Alesse--What's in a name?

Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol, known as Alesse, is 98% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy. It's a combination (has both estrogen and progeterone) oral contraceptive. The hormone levels in Alesse prevent ovulation and change the uterus so that eggs have extreme difficulty implanting. The drug is also marketed under a few different brands including: Aviane, Levlite, Levlen, Levota, Tri-leven, Triphasil, Trivora and Triphasil-28.

Are all brands alike?

Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol are the synthetic hormones used in Alesse and some other brands. Levonorgestrel is the estrogen and Ethinyl Estradiol is the progestin. Even though other brands have the same hormones, they can have very different effects on the body. The difference is the dosages vary form brand to brand and whether or not the birth control pill is triphasic, biphasic or monophasic. If you are to switch between brands thinking they are the same, you might be surprised by the way the new brand interacts with your body. Your doctor’s consultation would be best.

Triphasic, biphasic or monophasic

Combination birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin and they are multiphasic or monophasic. A monophasic pill, like Alesse, keeps the hormone levels the same for the first 21 pills. The other 7 pills (of 28) have no hormones and are there to maintain the habit of taking them regularly. In multiphasic pills the dosage of progestin changes during the 21 days. Estrogen levels in multiphasic (this includes bi and tri-phasic) pills remain fixed. In biphasic pills there are two different levels of progestin and in triphasic there are 3. Oral Contraceptives that have varying progestin hormone levels usually manage side effects better than monophasic pills.

What you should know

Women who are pregnant should not take any hormonal birth control pills as well as women who have just given birth. medical conditions like heart problems, blood clots or circulatory problems related to diabetes, uterine or breast cancer (cancers related to hormones), high blood pressure, abnormal menstrual bleeding and liver problems is also advised to avoid Alesse. Also, smokers especially if they are over the age of 35 should avoid hormonal contraceptives.

When starting out using any birth control pill, it’s a good idea to use another form of birth control such as condoms or a spermicidal cream as a backup. Your doctor can give specific information as to when you can rely solely on Alesse.

Alesse oral contraceptive (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) is an effective birth control pill. This particular birth control pill contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation, i.e. the release of the egg from the ovary. Alesse takes the additional step of changing the lining of the uterus and cervical mucous, making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus or making it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. These are the other brand names you can find the drug marketed as: Aviane, Levlite, Levlen, Levota, Tri-leven, Triphasil, Trivora and Triphasil-28.

Usage Precautions

As with any prescribed medication, the directions given by your doctor and the manufacturer must be strictly followed. The Alesse contraceptive pack is designed, and meant to be taken, according to a prescribed cycle and must be used regularly and on time. The effectiveness of this contraceptive pill is made possible by regular intake. Missing a pill, or using it irregularly, can lead to pregnancy.

Using Alesse

This drug should not be taken by women when pregnant, have just had a child, or have been advised by a doctor to avoid it. Also sets of women advised to avoid the contraceptive pill, Alesse, are those who have a history of heart problems, blood clots, blood circulation problems (especially those which have been caused by diabetes), uterine or breast cancer (cancers related to hormones), high blood pressure, abnormal menstrual bleeding and liver problems.

When starting out using Alesse it’s a good idea to use another form of birth control such as condoms or a spermicidal cream as a backup. A doctor can give specific information as to how long a period of time to use a back up plan before relying on the contraceptive pill alone.

Women over the age of 35 and smoke have a chance of developing heart problems. It must also be kept in mind that the effectiveness of such birth control pills can be hindered by other medicines, increasing risk of pregnancy while on birth control dugs. So, it is advised that the user inform the doctor beforehand about any other medicines she is taking, including the over-the-counter medicines and daily vitamin and mineral supplements. The doctor must also be consulted prior to using a new medication.

Things To Consider When Using Alesse

Some side effects include birth defects and a slowing down in the production of breast milk. The contraceptive pill may harm a nursing baby if the pill is absorbed through the breast milk. So, it is advisable to avoid taking Alesse if the user is nursing a child. Other side effects include depression, numbness and swelling, increased growth of hair, mild nausea, darkening of skin or even problems with wearing contact lenses.

Alesse Hormones and Levels

Alesse is combination monophasic birth control pill. Monophasic oral contraceptives deliver the same levels of hormones for all 21 pills. The other 7 pills have no hormones and are there to maintain the habit of taking them every day.

The specific Alesse hormone level is:

Estrogen--Ethinyl estradiol 20 mcgm (micro grams)

Progestin--Levonorgestrel--0.10 mg

Alesse Emergency contraceptive

Alesse works as a morning after pill when taken in specific dosages. Generic Alesse has the same hormone level as the brand name and work the same. The specific dosage to use Alesse as a morning after pill is:

Brand Alesse

Company Wyeth-Ayerst

First Dose

^{Within 72 hours after unprotected sex}

5 Pink Pills

Second Dose

^{(12 hours later)}

5 Pink Pills

Ethinyl Estradiol per Dose (µg) 100

Levonorgestrel per Dose (mg)^c 0.50

As you probably know already, Alesse is a highly effective means of birth control. As with any drug, care should be taken to use only as prescribed. Any use beyond what is specifically prescribed by your doctor is not recommended. If you have any special circumstances you health care professional should be consulted.

^Disclaimer

^{This 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. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy 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 this information.}