Drug Uses

Alesse is a form of birth control and is 99% effective if used exactly as directed. The drug contains natural hormones that prevent the ovary from releasing an egg and stop sperm from entering the uterus.

How Taken

Follow the instructions from your doctor. Usually Alesse is to be taken the first Sunday after your period begins. It is recommended you take the pill at night to reduce any side effects. A pill is to be consumed once a day and then taken again no more than 24 hours later. For those who are taking the 28 day cycle pills, take on pill a day, then dispose the packet after it is finished. Resume a new packet the following day. There are seven placebo pills or iron supplements in the 28 day cycle packet which are taken whilst you are menstruating. If you are on the 21 day cycle, take a pill every day for 21 days then do not take any more pills for the next seven days while you menstruate. On the 8th day, resume with a new package. It is important to follow the directions of your doctor and inform him if you are taking antibiotics or if you miss a pill.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss your medical history with your doctor before taking Alesse especially if you have high blood pressure, angina, heart disease, stroke, blood clotting disorder, liver disease, jaundice, hormone related cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, migraines, asthma, seizures or epilepsy. In certain circumstances, you may need to be specially monitored or adjust your doses. As birth control pills are listed in the FDA pregnancy category X, it does cause birth defects in an unborn baby due to hormonal changes. It also passes through breast milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take birth control pills when you are pregnant or if you think you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor if you are breast feeding an infant.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take a pill or start a pack late, it increases your chance of becoming pregnant. It can also cause spotting or light bleeding. Do not take two pills at once, just take it as soon as you remember however if it is time for your next dose, forget the missed one and take the one as normal.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects include vaginal bleeding, melasma, fluid retention, nausea, vaginal infection, inflammation of the pancreas, allergic reactions, change in appetite, loss of scalp hair, rash, breast tenderness, headache, nervousness and depression.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from children.

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose are indicated with nausea, drowsiness, fatigue, vomiting and withdrawal bleeding.

More Information

Before prescribing oral contraceptives, you doctor will need a medical and family history and a physical examination. You should have an appointment with your doctor once a year to determine how effective the contraception is. Do not give this contraception to anyone else as it is prescribed particularly to you.