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Alesse is a combination birth control pill used for the prevention of pregnancy. The estrogen and progestin combo prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and causes changes in the mucus of the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to penetrate and for an egg to implant.

Alesse may also be taken to treat acne in women 14 years of age and older or to regulate the menstrual cycle.

How is Alesse taken?

You have two options, a 21 day pack or a 28 day pack. For the 21 pack you take 1 tablet daily for 21 days, then take no pills for 7 days, and then follow with the next pack. With the 28 day pack you take 1 tablet daily for 21 days, then take 1 "reminder" pill daily for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.

"Day 1" is known as the first day of your period. Your physician may have you start your birth control pills on the first Sunday after your period starts or on Day 1 or Day 5 of your period. You should take the pill approximately the same time every day, preferably after the evening meal or at bedtime. Use of a second method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms) for the first seven days of the first cycle of pills is recommended. You may experience spotting or light bleeding or nausea during the first three months taking the pill. If you do feel sick, do not stop taking the pill. The problem usually goes away. If it does not go away, check with your physician or clinic.

If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take certain medications (such as antibiotics), your pills may not work as well. If you start a new medication while taking birth control pills, check with your physician or pharmacist to make sure that it will not reduce the effectiveness of the pills. Use a back-up method of birth control, such as latex condoms, until you are sure.

You must take Alesse exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss pills at any time, your risk of becoming pregnant increases. If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. This means that you might take two pills in one day.

If you miss two pills in a row during the first two weeks of your cycle, take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day. Then take one pill a day until you finish the pack. Use a second method of birth control if you have sex in the seven days after you miss the pills.

Who should not use Alesse birth control?

The pill does not suit all women. If any of the following apply to you, you may not be able to use hormonal methods of birth control.

• You are, or suspect that you are pregnant
• Are breastfeeding and / or are less than 6 weeks postpartum
• Are over the age of 35
• Smoke
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have active liver disease or a history of liver tumors
• Have a history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or some other condition that puts you at risk of a heart attack
• Have diabetes
• Have breast cancer, history of breast cancer or an abnormal growth in the breast
• Have a history of blood clotting problems
• Have cancer or history of cancer of the reproductive organs
• Have migraines or focal neurologic symptoms

What are the side effects?

Common side effects for combination contraceptives can be:

• Weight gain
• Nausea and vomiting (felt for the first few cycles)
• Dizziness
• Increase or decrease in acne
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Loss of libido
• Depression
• Vaginal infections

Less common serious health risks can be:

• Blood clots in legs, lungs, heart or brain
• Stroke
• Heart attacks
• Possibly cervical cancer

If side effects persist or worsen while using Alesse contact your physician immediately. Alesse will not protect you from HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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posted by BirthControlBuzz @ 9:54 AM