Alesse

Description

Drug Uses

Alesse is one of the most effective methods for birth control (It is 99% effective when taken as directed). The natural hormones that are in Alesse stop the ovary from releasing an egg and prevent a man’s sperm from entering the uterus.

How Taken

Alesse comes in tablets to take orally. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, the first pill in a package is taken on the first Sunday after your period begins. Then take one pill a day, the time interval between pills should not be more than 24 hours. It is advised to take the pills at the same time every day (e.g. before bed, with a meal, or first thing in the morning). If you take your pills at night, this can reduce nausea or headache that you may experience while taking birth control pills. If you are on a 28 day cycle, take a pill every day. When the pack runs out, begin a new pack the following day. The 28day cycle contains seven pills that are either placebos (contain no active ingredients) or iron supplements. These pills are taken while you are menstruating. If you are on a 21 day cycle, take a pill every day for 21 days, and then do not take any pills for 7 days. During these 7 days you should have your periods. On the 8th day start taking you pills again from a new pack. If you are unsure how to act if you are taking antibiotics, mess a pill or any other situation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings/Precautions

You may not be able to take Alesse or may need dosage adjustment or monitoring during treatment if you have high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease, have had a stroke, have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, have breast/uterine or another hormone related cancer, have liver disease or a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) caused by use of birth control in the past, have undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding, have migraines, have asthma, seizures or epilepsy. Alesse pills are in the FDA pregnancy category X, which means that studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated fetal abnormalities, or there is evidence of fetal risk based on human experience or both. There for do not take Alesse if you are pregnant or likely to become pregnant. This drug passes into breast milk and can reduce lactation. It is not recommended to take Alesse if you are breast feeding.

Missed Dose

The pills may be not very effective if you miss them, especially if you miss the first and last few pink pills in the pack. The more pills you miss the greater the risks of getting pregnant in 7 days after you miss a pill. Also missing pills can cause spots or light bleeding. When you make up for the missed pills and take a double dose, you may feel sick in your stomach.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Vaginal bleeding, fluid retention, melasma, nausea, breast tenderness, change in appetite, headache, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, vaginal infections, inflammation of the pancreas, and allergic reactions. If you experience any of these or other side effects, contact your doctor.

Storage

Store this medication at room temperature 20–25°C (68–77°F). Keep away from children and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Overdose

If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of overdose are– nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness/fatigue, withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.

More Information

Before prescribing birth control pills, you will have to be examined by your doctor. Tell your doctor your medical history. You should be reexamined at least once a year. Do not miss appointments with your healthcare provider, as it is best to determine any side effects of oral contraceptive at an early stage. This drug has to be used only for the purpose it has been prescribed. Avoid smoking, as it increases your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.