Alesse (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) Tablets: Uses, Dosage, Safety and Interactions

Alesse is a prescription combined oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Taken correctly every day, it helps prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and altering cervical mucus and the uterine lining. No oral contraceptive protects against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections; condoms and other barrier methods are needed for infection prevention.

Before starting Alesse, a clinician should review blood pressure, smoking status, migraine history, personal and family history of blood clots, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, cancer history, postpartum status, breastfeeding, and current medicines. Combined hormonal contraceptives are not suitable for everyone, and alternative methods may offer a safer option for some people.

Patients with a valid prescription may buy Alesse through an appropriately regulated pharmacy. The Alesse price may vary by pack size, manufacturer, pharmacy, and insurance coverage. Cost should not lead to missed active pills, a change to another hormonal product, or use of a pack supplied for someone else.

Indications

Alesse is used to prevent pregnancy. Its effectiveness depends on taking the active tablets exactly as directed, in the correct order, at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. The product may be supplied as a 21-day or 28-day regimen. Follow the leaflet in the dispensed pack, because start days, active-tablet counts, reminder tablets, and missed-pill instructions are specific to the exact product.

Additional non-hormonal contraception may be necessary when starting the first pack, changing from another contraceptive, or after missed active pills. Vomiting or severe diarrhea can interfere with absorption and may also require back-up protection. If pregnancy is suspected, stop taking the product and contact a clinician promptly. Do not use Alesse during pregnancy.

Dosage

Take one tablet daily at about the same time, following the sequence marked on the blister pack. Begin the next pack when directed, even if bleeding is still occurring. Never extend the active-pill-free interval, and do not take extra tablets without consulting the pack leaflet or a clinician. If one or more active pills are missed, follow the product-specific directions promptly and use back-up contraception when advised.

Alesse active tablets contain 100 mcg levonorgestrel and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol. Patients with a valid prescription may buy Alesse 100 mcg/20 mcg when that exact active-tablet product is prescribed. Patients with a valid prescription may buy Alesse 100 mcg/20 mcg only in the correct 21-day or 28-day pack regimen. The Alesse price of a different oral contraceptive does not establish the same hormone dose or missed-pill instructions.

If a reminder pill is missed, follow the leaflet; these tablets may not contain active hormone. Missing active pills can increase pregnancy risk. If two or more active tablets are missed, review the pack instructions and seek prompt advice. Consider pregnancy testing if expected bleeding is missed after missed active pills. Patients using Alesse with a valid prescription should keep the leaflet available for these situations.

Breakthrough bleeding or spotting can occur, particularly during the first few months, and often settles with continued correct use. Persistent bleeding, bleeding after previously regular cycles, severe pelvic pain, or bleeding with a positive pregnancy test needs prompt medical review. Do not stop the pack without advice unless a clinician directs you to do so for a safety concern.

Keep a record of pill starts, missed tablets, vomiting episodes, and any back-up contraception used. This information helps the clinician give accurate, timely advice.

Safety Information

Combined hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Cigarette smoking greatly increases serious cardiovascular risk, especially after age 35. Do not smoke while taking Alesse. It may be contraindicated in people with current or previous blood clots, stroke, coronary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, certain migraine conditions including migraine with aura, diabetes with vascular disease, significant liver disease or liver tumours, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or hormone-sensitive cancer.

Seek emergency help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, one-sided leg pain or swelling, sudden severe headache, loss of vision, weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, fainting, or severe abdominal pain. Contact the prescriber about persistent heavy bleeding, new or worsening migraine, jaundice, dark urine, depression, breast lumps, or high blood-pressure readings.

Common effects can include nausea, breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, fluid retention, and breakthrough bleeding, particularly in the first months. Surgery, prolonged immobilization, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding require individualized contraceptive planning. Cost should never be the reason to use an unlabelled pack or postpone medical care for warning symptoms.

Interactions

Medicines that induce metabolic enzymes can reduce contraceptive effectiveness. Important examples include rifampin or rifabutin, certain seizure medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and topiramate, some HIV or hepatitis C treatments, and St John’s wort. The clinician may advise a non-hormonal back-up method during treatment and for a specified period afterward.

Other medicines requiring review include lamotrigine, cyclosporine, theophylline, corticosteroids, acetaminophen, and medicines for diabetes or high blood pressure. Patients should buy Alesse only with a valid prescription and have a pharmacist review all medicines, supplements, and herbal products. The Alesse price does not replace clinical advice or an interaction check.

Medical disclaimer: This content is informational and does not replace advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare professional. Alesse is a prescription medicine, and patients should follow their prescriber’s directions and seek professional advice for questions about their treatment.