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Alesse Information

Alesse (Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel) is a combined oral contraceptive primarily used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be beneficial in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris, especially in women above 14 years who have achieved menarche (first menstrual period) and who also don't want to get pregnant. Its active ingredients are ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, and levonorgestrel, a progestin. Alesse prevents pregnancy by mimicking the body's natural hormones, thereby suppressing the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. This action primarily inhibits ovulation, the monthly release of an egg from the ovary. Additionally, it thickens cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, and thins the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of a fertilized egg implanting. Its action also helps to suppress the production of androgens, which are hormones that can stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more oil, contributing to acne eruptions. Alesse is an effective oral birth control pill. It, however, does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. For protection against STIs, it is advisable to use barrier contraceptives, such as latex or polyurethane condoms, in combination with birth control pills.

Alesse Side Effects

Some mild side effects of this medication include acne, breast pain, tenderness, or swelling, contact lens discomfort, changes in body or facial hair, headache, changes in sexual interest, nausea, skin rash, vomiting, and weight changes.

There may be a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism with long-term use of estrogen plus progestin medications. This risk is significantly high in women above 35 years who smoke. Therefore, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Breast lump or swelling;
• Brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin;
• Chest pain or pressure with pain radiating to the left arm or shoulder;
• Cough productive of bloody sputum;
• Depression;
• High blood pressure;
• Prolonged abnormal changes in menstrual bleeding (lasting longer than 3 months);
• Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea;
• Stroke symptoms such as persistent headache, slurring of speech or differential limb weakness;
• Sudden partial or complete loss of vision;
• Vaginal infections;
• Yellow eyes or skin

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Alesse Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel, or any other ingredients in Alesse. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Blood clotting disorders;
• Breast or cervical cancer or any other cancers of the body;
• Chronic or heavy smoking;
• Depression;
• Diabetes;
• Epilepsy;
• Eye problems;
• Fibroids;
• Gallbladder disease;
• Heart disease;
• Hereditary or acquired angioedema;
• High blood pressure;
• High cholesterol in the blood;
• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis;
• Liver disease;
• Migraine headaches;
• Pancreatitis;
• Stroke;
• Thyroid problems;
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

Avoid smoking while taking this medication, as smoking can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and other serious side effects, especially in women older than 35 years. If you're going to undergo surgery, inform your doctor about your medication use. Avoid prolonged bed rest while using this medicine to avoid blood clot disorders. It is recommended to learn how to perform a self-breast examination while taking birth control pills. Notify your doctor any time you detect a lump. Additionally, schedule regular checkups with your doctor to monitor for any potential serious side effects. Do not use this medication during pregnancy. Also, wait for at least 3-6 weeks after delivery before using Alesse. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding. After stopping birth control medicine, you should delay pregnancy until at least one normal menstrual cycle has occurred for accurate dating of the pregnancy. Contact your doctor if you do not experience your menstrual cycle within 6 months after stopping this medication. Alesse may interact with other medicines or substances, such as antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole, tetracycline), anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, barbiturates), and antiviral medications. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before starting Alesse to prevent potential drug interactions.

This medication is provided in tablet form and should be used as directed by your doctor or as stated in the medication pack. It comes in 21-day and 28-day tablet packs. Take one Alesse tablet by mouth once daily, ideally at the same time each day. You can choose to start on the first Sunday after your period begins (Sunday Start) or on the first day of your period (Day 1 Start), as advised by your doctor. If you miss a pill, consult the patient instructions included with your medicine pack or contact your doctor or pharmacist. A backup birth control method, like condoms, may be necessary when you first start Alesse or if you miss pills. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Alesse?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Alesse.