An Introduction to LoSeasonique Side Effects
Just like any medicine,
LoSeasonique® (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with LoSeasonique. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of LoSeasonique side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of LoSeasonique
LoSeasonique has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In the studies for most medications, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and then compared to the side effects that occur in another group of people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
However, a placebo is not used in clinical trials for contraceptives, as this would lead to many unintentional pregnancies. Without a direct comparison, the information on potential side effects is less precise and is not necessarily a problem caused by the medicine.
In the case of LoSeasonique, the most common problems reported included:
- Headaches -- in up to 33 percent of women
- Irregular or heavy uterine bleeding -- up to 13 percent
- Painful menstrual periods -- up to 11 percent
- Nausea and/or vomiting -- up to 11 percent
- Back pain -- up to 8 percent.
Some side effects that were not specifically noted in LoSeasonique, but that are common with
birth control pills in general include but are not limited to:
- Breakthrough bleeding and spotting between periods
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness and enlargement
- Changes in your eyes that make it more difficult to wear contact lenses
- Acne
- Changes in sex drive.
