Ethinyl Estradiol + Levonorgestrel (Alesse)
$0.93
Alesse is a combined contraceptive pill containing Ethinyl estradiol and Levonorgestrel. Taken daily, it prevents pregnancy and can make periods lighter and more regular.
Drug Information
5 reviews for Ethinyl Estradiol + Levonorgestrel (Alesse)
Alesse is a combined contraceptive pill. It contains two hormones: ethinyl estradiol (an oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestogen). Taken every day, it prevents pregnancy.
Many women also find that their periods become lighter, less painful and more regular.
What is it used for?
- Preventing pregnancy
- Making periods lighter and more regular
How does it work?
The two hormones stop the ovaries releasing an egg each month. They also thicken the mucus at the neck of the womb, which blocks sperm, and thin the womb lining.
This information is written in simple words to help you understand this product. It does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Read these points before you start. If any of them apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Do not take it if you have ever had a blood clot, stroke or heart attack, have migraine with aura, very high blood pressure, certain heart or liver problems, or breast cancer.
- Do not take it if you are over 35 and smoke. Smoking greatly raises the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or a family history of blood clots.
- Some medicines make the pill less effective, including some epilepsy medicines, rifampicin, some HIV medicines and St John's wort.
- Vomiting within 3 hours of taking a pill, or severe diarrhoea, can stop it working. Follow your pack instructions and use condoms if needed.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms as well.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every other medicine, vitamin or herbal product you use.
- Keep this product out of the reach and sight of children.
Like all medicines, Alesse can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them.
Common side effects
- Spotting or bleeding between periods, especially in the first 3 months
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Feeling sick
- Mood changes
These are usually mild and often get better as your body gets used to it. Tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.
Stop using it and get medical help straight away if you notice:
- Pain, swelling or redness in one leg (possible DVT)
- Sudden chest pain, breathlessness or coughing up blood (possible PE)
- A sudden severe headache, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking (possible stroke)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- A lump in your breast
This is not a complete list. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take one pill every day at about the same time, in the order shown on the pack.
- Most packs have 21 active pills followed by a 7-day break (or 7 inactive pills). You will usually have a period during the break.
- Start your next pack on time after the break, even if you are still bleeding.
- Swallow the pill with water.
If you miss a dose: If you are less than 24 hours late, take the missed pill now, even if it means taking two in one day, and carry on as normal. If you are more than 24 hours late or miss two or more pills, follow the leaflet in your pack and use condoms for 7 days.
If you use too much: Contact your doctor, a poison control centre or your local emergency number straight away, even if you feel fine. Take the pack with you.
How to store it: Keep it in its original pack at room temperature (below 25°C / 77°F), away from heat, damp and direct sunlight. Do not use it after the expiry date.
- QWhen does Alesse start to work?
- A
If you start on the first day of your period, you are protected straight away. If you start at any other time, use condoms for the first 7 days.
- QWhat if I am sick after taking Alesse?
- A
If you vomit within 3 hours, take another pill as soon as you can. If you keep being sick, follow the missed pill advice.
- QWill Alesse make me put on weight?
- A
Studies have not shown that the pill causes much weight gain. Some people notice a little bloating.

Zaid Eriksson –
I just received my order and wanted to leave a quick note. The quality looked good to me. The courier delivered it safely and on schedule. Five stars from me.
Hassan Jackson –
I placed my first order here and it went smoothly. The delivery took about as long as I was told.
Aditya Sethi –
I was a bit unsure at first, but ordering here worked out fine. I checked everything against my order and it was all correct. I got an order confirmation right away and updates after that. The price was fair compared to other places I checked. Happy with the experience overall.
Liam Collins –
I went looking for Alesse and ended up ordering it here. What arrived was just as listed on the site. Thank you, I will be ordering again.
Hana Sokolov –
My order went through without any problems. I think the pricing is fair for what you get. Also, the support staff were quick to respond and easy to deal with. The order form was short and easy to fill in.