Contraceptives

Alesse is a combined, low dose oral contraceptive pill that is very effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly.  However, did you know that certain other drugs, when taken alongside Alesse or other oral contraceptive pills, can reduce this effectiveness and possibly increase your risk of getting pregnant?  Alesse or any other low dose oral contraceptive pill that contains ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel may react with any of the drugs listed below so please carefully check the package list of ‘active ingredients’ on ANY medications you are taking alongside Alesse. A quick call to your doctor or pharmacist will put your mind at ease.

NB. This includes herbal products, vitamins and minerals, over the counter medications such as pain killers, sleeping pills and other prescriptions you have filled. Check with your doctor if you use illegal drugs alongside Alesse and if you are a heavy drinker of alcohol or smoke to excess.

acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
•anastrozole
•antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin
•aprepitant
•barbiturate medicines for producing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
•bosentan
•carbamazepine (Tegretol)
•caffeine
•clofibrate
•cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
•dantrolene
•doxercalciferol
•exemestane
•grapefruit juice- stay tuned for more information on this in another post
•hydrocortisone
•letrozole
•medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
•medicines for mental depression
•medicines for diabetes, including troglitazone and pioglitazone
•mineral oil
•modafinil
•mycophenolate
•nefazodone
•oxcarbazepine
phenylbutazone (Azolid, Butazolidin)
•phenytoin (Dilantin)
•prednisolone (Orapred)
primidone (Mysoline)
rifampin
•ritonavir (Norvir)or other medicines for the treatment of the HIV virus or AIDS such as modafinil (Provigil)
•selegiline
•soy isoflavones supplements
•St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
•tamoxifen or raloxifene
•testolactone
•theophylline (Respbid, Theo-Dur)
•topiramate (Topamax)
•warfarin

………..and possibly certain antibiotics (such as ampicillin and other penicillins and tetracyclines)

WARNING: Do not share Alesse or any other oral contraceptive pill with anyone else and keep the pack of oral contraceptive pills out of the reach of children. Do not use Alesse or any other medication after the expiry date on the pack.
Sources: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc.Philadelphia, DrugDigest, Drugs.com

The above information is intended as a guide only and should not be substituted for the professional expertise and advice from your doctor or pharmacist.