ALESSE

DESCRIPTION
21 pink active tablets each containing 0.10 mg of levonorgestrel, d(-)-13β-ethyl-17α-ethinyl- 17β-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one, a totally synthetic progestogen, and 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol, 17α-ethinyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3, 17β-diol. The inactive ingredients present are cellulose, hypromellose, iron oxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, polacrilin potassium, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and montanic ester wax.

7 light-green inert tablets, each containing cellulose, FD&C blue no. 1, hypromellose, iron oxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, polacrilin potassium, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and montanic ester wax.

Do not use Alesse (or any other contraceptive pill for that matter) if:

• you know you are pregnant
• you have recently had a baby
• you have heart problems of any kind, blood clots, high blood pressure
• you have circulation problems, specifically those caused by diabetes
• you have a history of breast cancer or uterine cancer
• you have abnormal menstrual bleeding
• you have liver problems
• you have migraines or focal neurologic symptoms (nerve problems in a specific location that affect a specific function such as speech or vision

Be smart and ultra safe- it’s not too much of an inconvenience (when you consider the risk) When you first start using Alesse, use 'back up'- like condoms and spermicides.

The medical profession says that if you smoke or are over 35 you may have an increased chance of developing heart problems if you take Alesse, this goes for all birth control pills.

Side effects with Alesse?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Alesse and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
• freckles or darkening of facial skin;
• increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
• changes in weight or appetite;
• problems with contact lenses;
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or
• headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.