Other names used:
Alesse
Aviane
Enpresse
Lessina
Levlite
Levora
Lutera
Lybrel
Nordette
Portia
Sronyx
Tri-Levlen
Triphasil
Trivora

The preparation description is not intended for medication without participation of the doctor.

What is it used for?
- Levlen is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
- Taking Levlen also provides some important noncontraceptive benefits, such as less painful menstruation, less menstrual blood loss and anemia, fewer pelvic infections, and fewer cancers of the ovary and the lining of the uterus.

Contraindications and cautions:
Do not use Levlen if you have the following health conditions:
- you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, plan to become pregnant or recently had a baby (breast-feeding);
- you are hypersensitive to any ingredient of Levlen;
- you have a blood clotting problems, severe blood clots (e.g., in the lungs, legs, eyes), certain blood vessel problems (e.g., bleeding in the brain, heart attack, stroke) or if you are at risk of developing severe blood clots (including in past medical history);
- breast cancer (including in past medical history);
- you have certain heart problems (e.g., certain heart valve problems, certain types of irregular heartbeats);
- chest pain caused by angina;
- certain types of headaches or migraines with aura;
- severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
- endometrial, cervical, or vaginal cancer;
- estrogen-dependent growths;
- undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleedings;
- liver disease, liver tumors or cancer;
- diabetes that affects circulation;
- a history of yellowing of the eyes or skin caused by pregnancy or prior birth control use;
- you have had surgery and are or will be confined to a bed or a chair for an extended period of time;
- you are older than 35 years old and you smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day.

Side effects:
Most side effects of Levlen are not serious. The most common side effects are:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- bleeding between menstrual periods;
- weight gain;
- breast tenderness;
- difficulty wearing contact lenses;

These side effects may disappear within the first three months of use of Levlen.

The serious side effects of Levlen occur very rarely, especially if you are in good health and do not smoke. However, you should be aware of them: These side effects include:
- blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism);
- blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain (stroke);
- blockage of blood vessels in the heart (heart attack and angina pectoris) or other organs of the body;
- liver tumors, which may rupture and cause severe bleeding;
- high blood pressure, although blood pressure usually returns to normal when patients stop using Levlen;

Discus with your doctor any medical conditions you may have. Your doctor will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. You should be reexamined at least once a year while taking oral contraceptives.

Interactions:
Some drugs may decrease oral-contraceptive effectiveness, such drugs are:
- rifampin,
- drugs used for epilepsy such as barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) and phenytoin (Dilantin), primidone (Mysoline), topiramate (Topamax), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenylbutazone (Butazolidin);
- some antibiotics such as ampicillin and other penicillins, and tetracyclines;
- herbal preparations containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum);
- HIV/AIDS drugs such as ritonavir (Norvir), modafinil (Provigil);

- if you take troleandomycin and Levlen at the same time you may be at higher risk of a specific type of liver dysfunction;

This list may be not complete and there may be other drugs not listed here that can also affect Levlen. Before taking Levlen be sure to inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Special instructions:
- Alessa do not protect against transmission of HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis B, genital herpes and genital warts.
- We strongly advise you not to smoke while using Levlen. Smoking increases your chances of having serious heart problems. The risk of heart problems increases with age and with frequent smoking. Women older than 35 years old and women who smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day are at a greater risk for heart problems.
- There may occur bleeding or spotting while taking Levlen. If this occurs do not stop taking Levlen. If bleeding or spotting continues for more than 7 days or is heavy, consult with your doctor.
- If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time (such as a long plane flight), notify your doctor 3 to 4 weeks ahead of time. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while taking Levlen.
- Levlen may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, you may wear protective clothing or use a sunscreen when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths.