FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS IS THE KEY WITH ALESSE

Potential Alesse users fear that because this contraceptive has lower hormone dosage, it makes one grow facial hair and have bad acne.

Alesse (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) is a contraceptive that contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). It causes changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it difficult for a sperm to reach the uterus and for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

According to one user,” While on Alesse for a year, my acne cleared up well, not completely, but it looked much better. I didn’t gain much weight, maybe between a pound and 5. My periods were regular, shorter, and much less painful. I was quite pleased. Then I went off it, for several reasons, and it was about a few weeks later I noticed the hairs on my chin, stomach and (dare I say it) bottom were becoming darker. A few girlfriends even noticed it. I'm not talking a few stray hairs. I'm talking a lumberjack chin beard. My acne returned even worse.”  

Apparently this medication has different side effect for each user.  Some experience no problems with the contraceptive. But if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Alesse: such as hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek medical help immediately. .Discontinue using Alesse and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

·         sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

·         sudden and severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

·         chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

·         sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;

·         pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;

·         a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;

·         nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

·         swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

·         a breast lump; or

·         Symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, and mood changes).

Listed below are the less serious side effects from the use of Alesse:

·         mild nausea (especially when you first start taking this medicine), vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;

·         breast tenderness or swelling, nipple discharge;

·         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; or

·         Changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive.

Below are the list of drugs that may render Alesse less effective when taken during the same time, and increase the risk of pregnancy: Don’t start a new medication without telling your doctor prior to using Alesse, inform your doctor if you are using: prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, herbal products and any of these products:

·         bosentan (Tracleer);

·         an antibiotic or tuberculosis medication;

·         drugs to treat hepatitis C, HIV, or AIDS;

·         phenobarbital (Solfoton) and other barbiturates;

·         St. John's wort; or

·         Seizure medications.

·         dantrolene (Dantrium);

·         tizanidine (Zanaflex); or

·         tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron, Lysteda).

Be very diligent in reading instruction before using Alesse, and make sure you get a thumb up from the doctor to prevent future complications and regret.