Alesse

Alesse, with generic name ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, is a brand of an emergency contraception. The ingredients contained in the medication serve to prevent ovulation and restricts the penetration of the sperm. Further, Alesse is also used as acne treatment and the regulation of the menstrual cycle among women 14 years old and above.

Alesse is available in 21-day and 28-day packs. For those who wish to use the 21-day pack, they should take 1 tablet everyday until the 21st day. A new pack starts only after 7 days of not taking any pills.

For those who will be using the 28-day pack, a tablet is to be taken everyday until the 21st day. “Reminder pills” are taken everyday for the next seven days, before starting a new pack. Unlike the 21-day pack, this does not have a “no pill” day.

Women who want to use Alesse should consult their doctors regarding the most appropriate time to begin taking the pills. Normally, the first day of the menstrual cycle is considered as Day 1. Some doctors may advise you to start taking Alesse on Day 1 or Day 5, or on the Sunday after the start of your menstruation. Regardless what day you started on the pill, each one should be taken about the same time each day, preferably at bedtime or after dinner.

Although Alesse and other birth control pills are considered effective in pregnancy prevention, it is recommended that a second birth control method be used during the initial seven days, that is, if it is the first cycle of using the pill.

If you miss taking a pill, the risk of getting pregnant heightens. The missed pill is taken as soon as it is remembered, and the succeeding pills should be taken at the scheduled time. Sometimes, the missed pill is taken on the same day as the next scheduled pill.

For those who missed taking two successive pills within the initial two weeks of their cycle, they can take both pills in one day and another two pills the following day. One pill a day should be taken thereafter until all the pills in the pack have been fully utilized. Patients who engage in sex within the seven days after missing the pills should use an additional birth control method.

Alesse birth control pills are not advised for use in people who have or have had: liver disease; thrombophlebitis; vascular disorders; breast cancer; heart attack; eye lesions; coronary artery disease; abnormal bleeding of the vagina; malignant tumors in the liver; estrogen-dependent tumor, and women who are already pregnant.

While there are several potential Alesse side effects, not all patients experience these. The following are the most common side effects, which are known to disappear once the body is accustomed to the medicine: acne, breast tenderness or pain, abdominal bloating or cramping, nausea, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and swelling of feet and ankles.
The less common side effects include: weight loss or weight gain, facial or body hair loss or gain, heightened sensitivity to sunlight, spots on skin, and decreased or increased sexual appetite.

There are side effects which may occur after several cycles of pill use, like: less bleeding during menstruation, prolonged menstrual cycle, cease of menstrual period, and spotting in between menstrual periods.

Some women on Alesse may experience migraines, higher blood pressures, or vaginal infection. Although rare, other women may experience depression or pain in the upper abdomen.

Alesse, as well as the other brands of birth control pills, serve their purpose and offers utmost results when they are taken exactly as directed. Otherwise, women may have more than just unwanted pregnancies to deal with.