Alesse (Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel) is a prescription medication used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. The active ingredients in Alesse are Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel. Ethinyl Estradiol belongs to a class of drugs called estrogens. Levonorgestrel belongs to a class of medications called progestins. This combination of hormones works by preventing ovulation. This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Alesse from India by Wyeth and Canada by Pfizer. The generic Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel comes from Canada (Alysena by Apotex), India (Divacon), and New Zealand (Microgynon 20 by Bayer).
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Alesse. The most common side effects of Alesse may include the following:
• Appetite loss;
• Breast tenderness;
• Mild nausea;
• Stomach cramps;
• Weight changes
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Breast lump;
• Chest pain;
• Severe headache;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of the side effects of Alesse. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Alesse if you are allergic to Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel or any ingredient in Alesse. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a blood-clotting disorder;
• Have a history of hormone-related cancer;
• Have diabetes;
• Have eye problems;
• Have gallbladder disease;
• Have hypothyroidism;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have liver disease;
• Have severe migraine headaches;
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• Have unusual vaginal bleeding
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Alesse and other medicines, like bosentan, St.John’s wort, dantrium, Zanaflex, phenobarbital, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug is only needed to prevent a pregnancy. Do not use it if you are already pregnant. Alesse can cause congenital disabilities. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel may pass into breast milk and may harm your nursing infant. The drug may also slow breast milk production. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Swallow the tablets whole. Take your first pill on the first day of your period. You may need to use backup birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using Alesse. Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. Use your drug regularly. Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant. Take your tablets in order (from left to right) at the same time every day until the pack is finished. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this drug. Do not use Alesse if you have recently had a baby. Wait at least four weeks before taking the drug. Alesse will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.