Indications 

Allesse 21-day is a combination oral contraceptive pill used to prevent unwanted and unexpected pregnancy.  

Alesse contains two active ingredients: levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Levonorgestrel is a progestin, while ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen. Together, these hormones work to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and altering the lining of the uterus to make it less receptive to implantation. 

Use and Dosage 

Alesse 21 is a birth control pill that is taken for a 21-day cycle. Each package contains 21 pink Alesse tablets, which are active pills containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. The dosage of Alesse 21 is one tablet taken daily for 21 consecutive days. 

Begin by taking the first Alesse tablet on the first day of your menstrual period. If you start taking the pill later in your cycle, you may need to use an additional form of contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days. Take one tablet at the same time every day for 21 consecutive days. After finishing the 21-day pack, take a break from taking any pills for 7 days. During this break, you may experience withdrawal bleeding, similar to a menstrual period. 

If you miss a pill, follow the instructions provided with the medication. If you miss one pink active pill, take it as soon as you remember and then continue taking the rest of the pack as scheduled. If you miss two or more active pills, refer to the package instructions or consult with your healthcare professional for guidance. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects 

• Acne 
• Breast pain, tenderness, or swelling 
• Contact lens discomfort 
• Gain or loss of body or facial hair 
• Growth of fibroids 
• Headache 
• Increased or decreased interest in sexual activity 
• Nausea 
• Skin rash 
• Vomiting 
• Weight changes 

Serious Side Effects 

• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting 
• Breast lump(s) 
• Brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin 
• Changes in sleep 
• Changes in weight 
• Dark urine 
• Decreased interest in activities 
• Diarrhea 
• Increased blood pressure 
• Lack of period 

Cautions 

• Effectiveness: Allesse 21-day is highly effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly and consistently. However, note that no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is still a small risk of pregnancy. 
• Interactions with other medications: Allesse 21-day may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics or anticonvulsants, reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. 
• Health conditions: Allesse 21-day may not be suitable for everyone, especially individuals with certain health conditions. Discuss your medical history and any existing health conditions with your healthcare professional before starting Allesse 21-day. 
• Smoking: Smoking while taking Allesse 21-day increases the risk of serious side effects, such as blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. If you smoke, discuss it with your healthcare professional before starting Allesse 21-day. 
• Age: Allesse 21-day is typically recommended for women of reproductive age. It may not be suitable for individuals who have reached menopause or those younger than 18.  
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Allesse 21-day does not protect against STIs. Use additional barrier methods, such as condoms, to reduce the risk of STIs.