PHARMACY PRESCRIPTION ALESSE OVERNIGHT
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Oral
contraceptives (also known as "The Pill") are highly
effective means of preventing pregnancy. Oral contraceptives
consist of synthetic forms of two hormones produced
naturally in the body: either progestin alone or estrogen
and progestin. Estrogen and progestin regulate a woman's
menstrual cycle, and the fluctuating levels of these
hormones play an essential role in fertility.
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To reduce side effects, oral
contraceptives are available in a wide range of estrogen and
progestin concentrations. Progestin-only products (such as
Micronor) are usually prescribed for women who should avoid
estrogens; however, they may not be as effective as
estrogen/progestin contraceptives. |
ALESSE DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE: The
following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using
Alesse.
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
WARNING: Smoking cigarettes while using Alesse increases
your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using
Alesse. The risk of heart problems increases with age (in women
greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15
cigarettes per day or greater).
ALESSE
USES: Alesse is used to
prevent pregnancy or to regulate your menstrual cycle. Certain
brands of birth control pills may be used for treating acne or
as a "morning after" pill for emergency contraception. Consult
your doctor or pharmacist. Use of Alesse does not protect you or
your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV,
gonorrhea).
HOW TO USE ALESSE: Take Alesse with food or immediately
after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Try to take Alesse at the
same time each day. This may help you to remember to take it.
Learn proper use of your particular brand of medication. Follow
your dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions. Use a supplemental form of
birth control during the first week of taking Alesse since it
takes a while to be effective. Follow your doctor's directions
exactly if this drug is being used as a "morning after" pill.
ALESSE SIDE EFFECTS: Alesse may cause dizziness,
headache, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea.
If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Notify
your doctor if you experience: severe depression, groin or calf
pain, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath,
lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs,
yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
ALESSE PRECAUTIONS: Before you take Alesse, tell your
doctor your entire medical history, including family medical
history, especially: asthma, high blood pressure, kidney
disease, liver heart disease, stroke, history of jaundice
(yellowing skin/eyes) or high blood pressure during pregnancy,
excessive weight gain or fluid retention during menstrual cycle,
blood clots, heart attack, seizures, migraine headaches, breast
cancer, high blood level of cholesterol or lipids (fats),
diabetes, depression. Depending on strength, Alesse may cause a
patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher
strengths are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may
intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun
exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of
sunscreens and protective clothing. It may take a long time for
you to become pregnant after you stop taking Alesse. Consult
your doctor. Do not smoke cigarettes. Birth-control pills
slightly increase your risk of strokes, blood clots, high blood
pressure, heart attacks, gallbladder disease, vision problems,
and liver tumors. Cigarette smoking (especially 15 or more
cigarettes daily) and age (women older than 35/smokers or
40/nonsmokers years of age) further increase the risk of stroke,
blood clots, high blood pressure and heart attacks. Ask your
pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the patient labeling which
explains these risks in more detail. Consult your doctor for any
questions, including possible use in nonsmokers over 40 years of
age. If you are near-sighted or wear contact lenses, you may
develop vision problems. Also, your tolerance of the lenses may
decrease. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur.
Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
that you take Alesse. Alesse must not be used during pregnancy.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. ALESSE passes into breast milk. This may
affect milk production and may have harmful effects on a nursing
infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
ALESSE DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor what
prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Drugs
that may decrease the effectiveness of the pill include:
griseofulvin, many antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, macrolides,
tetracyclines, sulfas, cephalosporins), chloramphenicol, many
seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone,
carbamazepine), dapsone, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), modafinil,
nevirapine, nelfinavir, ritonavir, St John's wort, troglitazone.
Ask your doctor if you should use additional birth control
methods while taking any of the drugs mentioned above while
taking birth control pills. Also tell your doctor if you use:
thyroid hormone drugs, certain benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam,
chlordiazepoxide), prednisone-like drugs, certain
antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics), beta-blockers (e.g.,
metoprolol), "blood thinners" (anticoagulants such as warfarin),
insulin. This product can affect the results of certain lab
tests (e.g., thyroid). Inform all laboratory personnel that you
use this drug. Birth control pills may significantly intensify
the effects of alcohol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about
this. Do not start or stop Alesse without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
ALESSE OVERDOSE: If overdose of Alesse is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea and
vomiting. Females may experience vaginal bleeding.
ALESSE NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to take this
medication. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the
laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination,
including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic
examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once
a year. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own
breasts, and report any lumps immediately. A manufacturer's fact
sheet about this drug should be dispensed with each
prescription. Read the information carefully. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist any questions you may have.
ALESSE MISSED DOSE: Alesse missed dose advice differs and
depends on the brand used, and the number of doses missed. Refer
to the Alesse product package information for advice on missed
doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
ALESSE STORAGE: Store Alesse at room temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from
moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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Allergies
