Alesse Warnings and Precautions

Before starting the birth control pill, it's a good idea to review Alesse warnings and precautions with your healthcare provider. For example, you should be aware of the effect Alesse may have on blood sugar, increased risk of blood clots, and drug interactions. Alesse warnings and precautions also apply to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

Alesse: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Alesse® (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) if you have:
 
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Problems with your heart valves
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin during a prior pregnancy or oral contraceptive use
  • High cholesterol
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Depression
  • A history of heart attack or stroke
  • A history of blood clots or a clotting disorder
  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Migraines or other severe headaches
  • Diabetes
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver tumors
  • Cancer (or if you have had cancer in the past)
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Will be having surgery
  • Smoke cigarettes
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding.
     
You should also be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Alesse is equivalent to Aviane® and Lutera™ birth control pills. The information in this article also applies to both of these medications.)
 
(Alesse Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;