0

Home > Drug Category > Birth Control Pills > Seasonique and Equivalent

Seasonique Information

Seasonique (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol) is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. Seasonique is specifically an extended-cycle oral contraceptive, designed to reduce how often you have your period, typically to just four times a year, rather than monthly. It's beneficial for people who want fewer periods due to heavy bleeding, painful cramps, or hormone-related mood symptoms. It contains two active ingredients: levonorgestrel (a synthetic progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen). This oral contraceptive works by suppressing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary, thereby preventing fertilization. It also alters the cervical mucus, making it thicker and more difficult for sperm to travel through and reach any potential egg. While Seasonique is effective in preventing pregnancy, it 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.

Seasonique Side Effects

While this oral contraceptive is generally safe to use, it may cause some mild side effects of this medication include bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, contact lens discomfort, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain.

There may be an increased risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism with the long-term use of estrogen plus progestin medications. This risk is significantly higher in women above 35 years who also 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;
• Changes in menstrual bleeding lasting longer than 3 months;
• Chest pain or pressure with pain radiating to the left arm or shoulder;
• Cough productive of bloody sputum;
• Depression;
• Fever, chills, or other flu symptoms;
• High blood pressure;
• 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;
• Yellow eyes or skin

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

Seasonique Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or any other ingredients in Seasonique. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding;
• 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;
• Stroke;
• Thyroid problems

Check in with your doctor regularly for follow-up visits and physical examinations to help detect any potential side effects of this contraceptive. 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. This medication shouldn't be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Do not use this medication if you are younger than 16 years. The use of this birth control pill before the first menstrual period (menarche) is not recommended. You may experience skin pigmentation (brown patches on the skin) while taking this medication. Therefore, avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking Seasonique if you develop these brown patches. After stopping this birth control pill, you should delay pregnancy until at least one normal menstrual cycle has occurred for accurate dating of the pregnancy. Seasonique may interact with other medications or substances, such as antiviral drugs (including glecaprevir/pibrentasvir), anticonvulsants, antifungals, cyclosporine, and rifampin. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before starting Seasonique to prevent potential drug interactions.

Unlike other combined oral contraceptives, Seasonique comes in a 91-day tablet pack, which contains active pills to be taken for 84 days straight, followed by 7 days of low-dose estrogen pills. Start taking Seasonique on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins. After finishing the pack, immediately start a new one the next day. Take these pills consistently to maintain effectiveness and avoid pregnancy. Missing a pill may increase your chance of getting pregnant. Consult your doctor and refer to the leaflets in the medication pack for additional usage instructions. Store this oral contraceptive in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Seasonique?

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