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The following information is a summary
about ALESSE. It is not intended to replace a doctor's
instructions.
Tablets
Chemical Name:
LEVONORGESTREL (LEE-voe-nor-jess-trel) and ETHINYL
ESTRADIOL (ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole)
Common
uses
This
medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination used to
prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the
menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat
other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before
using
WARNING:
Smoking cigarettes while using this medicine increases
your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while
using this medicine. The risk of heart problems increases
with age (in women greater than 35 years of age) and with
frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater). Some
medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking
nevirapine or rifampin. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE
OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking barbiturates,
carvedilol, corticosteroids, felbamate, griseofulvin, HIV
protease inhibitors, modafinil, metoprolol, pioglitazone,
penicillin or tetracycline antibiotics, theophylline,
topiramate, troglitazone, troleandomycin, or medicine for
seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE
OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history
of cancer, heart or liver conditions, pulmonary embolism,
blood clots, stroke, cerebrovascular disease, or smoking.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow
the directions for using this medicine provided by your
doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES with a patient information
leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist any questions that you may have before using
this medicine. TRY TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time
every day, not more than 24 hours apart. STORE THIS
MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF
YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as you
remember. Take your next dose at the regular time. This
means you may take 2 doses on the same day. IF YOU MISS
MORE THAN 1 DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, refer to the patient
information that came with this medicine. If you have any
questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Cautions
SMOKING
CIGARETTES while using this medicine may increase your
risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood
pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood
vessels. TAKING CERTAIN ANTIBIOTICS or anticonvulsants
while you are using this medicine may decrease the
effectiveness of this medicine. To prevent pregnancy, use
an additional form of birth control until your next
period. If you have any questions, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist. IF YOU WEAR CONTACT LENSES and you
develop problems with them, contact your doctor. THIS
MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dark skin patches on your face.
Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If
patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing
when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. USE
OF THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT the spread of sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs). DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if
you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE
PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE
IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE
BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check
with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to
your baby.
Possible
side effects
SIDE
EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include
nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods,
breast tenderness, or weight change. If they continue or
are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR
DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience persistent or
recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual
period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or
ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience calf/leg
pain or swelling, trouble breathing or shortness of
breath, chest pain, one-sided weakness, slurred speech,
lumps in the breast, sudden severe headache, sharp or
crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, yellowing
skin or eyes, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or
leg, or severe stomach pain. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug
interactions can result in unwanted side effects or
prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact
with each other.
If
you take too much
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include nausea and vomiting. Females may experience
vaginal bleeding.
Additional
information
DO NOT
SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not
prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health
conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of
children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF
TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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