Generic Alesse

Introduction

Alesse is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that contains the synthetic hormones levonorgestrel (a progestogen) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, and is licensed for use throughout the United Kingdom. The primary purpose of Alesse is reliable prevention of pregnancy, but it is also prescribed for the management of moderate‑to‑severe acne, menstrual irregularities, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). By delivering a steady hormonal regimen, Alesse provides a non‑invasive, reversible option for family planning and certain hormone‑related conditions.

What is Alesse?

Alesse is a brand‑name, monophasic combined oral contraceptive tablet. Each tablet delivers .15 mg levonorgestrel and .02 mg ethinyl estradiol. The formulation is identical in hormone content to other established COCs such as Levlen, Microgynon, and Levora, differentiating itself mainly by the low‑dose estrogen component, which is intended to reduce estrogen‑related side effects while maintaining contraceptive efficacy.

Classification: Hormonal (combined) contraceptive.

Development: First approved in the United States in 2006 and subsequently received marketing authorisation in the EU, including the UK, after meeting the Medicines and Healthcare products RegulatoryMHRA) standards for safety, quality, and efficacy.

Our online pharmacy provides this medication as a cost‑effective alternative, sourced from licensed manufacturers that adhere to EU‑GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines.

How Alesse Works

Alesse prevents pregnancy through three complementary mechanisms:

• Ovulation inhibition – The estrogen component suppresses the mid‑cycle surge of luteinising hormone (LH), while the progestogen stabilises the follicular phase, together preventing the release of an oocyte.
• Cervical mucus thickening – Levonorgestrel increases the viscosity of cervical mucus, creating a barrier that impedes sperm motility and penetration.
• Endometrial alteration – The hormonal milieu induces a thin, out‑of‑phase endometrium, reducing the likelihood of implantation should fertilisation occur.

Onset of contraceptive effect is achieved after the first active tablet if the regimen commences within the first five days of the menstrual cycle. Steady‑state hormone levels are typically reached within the first two weeks of continuous use. The drug is eliminated primarily via hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4 pathway) and renal excretion; the biological half‑life of ethinyl estradiol is approximately 24 hours, while levonorgestrel’s half‑life is about 24– , supporting a once‑daily dosing schedule.

Conditions Treated with Alesse

• Contraception – Prevents more than 99 % of pregnancies when taken correctly, making it of the most effective reversible methods.
• Acne vulgaris – The anti‑androgenic activity of levonorgestrel reduces sebum production, improving moderate to severe inflammatory acne in up to 65 % of users in clinical trials.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – Stabilisation of hormonal fluctuations mitigates the emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD for a substantial proportion of patients.
• Menstrual cycle regulation – predictable bleeding, useful for women with irregular cycles or heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).

In the United Kingdom, an estimated 5 % of women of reproductive age use combined oral contraceptives, with Alesse contributing to the market share due to its low‑dose estrogen formulation, which is associated with a slightly lower risk of estrogen‑related adverse events such as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Who is Alesse For?

Alesse is appropriate for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Women of reproductive age (15–49 years) seeking reliable, reversible contraception.
• Patients desiring a low‑dose estrogen COC because of a history of mild estrogen‑related side effects (e.g., breast tenderness, nausea).
• Individuals with moderate‑to‑severe acne that has not responded adequately to topical therapy.
• Women diagnosed with PMDD who require both mood stabilization and contraceptive coverage.

Contra‑indications include:

• Current or past history of VTE, arterial thrombosis, or stroke.
• Known or suspected hormone‑dependent malignancies (e.g., breast, endometrial).
• Active liver disease or hepatic tumours.
• Uncontrolled hypertension (≥ 160 mmHg systolic or ≥ 100 mmHg diastolic).

Women who are breastfeeding, have a migraine with aura, or are taking medications that strongly induce CYP3A4 enzymes (e.g., certain antiepileptics, rifampicin) should discuss alternative methods with a healthcare professional before initiating Alesse.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea or mild stomach upset.
• Headache, especially during the first cycle.
• Breast tenderness or mild enlargement.
• Breakthrough spotting or irregular bleeding between periods.
• Weight fluctuation (often transient fluid retention).

Rare

• Mood changes, including depressive symptoms.
• Decreased libido.
• Mild elevation of liver enzymes.
• Visual disturbances (rarely associated with posterior segment ocular changes).

Serious

• Venous thromboembolism (deep‑vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
• Arterial thrombosis (myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke).
• Severe hypertension or hypertensive crisis.
• Gallbladder disease (cholesterol gallstones).
• Liver tumours (benign adenomas) or severe hepatitis.

Drug–Drug Interactions – Clin relevant interactions include:

• Enzyme inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, griseofulvin, rifampicin) may lower plasma concentrations of both levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, reducing contraceptive efficacy.
• Enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) can increase estrogen exposure, potentially heightening the risk of VTE.
• Antibiotics (particularly macrolides) have a modest effect; consistent condom use is recommended if a prolonged course is required.
• Antifung andirals (e.g., fluazole, atazanavir) may increase estrogen levels.
• Herbal supplements such as St John’s wort act as enzyme inducers and may compromise contraceptive effectiveness.

