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Woman's
Health
> Birth Control > Alesse
Alesse
 Alesse ®
Generic Name:
LEVONORGESTREL (LEE-voe-nor-jess-trel) and ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (ETH-in-il
ess-tra-DYE-ole)
Common Uses
This medicine is
an estrogen and progestin combination used to prevent pregnancy. It may also
be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or
treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use this Medicine
Follow the
directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE
COMES with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using
this medicine. TRY TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time every day, not
more than 24 hours apart. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from
heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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 THIS MEDICINE, refer
to the patient information that came with this medicine. If you have any
questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Cautions
SMOKING CIGARETTES while using this medicine 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 this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of this
medicine. 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. THIS MEDICINE 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 THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT the
spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if
you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your
doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR
WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your
doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
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. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist. |
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