Generic name:levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (oral route) [ lee-voe-nor-JES-trel, ETH-i-nil-es-tra-DYE-ol ]
Drug class:Contraceptives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 30, 2022.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptives (COC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women older than 35 years, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke .
The Alesse brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Alesse
- Alesse-28
- Altavera
- Amethia
- Amethia Lo
- Aviane
- Camrese
- CamreseLo
- Enpresse
- Introvale
- Jolessa
- Lessina
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
- Tablet, Chewable
Therapeutic Class: Contraceptive
Pharmacologic Class: Progestin
Uses for Alesse
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.
No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.
This medicine will not prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Alesse
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed agai..