Patients should disclose all prescription, over‑the‑counter, and herbal products to a qualified healthcare professional before starting Alesse.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard regimen – One active tablet taken once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7‑day tablet‑free interval during which withdrawal bleeding occurs.
• Missed dose –
  • If one tablet is missed, take it as soon as remembered, then continue with the next tablet at the usual time (two tablets in one day).
  • If two or more consecutive tablets are missed, start a new pack immediately and use a non‑hormonal backup method (e.g., condoms) for the next 7 days.
• Overdose – Acute overdose is rare; symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Seek medical attention promptly; supportive care (e.g., activated charcoal) may be administered in a clinical setting.
• Food and alcohol – Tablets can be taken with or without food. Excessive alcohol does not impair efficacy but may increase the risk of headache or dizziness.
• Comorbidities – Patients renal or hepatic impairment should be assessed before initiation, as drug clearance may be altered.

Buying Alesse from Our Online Pharmacy

Alesse can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. Our service is built around three core advantages:

• Affordable pricing – We source Alesse directly from licensed European manufacturers, allowing us to offer prices close to the wholesale cost without compromising quality.
• Verified quality – Every batch is verified by MHRA‑registered suppliers, ensuring full compliance with EU‑GMP standards and authentic packaging.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet, reliable shipping options are available, including 7‑day express delivery for urgent needs and a standard 3‑week airmail service for routine orders.

Our pharmacy operates as a broker service, partnering with overseas licensed pharmacies that specialise in international medications. This model enables us to provide a discreet, privacy‑focused experience for patients who may encounter limited access through conventional pharmacies or who are seeking a cost‑effective generic alternative.

FAQ

• Can Alesse be used by women who smoke?
  Smoking is not an absolute contraindication for all users, but women over 35 who smoke heavily (more than 15 cigarettes per day) have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events and should consider non‑estrogenic contraceptive methods.

• Does Alesse require refrigeration?
  No refrigeration is needed. Store the tablets at a controlled room temperature (15‑30 °C), away from excess moisture, direct sunlight, and heat sources such as radiators or ovens.

• What do the tablets look like?
  Alesse tablets are white, round, and film‑coated, each bearing a faint imprint indicating the batch number and dosage. In a standard pack, 21 active tablets are followed by 7 inert placebo tablets that help maintain the habit of daily ingestion.

• Is there a difference between Alesse sold in the UK and the US?
  The active ingredients and dose (.15 mg levonorgestrel / .02 mg ethinyl estradiol) are identical. Formulation excipients may vary slightly to meet regional regulatory requirements, but therapeutic efficacy remains the same.

• Can I travel internationally while taking Alesse?
  Yes. It is advisable to carry the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label (if applicable) and a copy of the product information leaflet. Keep the tablets in hand luggage to avoid temperature extremes in cargo holds.

• How does Alesse interact with hormonal IUDs?
  Concurrent use is generally unnecessary, as both methods provide contraceptive protection. However, some clinicians may prescribe Alesse temporarily while an IUD is being inserted, to ensure continuous contraception.

• What is the shelf‑life of Alesse tablets?
  The typical expiry is 24 months from the date of manufacture, printed on the blister pack. Do not use the product after this date, as potency may decline.

• Are there specific warnings for women of Asian descent?
  Current evidence not indicate ethnicity‑specific adverse event patterns for levonorgestrel‑ethinyl estradiol combinations. Nonetheless, clinicians should assess individual risk factors, such as family history of clotting disorders, irrespective of ethnicity.

• Can Alesse affect the outcome of drug testing for employment?
  Hormonal contraceptives are not screened for in standard occupational drug tests. However, they may cause a false‑positive result for certain immunoassays (e.g., for synthetic steroids) if the testing laboratory does not employ confirmatory methods.

• Is there a generic version of Alesse available in the UK?
  Yes. Generic tablets containing the same levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol doses are marketed under various names (e.g., Levlen, Microgynon). Our online pharmacy stocks both the brand‑name Alesse and equivalent generic formulations, allowing patients to choose based on price and preference.

• How do climate conditions affect Alesse storage during travel?
  Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 30 °C or high humidity can degrade the active ingredients. When traveling to hot climates, store the medication in a insulated pouch or a temperature‑controlled compartment, and avoid leaving it in a parked car.

• What are the key clinical trials that established Alesse’s efficacy?
  Phase III multicentre trials involving over 3,000 women demonstrated a Pearl Index (pregnancy rate) of .3 % with typical use, while also showing significant reductions in acne lesion counts compared with placebo. These data supported regulatory approval across the EU.

Glossary

Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC)

A medication that contains both an estrogen and a progestogen, taken daily to prevent ovulation and provide additional contraceptive mechanisms.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

The formation of a blood clot in a vein, which can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and cause life‑threatening complications.

CYP3A4

An enzyme in the liver responsible for metabolising many drugs, including the hormones in Alesse; its activity can be altered by other medications, affecting drug levels.

Pearl Index

A statistical measure of contraceptive effectiveness, representing the number of pregnancies per 100 woman‑years of exposure.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Alesse is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Alesse for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.