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Alesse
Alesse does not protect against any sexually transmitted diseases. Alesse is used for patients who want to prevent pregnancy.
General Information
Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with the amount of smoking and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Woman who use oral contraceptives should not smoke.
How Drug Works
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about when to start. There may be some variation from product to product. For this medication to be effective it should be taken regularly.
How Taken
Alesse is taken orally with water and can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. To be effective, Alesse must be taken daily and continuously.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects that have been reported with Alesse include:
- headache
- blood clots
- water retention
- breast tenderness
- nausea
If you experience other bothersome side effects, contact your health care provider.
Warnings/Precautions
Patients who have had breast cancer, or undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding should NOT use this medication. The risk of cardiovascular side effects increases in women over 35 who smoke cigarettes. Let your doctor know your complete medical history before taking Alesse. People with certain health conditions should not take Alesse.
Overdose
Overdosage may cause nausea and withdrawal bleeding in females. In case of overdosage, seek medical attention. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Several medications reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and should be used with caution. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
- seizure medications
- antibiotics
- warfarin
- medications to help you sleep
St. John's wort can interfere with birth control pills and lead to pregnancies. Avoid St. John's wort while taking birth control pills.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember or double up on the next day. If you miss two doses, take 2 tablets as soon as you remember, or take two tablets on each of the next two days. Refer to package insert if more than 3 doses are missed.
Storage
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you suspect that you may be pregnant, do not take Alesse. For nursing mothers, not all oral contraceptives are safe; talk with your physician regarding which one may be right for you.
More Information
Taking Alesse may result in possible depletion of Vitamins; B-2, B-6, B-12 and folic acid. These vitamins are collectively called the "stress vitamins" and may be recommended to be replaced using a vitamin supplement. Talk to your doctor for more information.
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