ALESSE

Chemical name - Levonorgestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol

Alesse is a contraceptive drug used to prevent pregnancy. It consists of two hormones estrogen and progestin and works by preventing ovulation during the menstrual cycle. It also thickens the vaginal fluid preventing the sperm to reach the egg and cause fertilization.

Alesse can also play an effective role in regulating the periodic cycle, less blood loss helps in preventing ovarian cysts and can also cure acne in adolescents.

Alesse (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) Pills

Forms of this medication:

Alesse 21- Tablet which is pink in color consists of

• levonorgestrel 100 µg
• Ethinyl estradiol 20 µg.
• Nonmedicinal ingredients:
• hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,
• microcrystalline cellulose
• lactose
• polacrilin potassium
• magnesium stearate,
• synthetic red iron oxide,
• polyethylene glycol
• titanium dioxide
• wax E.

Alesse 28- Tablet pale pink in color consists of

• levonorgestrel 100 µg
• ethinyl estradiol 20 µg

Nonmedicinal ingredients:

• hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
• microcrystalline cellulose
• polyethylene glycol
• magnesium stearate
• lactose
• polacrilin potassium
• synthetic red iron oxide
• titanium dioxide,
• wax E

white tablets:

• hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,
• lactose, magnesium stearate,
• microcrystalline cellulose,
• polacrilin potassium,
• polyethylene glycol,
• titanium dioxide
• wax E.

Important measures and dosage:

• Allese should not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause birth defects.
• For maximum effectiveness, these tablets should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor and should not exceed 24 hours.
• One pink tablet of ALESSE- 28 should be taken daily for 21 consecutive days along with one light green inert tablet for 7 days.
• Do not exceed the dose as it can cause fatal results like vaginal bleeding, nausea, and vomiting.
• One should not discontinue the use of tablet until the course will complete as directed by a doctor.
• Missing of dosage increases the chances of becoming pregnant. One should follow the instructions carefully. If you miss the pill for one day, you can take two pills the next day and then continue your usual routine afterward. If you happen to miss for two days, then you can take two pills for the next two days followed by your usual routine. This is applicable if you miss the pills in the first two weeks. If you happen to miss it in the third week, then the dosage has to be altered differently. And if you miss more than one pill or you miss your period, you have to check with your doctor immediately.
• Back up control pill and other contraceptive measures are necessary in case of severe vomiting and diarrhea
• If you have nausea or if your stomach gets upset, you should take this medication at the bedtime or after your dinner.
• In case you do not get your period, whether or not you miss your tablets, you need to consult with your doctor.

You need to keep in mind that there are many factors that can affect the dosage of a patient from body weight, age, medical condition, etc. This is why you cannot suggest this medication to anyone or start on this medicine without the advice of a doctor. While it is best to start the pill on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after the period, you should continue using other contraceptive measures for the first few days as a precautionary measure.

Precautions:

• Do not take this pill during pregnancy and consult a doctor immediately if such a thing happens.
• One should wait for a minimum of 4 weeks to take Alesse after delivery.
• One should not take this pill in case of
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes causing eyes, kidney and circulation problem
• History of uterine and breast cancer
• History of depression
• Underactive thyroid, tuberculosis
• Had jaundice due to birth control pills
• Age more than 35
• Smoker

Side effects

Some common side effects can occur while using this pill. These include

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• A headache
• Weight disturbance, change in appetite
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Change in menstrual periods

Serious side effects include:

• Numbness in one or other side of the body
• Swelling in the hands, feet, and ankle
• Breast lump
• Severe migraine attacks
• Depression symptoms
• Jaundice

Important information:

• Women taking oral contraceptives should not smoke.
• Oral contraceptive cannot provide protection against AIDS and other STD
• Till the child is totally weaned, the mother should not take oral contraceptive.
• During the first 3 weeks of delivery, Mother should not take this contraceptive as it increases the chances of venous thromboembolism.

Benefits

Apart from preventing pregnancy, the birth control pill also helps in making your periods regular, decrease the loss of blood and eliminate pain during periods. It also decreases the risk of you having ovarian cysts and for treatment of acne.

You should, however, remember that this pill does not offer you protection against STD like gonorrhoea, HIV, and Chlamydia.

The medicine is also used in the treatment of endometriosis, abnormal uterus bleeding, postcoital contraception along with being a birth control pill.

Will we gain weight through the use of Alesse?

There is often a doubt on whether you could possibly gain weight with the intake of Alesse, and there is some truth to the statement. Birth control pills can generally cause slight weight gain, which is purely due to the retention of water rather than fat. The weight thus gained is quite less and can be easily lost with a strict exercise and diet routine, in a span of a couple of months.

Interactions with other drugs

The effect of a medicine can drastically change based on its interaction with other medicines and drugs. There are quite a few medicines and drugs with which Alesse interacts and the consequences are not always in our favor. It can have an impact when interacting with OTC medicines, herbal and nutritional supplements apart from other medications. Consult with a doctor whenever you start any medication to ensure that there are no repercussions.

• Alesse 100 micrograms/20 micrograms film-coated tablets - Product Description