What is Alesse
LevonorgestrelThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLevonorgestrel (LNG) is a synthetic hormone used in contraception and hormone therapy. It is also known as Plan B and is used as a single agent in emergency contraception, as an intrauterine device (IUD) like Jaydess, Kyleena, and Mirena, and as a subdermal implant that slowly releases the hormone over time. Levonorgestrel is the most commonly used emergency contraceptive worldwide and was first approved by the FDA in 1982. It has been shown to have high effectiveness and few side effects when compared to older emergency contraceptive regimens.
Triphasil-21is the brand name
Alesse Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Triphasil-21
Levonorgestrel
1984
243
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Levonorgestrel, also known as Triphasil-21, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including Hot flashes and Menopause .Hot flashes
Used to treat Menopause in combination with Estradiol
Menopause
Used to treat severe Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause in combination with Estradiol
moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
Used to treat moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms in combination with Estradiol
Emergency Contraception
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Used to treat Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in combination with Estradiol
Has had at least 1 child
Effectiveness
How Alesse Affects PatientsLevonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive that helps to prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of intercourse. It works by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. In general, it is 89% effective if taken according to the instructions. Levonorgestrel is also used in intrauterine and implantable devices, and its effectiveness increases to more than 99%. Additionally, levonorgestrel can be used as part of a hormonal therapy to help prevent endometrial cancer caused by unopposed estrogen administration.
How Alesse works in the bodyLevonorgestrel is used in oral contraceptives to stop ovulation, and in IUDs to make cervical mucus thicker, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus. It also works to inhibit endometrial proliferation that can lead to cancer. In combination with estrogens, levonorgestrel helps lower the risk of developing cancer. The precise way it works is still being studied.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Alesse is dependent upon the indicated condition, comprising Endometrial Hyperplasia, Emergency Contraception and Hypermenorrhea. The magnitude of dosage deviates, depending on the technique of delivery featured in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Has had at least 1 child
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
Pregnancy
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
Hypermenorrhea
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
Endometriosis
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
Endometrial Hyperplasia
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
Emergency Contraception
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
Menopause
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
Hot flashes
, 1.5 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.03 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.125 mg, 52.0 mg, 36.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour
, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Kit; Tablet, film coated, Intrauterine device, Kit, Kit - Oral, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Insert, extended release, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit; Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Patch, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Kit; Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Transdermal, Kit; Tablet, coated - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Patch - Transdermal, Implant, Subcutaneous, Implant - Subcutaneous
Warnings
Alesse has 43 contraindications, and thus should be avoided for any of the conditions specified in the table below.Alesse ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Bacterial Vaginosis
Do Not Combine
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Do Not Combine
Uterine anomaly distorting uterine cavity
Do Not Combine
Vaginal Bleeding
Do Not Combine
chlamydial cervical infection
Do Not Combine
Communicable Diseases
Do Not Combine
infected abortions
Do Not Combine
congenital or aquired uterine abnormality
Do Not Combine
Breast
Do Not Combine
Bacterial Endocarditis
Do Not Combine
Uterine Cervicitis
Do Not Combine
history of pelvic inflammatory disease
Do Not Combine
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Do Not Combine
Thromboembolism
Do Not Combine
uterine neoplasia
Do Not Combine
Anus Diseases
Do Not Combine
Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Levonorgestrel may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Anus Diseases
Do Not Combine
Uterine Cervicitis
Do Not Combine
Septic Abortion
Do Not Combine
Postpartum Endometritis
Do Not Combine
lower genital tract infection
Do Not Combine
suspected pregnancy
Do Not Combine
Fibroid Tumor
Do Not Combine
gonococcal cervical infection
Do Not Combine
Breast Cancer
Do Not Combine
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Do Not Combine
Vaginitis
Do Not Combine
Pelvic Infection
Do Not Combine
Cervical Dysplasia
Do Not Combine
PAP Test Abnormalities
Do Not Combine
Neoplasms, Hepatic
Do Not Combine
Hypersensitivity
Do Not Combine
presence or history of breast cancer
Do Not Combine
undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Do Not Combine
Cervical Neoplasia
Do Not Combine
Intrauterine Devices
Do Not Combine
Acute Coryza
Do Not Combine
history of progestogen-sensitive breast cancer
Do Not Combine
acute liver disease
Do Not Combine
Bacterial Vaginosis
Do Not Combine
gonococcal cervical infection
Do Not Combine
Emergency Contraception
Do Not Combine
Chlamydia Infections
Do Not Combine
Common Alesse Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Copanlisib
Major
The metabolism of Copanlisib can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Crizotinib
Major
The metabolism of Crizotinib can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Alesse Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of levonorgestrel in rats has been found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. If someone overdoses on levonorgestrel, they may experience nausea and bleeding. Treatment for this should focus on relieving the symptoms and contact a local poison control center. Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote for a levonorgestrel overdose.
