Alesse 21 day (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Do's

• Take Alesse exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This includes taking the correct dosage, at the same time each day, and for the full duration of treatment.
• Follow the instructions for starting the pack. This may involve starting on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins.
• Take your pill at the same time each day, 24 hours apart. This will help regulate your hormones and make the pill more effective.
• Use a backup birth control method (like condoms) during the first week of your first cycle if you don't start taking Alesse on the first day of your period.
• Take your pill even if you are having side effects or are not having sex.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience.

Don'ts

• Don't skip or miss pills. The more pills you miss, the less effective Alesse will be at preventing pregnancy.
• Don't take more pills than prescribed. This can be dangerous.
• Don't take Alesse if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Don't take Alesse with grapefruit juice or alcohol. These substances can interact with the medication.
• Don't stop taking Alesse without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Common Side Effects:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Weight changes
• Mood changes
• Changes in menstrual bleeding (such as spotting or breakthrough bleeding)
• Acne improvement

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Blood clots (symptoms may include leg pain or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath)
• High blood pressure
• Liver problems (symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain)
• Depression or mood changes
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Unusual changes in vaginal bleeding
• Breast lumps
• Severe headaches or migraines
• Vision changes or loss

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Alesse 21 days, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to any estrogens or progestins used in birth control pills.

Discuss any pre-existing conditions with your healthcare provider, especially:

• Blood clots or clotting disorders
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal breast exam or history of cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer)
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Family history of angioedema (swelling disorder)
• Gallbladder problems
• Severe headaches/migraines
• Heart problems
• History of jaundice during pregnancy or hormonal birth control use
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease (including tumors)
• Obesity
• Stroke
• Swelling (edema)
• Thyroid problems
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

If you have diabetes, Alesse may affect your blood sugar. Monitor blood sugar regularly and report changes to your healthcare provider.

Alesse increases the risk of blood clots. Inform your healthcare provider if you'll be having surgery or confined for long periods (e.g., long flights). You may need to stop taking Alesse temporarily.

Before surgery, disclose all medications (including Alesse) to your healthcare provider.

Alesse may cause skin discoloration. Limit sun exposure and use sun protection.

If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, Alesse may affect your vision. Consult your eye healthcare provider if problems arise.

Do not take Alesse if pregnant. Discuss reliable birth control options with your healthcare provider if pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Alesse may decrease breast milk production and potentially harm a nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.