what to do should you forget to take a pill. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does Alesse come in?
Alesse 21
Each pale 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.
Alesse 28
Each pale pink tablet contains levonorgestrel 100 µg and ethinyl estradiol 20 µg. The light green tablets are inactive. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, polyethylene glycol, synthetic red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and wax E; light 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.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take Alesse?
Levonorgestrel - ethinyl estradiol should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is or may be pregnant
- has active liver disease
- has any eye lesion resulting from vascular disease of the eye, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields
- has had a heart attack
- has, has had, or may have an estrogen-dependent tumour
- has, has had, or may have breast cancer
- has or has had benign or malignant liver tumours
- has or has had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., stroke)
- has or has had coronary artery disease
- has or has had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic (blood clotting) disorders
- has uncontrolled hypertension
- has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
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