Oral
contraceptives (also known as "The Pill") are highly
effective means of preventing pregnancy. Oral
contraceptives consist of synthetic forms of two
hormones produced naturally in the body: either
progestin alone or estrogen and progestin. Estrogen and
progestin regulate a woman's menstrual cycle, and the
fluctuating levels of these hormones play an essential
role in fertility.
To reduce
side effects, oral contraceptives are available in a
wide range of estrogen and progestin concentrations.
Progestin-only products (such as Micronor) are usually
prescribed for women who should avoid estrogens;
however, they may not be as effective as
estrogen/progestin contraceptives.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The
following information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It
should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using Alesse.
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
WARNING: Smoking cigarettes while using Alesse
increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke
while using Alesse. The risk of heart problems increases
with age (in women greater than 35 years of age) and with
frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater).
ALESSEUSES: Alesse is used
to prevent pregnancy or to regulate your menstrual cycle.
Certain brands of birth control pills may be used for
treating acne or as a "morning after" pill for emergency
contraception. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Use of
Alesse does not protect you or your partner against sexually
transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, gonorrhea).
HOW TO USE ALESSE: Take Alesse with food or
immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Try to
take Alesse at the same time each day. This may help you to
remember to take it. Learn proper use of your particular
brand of medication. Follow your dosing schedule carefully.
Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions. Use a supplemental form of birth control during
the first week of taking Alesse since it takes a while to be
effective. Follow your doctor's directions exactly if this
drug is being used as a "morning after" pill.
ALESSE SIDE EFFECTS: Alesse may cause dizziness,
headache, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or
nausea. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your
doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: severe
depression, groin or calf pain, sudden severe headache,
chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast,
weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, yellowing of the
eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
ALESSE PRECAUTIONS: Before you take Alesse, tell your
doctor your entire medical history, including family medical
history, especially: asthma, high blood pressure, kidney
disease, liver heart disease, stroke, history of jaundice
(yellowing skin/eyes) or high blood pressure during
pregnancy, excessive weight gain or fluid retention during
menstrual cycle, blood clots, heart attack, seizures,
migraine headaches, breast cancer, high blood level of
cholesterol or lipids (fats), diabetes, depression.
Depending on strength, Alesse may cause a patchy, darkening
of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths are more
likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify this
darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure
and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of
sunscreens and protective clothing. It may take a long time
for you to become pregnant after you stop taking Alesse.
Consult your doctor. Do not smoke cigarettes. Birth-control
pills slightly increase your risk of strokes, blood clots,
high blood pressure, heart attacks, gallbladder disease,
vision problems, and liver tumors. Cigarette smoking
(especially 15 or more cigarettes daily) and age (women
older than 35/smokers or 40/nonsmokers years of age) further
increase the risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood
pressure and heart attacks. Ask your pharmacist or doctor
for a copy of the patient labeling which explains these
risks in more detail. Consult your doctor for any questions,
including possible use in nonsmokers over 40 years of age.
If you are near-sighted or wear contact lenses, you may
develop vision problems. Also, your tolerance of the lenses
may decrease. Contact your eye doctor if these problems
occur. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor that you take Alesse. Alesse must not be used
during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be
pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. ALESSE passes into
breast milk. This may affect milk production and may have
harmful effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
ALESSE DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor what
prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Drugs
that may decrease the effectiveness of the pill include:
griseofulvin, many antibiotics (e.g., penicillins,
macrolides, tetracyclines, sulfas, cephalosporins),
chloramphenicol, many seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin,
barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine), dapsone, rifamycins
(e.g., rifampin), modafinil, nevirapine, nelfinavir,
ritonavir, St John's wort, troglitazone. Ask your doctor if
you should use additional birth control methods while taking
any of the drugs mentioned above while taking birth control
pills. Also tell your doctor if you use: thyroid hormone
drugs, certain benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam,
chlordiazepoxide), prednisone-like drugs, certain
antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics), beta-blockers (e.g.,
metoprolol), "blood thinners" (anticoagulants such as
warfarin), insulin. This product can affect the results of
certain lab tests (e.g., thyroid). Inform all laboratory
personnel that you use this drug. Birth control pills may
significantly intensify the effects of alcohol. Consult your
doctor or pharmacist about this. Do not start or stop Alesse
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
ALESSE OVERDOSE: If overdose of Alesse is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea and
vomiting. Females may experience vaginal bleeding.
ALESSE NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to take this
medication. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the
laboratory. 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. A
manufacturer's fact sheet about this drug should be
dispensed with each prescription. Read the information
carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you
may have.
ALESSE MISSED DOSE: Alesse missed dose advice differs
and depends on the brand used, and the number of doses
missed. Refer to the Alesse product package information for
advice on missed doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any questions.
ALESSE STORAGE: Store Alesse at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C)
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the
bathroom.