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Seasonale

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (extended cycle) [ETH-in-ill-ess-tra-DYE-ol-and-lee-voe-nor-JESS-trel]
Drug class: contraceptives

What is Seasonal?

Seasonale tablets are a combo that contains ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Ethinyl estradiol as well as levonorgestrel are female hormones that hinder the process of ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovary). The medication can also cause changes to your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it more difficult for sperm cells to enter the uterus and for fertilized eggs to attach to your uterus.

Seasonale can be used as a contraceptive to avoid the occurrence of pregnancy.Seasonale can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not utilize Seasonale if you are expecting or just had a baby.It is not recommended to use Seasonale in the event that you suffer from one of the following ailments: uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease, blood clotting disorder, circulatory problems and diabetic issues in your kidneys or eyes, abnormal vaginal bleeding or liver disease, cancer or severe migraine headaches, smokers who are older than 35, or if you've ever suffered from uterine cancer or breast cancer, jaundice triggered by contraceptives, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

Taking seasonally increases the chance of having stroke, blood clots, and heart attacks, particularly in the case of other medical conditions or if you're overweight.Smoking is a major contributor to the risk of stroke, blood clots, and heart attacks. You should not use Seasonale if you smoke and have reached the age of 35.

The absence of a pill can increase your chances of getting pregnant. Be sure to follow your "missed dose" instructions if you don't remember having taken your Seasonale tablets.

Certain drugs may be less effective in preventing pregnancy, like antibiotics and hepatitis C drugs, HIV/AIDS medication, seizure medications, and barbiturate sedatives.Discuss with your doctor any other medication you're taking.

Prior to use this drug

Seasonale increases the risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. There is a higher risk if you suffer from hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or are overweight. The chance of suffering from stroke or blood clots is greatest during the first year of Seasonale. Your risk of stroke is also higher when you begin taking Seasonale after you have not been taking it for four weeks or more.

Smoking cigarettes can significantly increase the risk of stroke, blood clots, and heart attack. Your risk increases as you age, in addition to the amount you use. Don't consume seasonal smokers and older than the age of 35.

Do not use it if expecting. Stop using this medication and inform your doctor immediately in case you fall pregnant or if you have missed two menstrual cycles in a row. If you've recently had an infant and are waiting at least 4 weeks before you start taking birth medication to control your pregnancy,

It is not recommended to take Seasonale. If you suffer from:

  • Untreated or not controlled high blood pressure that is not treated or controlled
  • The heart (coronary coronary artery diseases, a heart valve that is not controlled, a history of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots);
  • A blood-clotting disorder or circulation problems;
  • Eye problems, kidneys, or circulation due to diabetes
  • An antecedent history of cancer related to hormones like uterine or breast cancer;
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding that hasn't been examined by an ophthalmologist;
  • The liver, or cancer of the liver;
  • Extremely severe headaches due to migraine (with an aura, numbness, weakening of vision, or other changes), particularly those who are over 35 years old;
  • The history of jaundice triggered by birth control pills
  • If you're a cigarette smoker over 35,

To ensure Seasonale is suitable for you, ask your physician if you've ever experienced:

  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, or if you're prone to developing blood clots.
  • Triglycerides or high cholesterol, or if you're overweight,
  • Depression;
  • Thyroid inactivity, diabetes, gallbladder disease, diabetes;
  • A seizure or migraine headache;
  • Irregular menstrual cycles;
  • Fibrocystic breast disorder, lumps, nodules, or abnormal mammograms.

The hormones found in Seasonale may be absorbed into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing infant. It also can affect the production of breast milk. Avoid using Seasonale if you are breastfeeding or feeding babies.

How to take Seasonale?

Use Seasonale exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger doses or for longer than prescribed.

The initial pill is taken the day you begin your cycle, or on the Sunday that follows after your period starts. It's possible that you will need to use an additional birth control method, like condoms or spermicides, when you first begin using Seasonale. Follow the directions of your doctor.