Alesse Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Alesse?
99 active studies are currently probing the potential of Alesse to treat Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, those who have had at least one child and Endometrial Hyperplasia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Pregnancy
45 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1
Has had at least 1 child
0 Actively Recruiting
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3
Hot flashes
18 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Endometrial Hyperplasia
8 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Emergency Contraception
0 Actively Recruiting
Endometriosis
27 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4
Menopause
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypermenorrhea
0 Actively Recruiting
moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
0 Actively Recruiting
Alesse Reviews: What are patients saying about Alesse?
5Patient Review
2/9/2021 I've been using this birth control for four years now, and it's really helped with my acne and period. I would definitely recommend it to other women!
5Patient Review
4/16/2021 I've been using this birth control for a decade and I adore it. It's been great for me, but I understand that not every person has the same experience with birth control. Just remember that everyone reacts differently to medication and don't get discouraged if something doesn't work out perfectly the first time around.
4.7Patient Review
3/12/2022 I've been taking Alysena for a couple of years now with no major issues. I did notice some mood changes when I first started taking it, but that's to be expected I think. So far so good!
4Patient Review
4/26/2021 I've been taking the generic brand of Alesse, Alysena 28. In my first two months, I experienced a lot of breakthrough bleeding--it felt like I had two periods in one month. Additionally, I cried more often and found myself having depressive thoughts more frequently. This pill has definitely made me become more emotional than I used to be. On the bright side, my boobs have grown a cup size; however, my acne is currently getting worse. Maybe this will change as my body continues to get used to the pill?
2.7Patient Review
11/29/2021 While this medication did help to lessen the pain of my cramps, I didn't like how it made me feel. I was really depressed and my personality changed for the worse.
2.7Patient Review
9/18/2022 While this pill was successful as a form of birth control, it made me very depressed to the point where I felt suicidal.
2.3Patient Review
10/13/2021 I was on Alesse for a full year and it initially had great benefits; however, after about a year my PMS symptoms got so bad that I had to switch to another medication. Overall, Alesse made me super depressed and anxious and I would not recommend it to others.
2Patient Review
7/7/2021 I would not recommend this birth control to anyone. It made me feel incredibly depressed and suicidal. Not to mention, it did nothing to help my long heavy periods.
2Patient Review
3/19/2022 Worked well for a few years, then I began having breakthrough bleeding and constant spotting for several months. My doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong, other than that the birth control wasn't working anymore.
2Patient Review
6/23/2022 The pill was unfortunately terrible for me. I didn't have any periods, but my mental health tanked and I gained a lot of weight. Hoping an IUD will be better.
1.7Patient Review
6/2/2022 I have tried taking this pill three times already. Every time I take it my mood changes drastically. I get very depressed, and sad and anxious. This is my Last month as I will be getting an IUD. Please stay away from this pill, the psychological side effects are severe.
Patient Q&A Section about alesse
Do you gain weight on Alesse?
"decreased libido
Possible side effects of the medication may include: breast tenderness; spotting or bleeding between periods; acne; darkening of facial skin; weight gain; or decreased sex drive." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is Alesse a good birth control?
"A total of 31% of reviewers reported a positive experience with Alesse for the treatment of Birth Control, while 40% reported a negative experience." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What kind of birth control is Alesse?
"ALESSE is a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) that contains two female sex hormones (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol). It is highly effective in preventing pregnancy when taken as prescribed by a doctor." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the side effects of Alesse?
"You may experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, swelling of the ankles/feet, or weight change. You may also have vaginal bleeding between periods or missed/irregular periods, especially during the first few months of using this medication." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer