Drug Uses
Alesse is one of the most effective methods
for birth control (99% effective when taken
as directed). Alesse contains natural
hormones that stop the ovary from releasing an
egg and prevent a man's sperm from entering
the uterus. So with Alesse you can put
your mind at ease and enjoy intimate moments
with your partner.
How Taken
Take the first pill in a package on the
first Sunday after your period begins (unless
otherwise directed by your doctor). Take one pill every
day, no more than 24 hours after your last dose. Try to
take the pills at a time that you will remember every day--for
example just before bed, with a meal, or first thing in
the morning. Taking your pill at night may help to reduce
any nausea or headache that you may experience because of
the hormones. If you are on a 28-day cycle,
take one pill every day. When the pack runs out, throw it
away. Begin a new pack the following day. The 28-day cycle
contains seven pills that are either placebos (with no active
ingredients) or iron supplements. These are "reminder" pills
to keep you on your regular cycle. They are taken while
you are menstruating. If you are on a 21-day cycle,
take one pill every day for 21 days, then do not take any
pills for 7 days. You should have your period during the
7 days with no pills. Resume your pills on the 8th day with
a new package. Follow your doctor's instructions
about using a second form of birth control
when you first start taking birth control pills,
when you are taking antibiotics, or if you miss a pill.
If you are unsure what to do in any of these cases, talk
to your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor about how to ensure
that you will not become pregnant.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
have high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease; have
had a stroke; have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
have breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer;
have liver disease or a history of jaundice (yellowing of
the skin and eyes) caused by use of birth control in the
past; have undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; have
migraines; have asthma; or have seizures or epilepsy. You
may not be able to take birth control pills, or you may
require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above. Birth control
pills are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that
birth control pills will cause birth defects in an unborn
baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have very serious
negative effects on a developing baby. Do not take birth
control pills if you are pregnant or if you think you might
be pregnant. The hormones in birth control pills pass into
breast milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take
birth control pills without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
If you miss pills you could get pregnant.
This includes starting the pack late. The more pills you
miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant in the 7 days
after you miss pills. The pill may not be as effective if
you miss pink active pills, and particularly if you miss
the first few or the last few pink active pills in a pack.
MISSING PILLS CAN ALSO CAUSE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING,
even when you make up these missed pills. On the days you
take 2 pills to make up for missed pills, you could also
feel a little sick to your stomach.
Possible Side Effects
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fluid retention
- Melasma.
Other side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, change in appetite, headache, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, vaginal infections, inflammation of the pancreas, and allergic reactions. If any of these side effects bother you, call your health-care provider.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Keep this medication in the container it came in, and out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of oral contraceptive over dosage
in adults and children may include nausea, vomiting, and
drowsiness/fatigue; withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.
There is no specific antidote and further treatment of overdose,
if necessary, is directed to the symptoms.
More Information
Your health-care provider will take a medical and family
history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will
examine you. The physical examination may be delayed to
another time if you request it and the health-care provider
believes that it is appropriate to postpone it. You should
be reexamined at least once a year. Be sure to inform your
health-care provider if there is a family history of any
of the conditions listed previously in this leaflet. Be
sure to keep all appointments with your health-care provider,
because this is a time to determine if there are early signs
of side effects of oral-contraceptive use. Do not use the
drug for any condition other than the one for which it was
prescribed. This drug has been prescribed specifically for
you; do not give it to others who may want birth-control
pills. Avoid smoking. Smoking greatly increases your risk
of a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. Bestdirectrx.com disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