You should take one pill a day for at least 24 hours in between. If your pills expire, then start a fresh pack the next day. It is possible to become pregnant if you don't take a pill every day. Refill your prescription prior to the time you have run out of pills completely.There is no need to have menstrual cycles every month, even if you're taking a birth control pill with an extended cycle. Your period should instead be at least every twelve weeks.

The birth control package for 91 days comes with three trays that contain 84 "active" pills and seven "reminder" pills. The pills must be used in a specific sequence to ensure you are on a regular schedule. Trays 1 and 2 contain 28 pills. Tray 3 holds 35 pills, which includes the seven reminder pills. Your period should start when you're using these reminder pills.

It is possible to experience breakthrough bleeding, particularly in the first three months. Inform your doctor if the bleeding continues or becomes massive.Utilize a backup birth control plan if you're sick with severe vomiting or diarrhea.

If you are in need of surgery or medical tests, or when you are in bed or on bed rest, you might need to stop taking Seasonale for a short period of time. Any surgeon or doctor who cares for you should be aware that you're using Seasonale.When you are taking Seasonale, it is recommended to see your doctor on a regular basis.Place this medication in a safe place in a room at a temperature that is free of heat and humidity.

What happens if I miss the dose?

The absence of a pill can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.If you don't remember just one "active" pill, take two pills during the day that you do remember. Then, take one pill each day throughout the remainder of the package.

If you don't take two "active" pills in a row, you should take two pills daily for two days. Then, take one pill a day throughout the remainder of the group. You should use backup birth control for a minimum of 7 days after the missing pills.If you have missed the three "active" pills in a row, don't take the pills you missed. Continue taking one pill a day according to the package of pills, and keep the pills you missed in the box. There could be some bleeding or spotting when you do not take three pills in three days. Make sure you have backup birth control in place, at least for the following 7 days.

If you do not remember any pills, discard them and take one pill every day until your pack is full. It is not necessary to take back-up birth control if you do not take the pill that reminds you. If your period doesn't start when you take the pills for reminders, consult your doctor, as you could be pregnant.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency attention or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. The symptoms of an overdose can include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.

What should be avoided?

Avoid smoking when you are using Seasonale, especially if you are over 35 years old.

Seasonale does not shield you from sexually transmitted infections such as HIV or AIDS. A condom is the only way to safeguard yourself against these illnesses.

Side effects of Seasonal

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, Seasonale: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

Stop taking Seasonale and consult your physician immediately if you suffer from:

  • A sudden weakness or numbness (especially in one part or the other), an abrupt, extreme headache, speech lisping, or issues with balance or vision
  • A sudden cough and wheezing Rapid breathing, sneezing blood;
  • Discomfort, swelling, or redness on either or both legs;
  • Chest pain or a heavy feeling in the chest, pain spreading to the shoulder or jaw, nausea, sweating, or a general feeling of discomfort;
  • A change in the pattern or intensity of migraines
  • Nausea, abdominal pains, itching fatigue, lack of appetite dark urine, clay-colored stool jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
  • Swelling in your ankles, hands, or feet;
  • An unidentified lump on the breast;
  • Signs of depression (sleep problems, fatigue feelings, sleep problems, mood changes).

Common seasonal adverse effects could include:

  • Moderate nausea (especially at the beginning of using this medication). Nausea, gastric cramps;
  • Swelling or tenderness in the breast or swelling of the breasts;
  • Freckles, darkening or fading of facial skin, growth of hair, and loss of hair on the scalp;
  • Changes in appetite or weight;
  • Issues with contact lenses;
  • Vaginal discharge, or itching
  • Menstrual changes and a decrease in sex drive

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Certain drugs may make Seasonale less efficient, and this could cause pregnancy. Other medications may interfere with ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. These include medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, such as vitamins, herbs, and other products. Be sure to inform your health professionals about any medications you take currently and all medicines you stop or start taking.