DRUG TITLE

Alesse (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)

USE OF THE MEDICINE

Alesse is a combination of a progestin (levonorgestrel) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) - the contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Use Alesse according you doctor`s instructions:

• Take with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Start taking Alesse on the first Sunday after menstruation begins, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If menstruation begins on Sunday, start taking Alesse in this day. Try to take Alesse in the same time each day with a difference of no more than 24 hours. After taking the last pill in the pack, start taking the first pill from a new pack the next day.
• For the effective action of the drug Alesse, take it every day. Do not skip doses. If you have any questions call you doctor.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Alesse works by preventing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) and causing changes in cervical mucus, preventing sperm penetrate the egg cell and implanted in her. This medicine may also be used to treat acne in women 14 years and older or to regulate the menstrual cycle.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss Alesse and remembered about it the same day - take it as soon as possible and return to your normal schedule the reception. If you do not remember until the next day or if you miss more than once, look over the insert for patient, or contact your doctor for further instructions. You may need to use an additional form of contraceptive (e.g., condoms).

If you are not sure how to deal with missing doses of the medicine Alesse, use an extra form of contraceptive (e.g., condoms) until you talk to your doctor.

STORAGE

Store this medicine at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C. Keep away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Store in a tight, light-tight container. Keep away from children and away from pets.

PRECAUTIONS MEASURES

Do not use the Alesse, if:

• you are allergic to any component of Alesse;
• you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy;
• you are going to have  surgery, and you are bedridden for long periods of time.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these items apply to you.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO:

• Alesse may cause dizziness. This effect may be enhanced if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Use with caution Alesse. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

• Follow your doctor to test your chest, and immediately report any bumps, hills, tumors.
• If you operate or be in for a long time you will be chained to one place (e.g., long plane flight), notify your doctor 3-4 weeks before term. It may be necessary to take special precautions in the circumstances, taking Alesse.
• Alessei may be the cause of dark spots on my face. Exposure to the sun may make these areas are darker. If the spots appear, use a sunscreen or wear tight clothing, so as not to be exposed to
• sun tanning or tanning.
• Use Alesse does not protect against HIV infection or prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• When you receive Alesse may have bleeding or spotting. Do not stop taking Alesse if it happens. If bleeding or spotting continues for more than 7 days, or strong, consult a doctor
• Alesse may affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure your doctor and lab personnel know that you are using Alesse.
• Taking certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants or other drugs are listed in the interactions, while taking Alesse may reduce its effectiveness. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control until the next period.
• If you wear contact lenses, and have begun to have problems with them, contact your doctor.
• If you are delayed for a week (inactive pills), consult with your doctor. Missed period could mean that you are pregnant.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Do not use the Alesse, if you are pregnant. Avoid pregnancy while you are taking. If you think you can be pregnant, contact your doctor. Alesse contains in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Alesse.

SIDE EFFECTS

Consult your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist for a long time or very worried about you:

• Acne, tenderness or breast enlargement, changes in appetite, change in sexual interest, changes in weight, dizziness, hair loss, headache, nausea, stomach cramps or bloating, unusual discharge or bleeding, vomiting.

Call your doctor immediately if there is any one of these serious side effects:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); discharge from the breast, lumps, or tumors in the chest, pain in the feet / hands, swelling or soreness, change in the amount of urine, change in vaginal discharge, changes in vision or speech, confusion, coughing up blood, severe chest pain or heaviness in the chest, dark urine, depression, insomnia, problems with contact lenses, fainting, fluid retention (edema fingers and ankles), lack of energy, light / discolored stools, mental disorders or mood changes; missed menstrual period, numbness of hands or feet, one-sided weakness, persistent headaches or migraines, persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, persistent or severe dizziness; Severe pain or tenderness in the stomach, sudden partial or complete loss of vision, sudden severe headache and vomiting, shortness of breath, fatigue, vaginal irritation or discharge; weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Alesse should be used by patients for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with others.
If symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.