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Alesse Birth Control

Table Of Contents

What is Alesse Birth Control

Alesse is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent women from getting pregnant. Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (Alesse generic name) is a combination drug which has female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary).

Alesse also increases the thickness of vaginal fluid to help prevent fertilization (the sperm reaching an egg). In addition, birth control pills also change the lining of the uterus to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. A fertilized egg passes out of the body if it is unable to attach to the uterus.

Alesse birth control might also be used for functions not listed in this medication guide.

Alternate Names: Alesse, Alesse 21, Alesse 28, Loette, Miranova, Microgynon 20ED, Levonorgestrel/ Ethinyl Estradiol

Important information

Consult with a doctor before taking birth control pills. Especially if you have recently had a baby, are pregnant, or are planning to have a baby.

You must not take birth control pills, including Alesse, if any of these are a concern: uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, a blood clotting disorder, circulation issues, diabetic issues with your eyes or kidneys, unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, acute migraine headaches, or if you’ve ever had breast or uterine cancer, jaundice due to birth control pills, a heart attack, a stroke, or a blood clot.

Taking birth control pills can raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots, in case you are heavy, or particularly when you’ve certain other conditions.

Smoking can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot while taking Alesse. You must not take it if you are older than 35 years old and smoke.

Taking Alesse pills does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

What to know before taking Alesse birth control

Taking birth control pills can raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. You’re more at risk if you smoke or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. As mentioned above, consult your doctor before taking Alesse.

Birth control pills should not be taken by you if you are over 35 years old and smoke.

Do not use Alesse if you are pregnant or believe you might be pregnant. If you have recently had a baby, speak to your doctor before taking Alesse birth control pills.

If you have any of the following you should not be taking birth control pills:

  • gallbladder disease
  • uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure
  • tuberculosis
  • circulation problems or blood-clotting disorder
  • diabetes
  • liver cancer or liver disease
  • varicose veins and/or high blood pressure
  • underactive thyroid
  • a history of abnormal mammogram, lumps, fibrocystic breast disease or nodules
  • problems with kidneys, eyes or circulation caused by diabetes
  • severe migraine headaches
  • heart disease
  • history of irregular menstrual cycles

Please note that the above list is not a full complete list and you should consult your physician or doctor for medical advice before taking any form of birth control.

Birth control pills can also be passed through the breast milk and slow down the production of breast milk so do not use birth control while breast feeding a baby.

How to take Alesse pills

Follow all directions in your prescription label. Don’t take Alesse in smaller or larger quantities than recommended.

You may have to use backup birth control, like a spermicide or condoms, when you begin using this birth control. Follow the directions of your physician.

Take one pill daily, no more or less than 24 hours apart.

Alesse 28 comes with 7 reminder pills (also called sugar pills). These pills contain no medicine, but help to remember to take the pills at the same time every day. Your period will normally start when you are using these reminder pills. It should finish by the time the remainder pills are done and you begin the next pack of Alesse 28.

Alesse 21 does not contain any reminder pills. So after you finish the pack of Alesse 21, wait 7 days without needing any pills, and then begin your next pack.

Tell your physician if bleeding is quite significant or if it occurs outside of the 7 day reminder pill cycle.

Use a backup birth control should you be ill with diarrhea or acute vomiting.

If you’ll be on bed rest or medical tests or surgery, you may have to discontinue using this medicine for a brief time. Surgeon or any physician who treats you should be aware of that you’re using birth control pills.

You’ll need to see your physician regularly while taking birth control pills.

Keep at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

What happens if an Alesse dose is missed?

If an Alesse dose is missed, you may have a chance of becoming pregnant.

Follow the patient instructions supplied with your Alesse pills. If you not understand these directions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You may need to use back-up birth control (such as condoms) for a short time period to prevent pregnancy.

You may not have a period during the month if you miss a couple of pills. Alternately, your period may arrive at an unscheduled times. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

If you frequently forget to take your birth control pills as directed, contact your doctor and consider switching to another form of birth control.

If you miss a reminder pill during the 7 day cycle it will have no effect, just skip it and continue with the rest of the pack until empty.

Can you overdose on Alesse?

It is possible to overdose on Alesse if you take more than one pill within 24 hours. Symptoms of overdose may include, but are not limited to; severe nausea, vomiting, or unusual vaginal bleeding.

If you take more than the recommended Alesse dose, contact your doctor.

If you are experiencing severe pains, find emergency medical attention. Otherwise US residents should call the Poison Help line at 1 (800) 222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control centre.

Things to avoid while taking Alesse

Don’t smoke while taking birth control pills, particularly when you’re 35 or older.

Birth control pills will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases–including HIV and AIDS. Abstinence or using a condom are the only ways to shield yourself from these disorders.

Alesse birth control side effects

Although rare, get emergency medical help if you have signs of difficulty breathing, hives, an allergic reaction, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If your Physician has prescribed Alesse tablets to you, they feel that the benefit outweighs the risk of any side effects. Some of these side effects are unlikely, however here is a list of common Alesse side affects:

  • vomiting, nausea
  • breast tenderness or swelling
  • changes in appetite or weight
  • difficulties with contact lenses
  • vaginal itching or discharge
  • changes in your menstrual periods
  • reduced sex drive

Discontinue using Alesse and call your physician if you have:

  • pain in the jaw or shoulder or chest pain
  • excessive perspiration
  • vision problems
  • a change in the pattern or severity of migraine head aches
  • a breast lump
  • symptoms of melancholy– mood changes, sleep difficulties, weakness, exhausted sensation

This isn’t an entire list of Alesse side effects and others may occur.

Call your physician if you experience any negative Alesse side effects or if you miss 2 periods in a row.

What other medications affect Alesse?

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which might lead to pregnancy. Birth control pills may affect other drugs as well. Not all potential interactions are recorded in this medication guide. Inform your doctor about all medications you use, and those that you begin or quit using during your birth control pill use. Also, give a list of all your medications to any health care provider who treats you.

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