Alesse
Levonorgestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action Alesse
Alesse works by preventing ovulation (maturation of ovum and release of ovum or egg from ovary). It also cause changes of mucus of the cervix that makes it difficult for the sperm to reach to the uterus and also for the egg it becomes to get implanted. Without egg implantation and sperm penetration there can not be any fertilization of ovum.
Therapeutic Uses of Alesse
Alesse is combination of progestin (levonorgestrel) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). It is used as contraceptive pill. It is also used as menstrual regulator or can be used for treatment of acne in 14 years old females.
Direction of use of Alesse
Take Alesse as directed by your doctor.
- Alesse is taken orally with or without food. Take Alesse with food if there is stomach upset to prevent it.
- If you have any doubt about the use of Alesse consult your doctor or health care provider. For Alesse to be effective take it every day without missing any dose. Do not skip a dose.
- Start taking Alesse the day your period starts (if it starts on Sunday take Alesse on that Sunday), unless your doctor advise you to do otherwise. Take Alesse at the same time everyday (if you are taking Alesse at 10 in the morning than take it at 10 in the morning every day). After you complete one pack start taking the next pack of pills the very next day without missing or skipping any dose.
Dose of Alesse, if Missed
If you miss a dose of Alesse and remember the same day take it as soon as you remember it and continue the regular dosing schedule. If you do not remember till the next day or you miss more than one dose than consult your doctor, because you may require other form of contraception like condom as temporary measure. If you have doubt what to do after missing a dose of Alesse get extra form of contraception of condoms till you consult your doctor.
How to Store Alesse
Alesse should be stored at room temperature between 68 and 77 degree Fahrenheit. Store it in a dry, tightly closed container away from heat, moisture and light. Keep Alesse away from reach of children.
More Information About Alesse
Alesse should be used by the person for whom it has been prescribed. If you have any doubt regarding dosing side effects or any other issue consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Alesse
Alesse should not be used in the following conditions and consult your health care provider:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Alesse.
- If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant.
- During long hospitalization or if you have had surgery.
Important notes:
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: Alesse is contraindicated during pregnancy and breast feeding. Also avoid becoming pregnancy while taking it and consult if there is failure of Alesse and you become pregnant. Alesse is found in breast milk and breast feeding is avoided during taking it.
- Alesse can cause dizziness and it is more prominent if alcohol is consumed while taking Alesse. Do not drive or do risky jobs while taking it till you know how you react to it.
- If you miss a period while taking the inactive pills, consult your doctor because you may be pregnant.
- You should examine your breasts as your doctor advised to examine and report any lump in breast immediately.
- If you have to undergo surgery inform your doctor about that few weeks before and your doctor may advice special precaution for the upcoming surgery.
- Use of Alesse will not protect you from STDs and use condom if you have STD.
- Alesse can cause dark patch in skin in face and sun exposure makes them darker, so avoid sun. If you have already developed them or have to go out than use sunscreen.
- Alesse can interfere with some lab tests and you should inform about it before getting lab tests done.
- If you are taking some antibiotics, anticonvulsants etc. while on Alesse, the effectiveness of Alesse will be less and to prevent pregnancy you may require extra contraception during this period.
- If you are using contact lenses consult your doctor regarding that.
- There may be bleeding or spotting while you are on Alesse; do not stop medicine for that and if it continues for more than a week, consult your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
Common side effects of Alesse include the following:
- Breast tenderness or enlargement, acne, weight gain, appetite change, edema, dizziness, loss of hair, headache, nausea, vomiting, unusual bleeding or spotting, stomach cramps, change in sexual interest.
Consult your doctor if you have any of the serious but uncommon side effects:
- Allergic reaction (breathing difficulty, tightness in chest, itching, skin rash, swelling in lips, face, mouth), breast lump, breast discharge, change in vaginal secretion, change in urine output, dark color urine; pain in calf, leg, tenderness or swelling; vision change, confusion, fainting, mood changes, severe dizziness, depression, insomnia; chest pain, heaviness in chest; generalized weakness, tiredness, numbness of an arm or a leg, one sided weakness; missed menstrual period, persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal irritation or discharge etc.
