Generic Alesse is used for preventing pregnancy.
What is this medicine?
Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel are birth control pills. They help prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual cycles, treat acne, and address other hormone-related issues in women.
What should I tell my doctor before I take this medicine?
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of these conditions:
- Blood clots
- Diabetes or other blood sugar issues
- Cancer (breast, cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal) or unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Depression
- Fibroids
- Gallbladder disease
- Heart or circulation problems
- High blood pressure
- Jaundice
- Liver disease
- Menstrual issues
- Migraines
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Smoking
- Allergies to hormones, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take the pills as directed. Start on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins (ask your doctor which day to start). Take your pills at the same time every day with water, and it’s best to take them with food to avoid an upset stomach.
What if I miss a dose?
- If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember and then continue with your next pill at the regular time (you may take two pills in one day).
- If you miss two pills in a row, take two pills the day you remember and two the next day, then continue as normal. Use backup contraception for the next 7 days.
- If you miss three pills in a row, contact your doctor for instructions. You might need to start a new pack.
What can interact with this medicine?
Certain medications and substances can affect how these pills work, including:
- Antibiotics
- Barbiturates
- Epilepsy medications
- Grapefruit juice
- HIV/AIDS medications
- Herbal products like St. John’s wort
Inform your doctor about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter and herbal products.
What should I watch out for while taking this medicine?
- Regularly visit your doctor for health check-ups.
- Use additional contraception during the first 7 days of starting the pills.
- If you plan to become pregnant after stopping the pills, discuss with your doctor—returning to normal ovulation can take 3-6 months.
- Smoking increases your risk of blood clots and stroke, especially if you are over 35—do not smoke.
- Protect your skin from the sun and avoid tanning booths.
- If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes or discomfort, consult your eye care specialist.
- Treat any fungal infections promptly by consulting your doctor if it’s your first infection.
What side effects may I notice?
Serious side effects include:
- Chest pain, coughing up blood
- Dizziness or fainting
- Pain in legs, arms, or groin
- Severe headaches
- Shortness of breath, sudden loss of coordination
- Swelling or rapid weight gain
- Vision or speech issues
Less serious side effects include:
- Breast changes or discharge
- Changes in menstrual bleeding
- Headaches or migraines
- Changes in blood sugar or blood pressure
- Signs of vaginal infection
- Nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain
- Jaundice
How should I store this medicine?
Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Keep the container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiration date.
