Alesse Medical Information

Alesse Chemical Name:

LEVONORGESTREL (LEE-voe-nor-jess-trel) and ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole)

Generic Name:

ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel

Brand Names:

Alesse, Aviane, Levlen, Levlite, Levora, Tri-Levlen, Triphasil, Triphasil-28, Trivora

Drug Manufacturer:

WYETH-AYERST

Common Uses of Alesse:

Alesse is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, for treating acne and as an emergency contraception.

Before Using Alesse:

WARNING: Smoking cigarettes while using Alesse increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using Alesse. Women greater than 35 years of age and women who smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day are at a greater risk for heart problems. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Alesse. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE Alesse if you are also taking azole antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole or itraconazole, acitretin, aprepitant, bosetan, barbiturates, griseofulvin, carbamazepine, topiramate, tetracycline antibiotics, hydantoins such as phenytoin, St. John's wort, or rifampin without talking with your doctor. An increased risk of pregnancy has been identified when taking these medicines with birth-control pills. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, felbamate, HIV protease inhibitors, nevirapine, modafinil, beta-blockers such as metoprolol or carvedilol, lamotrigine, pioglitazone, penicillin antibiotics, theophylline, troglitazone, troleandomycin, or medicine for seizures. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, headaches or migraines, high triglyceride level in the blood, high blood pressure, recent surgery, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF Alesse IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of problems with the blood vessels in the brain or heart, heart valve problems, heart attack, uncontrolled high blood pressure, abnormal or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, certain cancers including breast cancer, serious liver problems, blood clots, certain blood disorders such as porphyria, stroke, or smoking. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Alesse.

How to Use Alesse:

Follow the directions for using Alesse provided by your doctor. Alesse comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using Alesse. TRY TO TAKE Alesse at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart. STORE Alesse at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Alesse, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the regular time. This means you may take 2 doses on the same day. IF YOU MISS MORE THAN 1 DOSE OF Alesse, refer to the patient information that came with Alesse. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Cautions:

DO NOT TAKE Alesse if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking Alesse. You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once a year. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. Alesse may affect certain lab test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Alesse. If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (such as a long plane flight), notify your doctor 3 to 4 weeks beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking Alesse. IF YOU MISS YOUR PERIOD during the week of inactive pills, call your doctor immediately. A missed period may indicate that you are pregnant. BLEEDING OR SPOTTING may occur while taking Alesse. DO NOT STOP taking Alesse if this occurs. If bleeding or spotting continues for more than 7 days or is heavy, contact your doctor. SMOKING CIGARETTES while using Alesse may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. TAKING CERTAIN ANTIBIOTICS or anticonvulsants while you are using Alesse may decrease the effectiveness of Alesse. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control until your next period. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. IF YOU WEAR CONTACT LENSES and you develop problems with them, contact your doctor. Alesse MAY CAUSE dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. USE OF Alesse WILL NOT PREVENT the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). DO NOT USE Alesse if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. Alesse IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while you are taking Alesse.

Alesse Possible Side Effects:

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience calf/leg pain or swelling, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, lumps in the breast, sudden severe headache, sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, yellowing skin or eyes, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to Alesse is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Alesse Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.>

Additional Information on Alesse Birth Control Prescription:

DO NOT SHARE Alesse with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE Alesse for other health conditions. KEEP Alesse out of the reach of children. IF USING Alesse FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

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