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Important: This page provides general information about Alesse. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist and refer to the official patient leaflet.

What is Alesse?

Alesse is a combined oral contraceptive pill used to help prevent pregnancy. It is taken by mouth in tablet form.

The medicine contains two active ingredients: ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin).

It works mainly by stopping the release of eggs from the ovaries and by changing the cervical mucus and lining of the uterus to make fertilisation less likely.

Alesse is commonly prescribed by a clinician and may require a prescription depending on local rules. Patients should follow the instruction given by their prescriber and the information leaflet that accompanies the medicine.

What is Alesse used for?

The primary use of Alesse is to prevent pregnancy. Taken as directed, it reduces the chance of pregnancy compared with not using contraception.

In some cases, a clinician may prescribe Alesse to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce heavy or painful periods, or manage certain skin conditions such as acne. This depends on individual medical history and needs.

Alesse does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. If protection against STIs is needed, use a barrier method such as a condom.

Always use Alesse as prescribed. Do not share your pills and do not stop or change the preparation without medical advice.

How does Alesse work?

Ethinylestradiol provides oestrogen which helps regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation. Levonorgestrel provides progestin activity.

The medication acts mainly by stopping ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries).

It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg, and it changes the lining of the uterus, reducing the chance of implantation.

The exact effect can vary between people, but the overall result is a lower chance of pregnancy when used as directed.

How to use Alesse

Read the patient information leaflet provided with your pack before starting Alesse. It contains important safety information and instructions tailored to the product.

Alesse is usually taken by mouth once daily in a cycle. The common cycle pattern is 21 days of active pills followed by a 7-day break or placebo pills, but your clinician will confirm the schedule for you.

Take the tablets at about the same time each day to maintain steady levels in your body. If you miss a dose, follow the guidance in the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. In many cases you should take the missed pill as soon as you remember, and continue with the next dose at your usual time; use backup contraception if you have missed more than one pill or if vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs within a short time of taking a pill.

Do not switch brands or formulations without speaking with a healthcare professional, as different products may have different dosing schedules.

If you have any questions about when to start or how to use Alesse in a specific situation (eg after a long break, or when starting after pregnancy or breastfeeding), talk to your clinician or pharmacist. They can tailor the advice to your needs.

Who should not use Alesse?

Alesse should not be used by someone who is pregnant or thinks they might be pregnant. In pregnancy, hormonal contraception is not used unless advised by a clinician.

A history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), heart disease, stroke or certain cancers, liver disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure may be reasons to avoid Alesse. A clinician will assess your medical history before you start.

Alesse should be used with caution in people who smoke, especially if aged over 35, as the risk of cardiovascular side effects increases with smoking. Your clinician will consider your individual risk.

Alesse may not be suitable for people with certain conditions such as gallbladder disease, severe migraine with aura, or certain types of diabetes. If you have these conditions, discuss with your doctor.

Warnings

All hormonal contraceptives carry a small increased risk of blood clots. Seek urgent medical help if you notice symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, or coughing up blood.

High blood pressure, liver problems or tumours, and severe headaches with neurological symptoms can be warning signs that require medical review. Inform your clinician about any such symptoms.

Hormonal contraception can interact with other medicines. Always inform your doctor about any medicines and supplements you are taking.

If you have a serious illness or prolonged immobilisation (such as long flights or bed rest), your risk may change. Your clinician may advise temporary stopping Alesse in certain situations.

Side effects

Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, headache, mood changes or irregular bleeding in the first months of use. Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Some people may notice weight changes or fluid retention. If your symptoms are bothersome or persist beyond a few cycles, talk to a clinician.

Serious side effects are rare but require urgent medical attention. Seek help if you experience severe chest pain, severe headache with visual changes, sudden leg swelling, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can indicate liver problems.

Not all people will experience side effects, and many improve with time. If you are worried about any symptom, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

Several medicines can interact with Alesse and reduce its effectiveness. This includes certain antibiotics (for example rifampicin), anticonvulsants, and some antifungal medicines. Herbal remedies such as St John's wort can also affect contraception.

Your clinician may advise a different plan for using these medicines, such as a backup method of contraception during treatment and for a period after it ends. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting a new medicine while taking Alesse.

Some vaccines or treatments may influence menstrual patterns or hormone levels; discuss with your clinician if you plan to start new therapies.

Pregnancy

If you become pregnant while taking Alesse, stop the tablets and contact your clinician or pharmacist for advice. Do not continue the course unless advised.

Combined hormonal contraceptives are generally not recommended during breastfeeding, especially in the first weeks after birth. Talk with your doctor about timing and alternatives if you are breastfeeding.

Conception after stopping Alesse is possible as soon as you no longer take the pills, but your fertility may take some time to return to normal for some people.

Frequently asked questions

Answers in this FAQ are general. For personalised advice, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

These questions cover common concerns about starting, missed doses, interactions, and when to seek help. If your question is not listed, ask a pharmacist or doctor.

Always refer to the official leaflet for your package and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional. In case of emergency, seek urgent medical help.

How soon does Alesse start to work to prevent pregnancy?

Protection is built up through regular use as prescribed. Your clinician will guide you on when you are protected. In some cases you may need backup contraception during the first week or the first cycle; ask a healthcare professional for advice.

What should I do if I miss a tablet?

Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember and continue with the next dose at your usual time. If you miss two or more doses, your protection may be reduced; use backup contraception and consult your clinician.

Can I take Alesse with other medicines or supplements?

Some medicines can interact with Alesse and reduce its effectiveness. Always tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take, including herbal products. Do not start or stop medicines without medical advice.

Can I smoke while taking Alesse?

Smoking increases the risk of serious side effects, especially in people over 35. If you smoke, talk to your clinician about the risks and alternatives.

Is Alesse safe during breastfeeding?

Combined hormonal contraceptives are not always recommended during breastfeeding. Discuss timing and options with your clinician if you are breastfeeding.

Does Alesse protect against sexually transmitted infections?

No. Alesse does not protect against STIs. Use a barrier method to reduce STI risk.

What should I do if I have a severe headache or chest pain?

Severe headache with neurological symptoms or chest pain requires urgent medical assessment. Seek medical help promptly.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Alesse?

Moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to interact with Alesse. If you have concerns about alcohol use and contraception, talk to your clinician.

How long will side effects last?

Most side effects improve within a few cycles as your body adjusts. If symptoms persist or trouble you, speak with your clinician.

Do I need a prescription to obtain Alesse?

In Ireland, the requirement for a prescription may depend on local rules. Check with your pharmacist or doctor for current guidance and whether a prescription is needed in your area.

Sources

The information in this page is based on standard patient information for combined oral contraceptives and product labeling from the manufacturer. Always refer to the official leaflet that comes with Alesse in your country for exact instructions.

For Ireland, care guidance comes from local regulatory authorities and national health service resources. If you have questions about safety or suitability, contact a pharmacist or your doctor.

Examples of typical sources are the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet and regulatory product information. Ensure you follow local rules and consult a healthcare professional for decisions about your own health.