Estrogens and Progestins Oral Contraceptives (Systemic)

Brand name(s): Alesse

Additional Information

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, oral contraceptives are used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

• Amenorrhea (stopping of menses for several consecutive months)
• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (abnormal uterine bleeding)
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual bleeding)
• Hypermenorrhea (excessive menstrual bleeding)
• Emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse
• Endometriosis (painful bleeding from uterine-like tissue that can grow in different parts of the female body)
• Hirsutism in females (male-like hair growth)
• Hyperandrogenism, ovarian (excessive production of male hormones)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (many problems that include amenorrhea, hirsutism, infertility, and many tiny cysts or sacs usually in both ovaries)

For patients taking this medicine for emergency contraception :

• Must be taken with food within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. One single course (2 doses 12 hours apart) is a one-time emergency protection. Using more than one course in a month will reduce the effectiveness.
• Because the hormones are strong, watch for danger signs. Call your doctor if you experience any severe pains in your leg, stomach, or chest; any vision or breathing changes; yellowing of skin; headaches; numbness; or trouble in speaking.
• You may experience nausea so take it with food and call your doctor if you vomit the medicine.
• Your menstrual period may start earlier than usual. If it doesn't start, call your doctor.

For patients taking this medicine for hirsutism:

• You may need to use oral contraceptives for 6 to 12 months before you see less new hair growth.

For patients taking this medicine for endometriosis :

• Sometimes instead of following the directions on the oral contraceptive's package, your doctor may ask you to follow different directions, such as taking the active tablets in the package each day without stopping for 6 to 9 months. This means that after 21 days you will start a new package of pills. If you are not sure about how to take this medicine, discuss any questions with your health care professional.
• Also, your symptoms of endometriosis may worsen at first but with continued use of the oral contraceptives your symptoms should lessen and your condition improve.

Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for these uses.

Last Revised: 03/15/2004

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