Alesse (Levonorgestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol) Review

Alesse, which is generically prescribed as ethynil estradiol and levonorgestrel, is commonly used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. This medication prevents ovulation and alters the lining of the uterine wall and causes alterations in cervical mucous. Alesse does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV.

Alesse is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that includes stroke, blood clots, circulation problems, hormone dependent cancer, liver disease, liver cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure, migraines, heart valve disorder, or jaundice caused by birth control pills should not take Alesse. Women who are pregnant should not take this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina, heart attack, overweight issues, high cholesterol, depression, gallbladder disease, diabetes, seizures, epilepsy, irregular menstrual periods, fibrocystic breast disease, uterine fibroid tumors, varicose veins, or tuberculosis may not be able to take Alesse or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition or the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated this medication as a pregnancy risk category X, which means that this medication will nearly certainly cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Alesse passes through the mother’s breast milk and can affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman, or to women who are likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Alesse, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms which include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical treatment include sudden numbness or weakness that dominates one side of the body, sudden headache accompanied by confusion, loss of balance or coordination, difficulty with speech or blurry vision, chest pain or heaviness, especially if it involves the arm, changes in pattern or severity of migraines, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay colored stools, jaundice, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet, or depression.

Less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical treatment but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as bloating, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, breast pain, tenderness, or swelling, freckles or darkening facial skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair, problem with contact lenses, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, vaginal itching or discharge, changes in menstrual periods, sexual dysfunction, headaches, dizziness, nervousness, and fatigue.

Alesse should be taken exactly as prescribed. Missing a dose increases the chances of becoming pregnant. Missing one active pill requires a double dose the following day. Missing two active pills requires a double dose for two days. Missing three active pills requires throwing away the entire pack and starting over. Patients should be urged to read the missed dosage requirements carefully to avoid an overdose. If an overdose is suspected the patient should seek immediate emergency medical treatment. An overdose will present with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.

There is a risk of drug interactions associated with Alesse. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with known interactions with Alesse include acetaminophen, ascorbic acid, prednisone, theophylline, cyclosporine, St. John’s Wort, antibiotics, seizure medications, barbiturates, and HIV medications.