This combination of hormones is used to prevent pregnancy. Contains 2 hormones: progestin and estrogen. It works mainly by preventing ovulation during the menstrual cycle. It also makes the vaginal fluid thicker to prevent sperm from entering the ovum (fertilization) and alters the uterine (uterus) mucosa to prevent the attachment of the fertilized egg. If the fertilized egg is not attached to the uterus, it leaves the body. In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control pills can make your period more regular, reducing blood loss and painful periods.
You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after the beginning of your period. You may need to use backup contraceptives such as condoms or spermicides when you first start using Alesse. Take one pill every day, at intervals of no more than 24 hours. When the pills run out, start a new package the next day. You can get pregnant if you don't take one pill a day. Refill your prescription before you run out of pills. The 28-day birth control package contains seven "reminders" to keep you on a regular cycle. Your period usually begins when you use these pills as a reminder. You may have a breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very severe. Use backup birth control if you have severe vomiting or diarrhea.
If you miss one active pill, take two pills a day that you remember. Then take one pill a day for the rest of the package. If you missed two active pills in a row in week 1 or 2, take two pills a day for two consecutive days. Then take one pill a day for the rest of the package. Use birth control for at least 7 days after the missed pills. If you missed two active pills in a row on week 3, discard the remaining pills and start a new one on the same day if you start day 1. If you start on Sunday, continue taking the pills every day until Sunday. Throw out the rest of the bag on Sunday and start a new bag on that day. If you missed three active pills in a row on week 1, 2 or 3, discard the remaining packs and start a new one on the same day if you start day 1. If you start on Sunday, keep taking the pills every day until Sunday. Throw out the rest of the bag on Sunday and start a new bag on that day. If you miss two or more pills, you may not have your period. If you miss a period of two consecutive months, call your doctor because you may be pregnant. If you miss the reminder pill, throw it away and keep taking one reminder pill a day until the package is empty. You do not need a backup birth control if you miss the reminder pill.
Do not use Alesse if you are pregnant or have had a baby recently. You should not take Alesse if you have any of the following conditions: Uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, circulatory problems, diabetic problems with eyes or kidneys, unusual vaginal bleeding, liver or liver disease, severe migraine if you smoke and are over 35 years old, or if you have ever had breast or uterine cancer, jaundice caused by birth control pills, heart attack, stroke or blood clots. You may need to use backup contraceptives, such as condoms or spermicides, when you first start using Alesse or if you miss an appointment. Follow your doctor's instructions. Lack of the pill increases the risk of getting pregnant. Follow the "missed dose" instructions carefully if you forget to take the Alessa pill. Some drugs can make Alessa less effective in preventing pregnancy, including antibiotics, medicines for hepatitis C, drugs for HIV / AIDS, anticonvulsants or barbiturate sedatives. Tell your doctor about any other medicines you use.