Alesse (generic name: levonorgestrel - ethinyl estradiol; brand names include: Ovral L) is an oral contraceptive used for preventing pregnancy.

Alesse is a combination birth control pill containing active ingredients levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It works by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus, and changing the lining of the uterus, which makes it difficult for sperm to penetrate and for an egg to implant.

Birth control pills may also be prescribed to treat mid-cycle pain which some women experience with ovulation. Birth control pills, while regulating the menstrual cycle, reduce menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding, and, because of the reduced bleeding, they may prevent the anemia that can develop in some women. For this reason they also are sometimes prescribed for a number of conditions that are characterized by excessive bleeding or painful menses.

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

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Alesse exactly as directed.

Alesse can be taken with or without food.

21-day pack: Take 1 tablet daily for 21 days, then take no pills for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.
28-day pack: Take 1 tablet daily for 21 days, then take 1 "reminder" pill daily for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.

Talk with your doctor about the best time to start your pills. Your doctor may have you start your pills on the first Sunday after your period starts or on Day 1 or Day 5 of your period.

For Alesse to be effective, it must be taken every day. Do not skip doses.

If you miss a dose of Alesse and remember it on the same day, take it as soon as possible and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you do not remember until the next day or if you miss more than 1 dose of Alesse, contact your doctor for further instructions. You may need to use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms). If you are not sure about how to handle missed doses of Alesse, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) until you talk with your doctor.

Keep Alesse at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Alesse, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have heart or liver problems; blood clots; or cancer;
you think you may be pregnant.

Ingredients

Active ingredients: levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol.