Drug Uses

This medicine 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

This medicine is taken orally with water and can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. To be effective, this medicine must be taken daily and continuously.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that have been reported with this medicine 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 this medicine. People with certain health conditions should not take this medicine.

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 this medicine. For nursing mothers, not all oral contraceptives are safe; talk with your physician regarding which one may be right for you.

More Information

Taking this medicine 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.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose, it should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. Genericfioricet.net disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of, and reliability of this information, and or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to the contents of this material.