What is Seasonale (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol) prescribed for?

Seasonale is a combination of two medications: Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol.  Both of these medications are female hormones that prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from an ovary. In short, it is a form of birth control.

This medication is also responsible for the changes in your cervical mucus that uterine lining, which makes it much more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach itself to the uterus.  Basically, Seasonale is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Be sure to take this medication exactly as prescribed to you.  Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Read up on any information your doctor may have given your regarding this medication. And if you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist when possible. And to be sure this medication is helping your condition; visit your doctor regularly.

Take this medication exactly has directed to you by your doctor. You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period beings. You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms and spermicide when you first start using this medication.

Take one pill each day, no more than 24 hours apart. Pick a time and make sure to take it exactly at the same time each day. You will not have a menstrual period every month, while you are on this medication, instead your period should occur every 12 weeks.

The 91-day birth control pack contains three trays with cards that hold 84 "active" pills and seven "reminder" pills. You must use the pills in a certain order to keep you on a regular cycle. Trays 1 and 2 each hold 28 pills. Tray 3 holds 35 pills, including the 7 reminder pills. Your period should begin while you are using these reminder pills.

You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic Levonorgestrel or Ethinyl Estradiol; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Smoking can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Your risk increases the older you are and the more you smoke. You should not take Seasonale if you smoke and are over 35 years old.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills.

It is best to inform your doctor of your medical history. Therefore, it is best to speak with your doctor if you have ever suffered from any of the following;  heart disease, high blood pressure, blood clots or prone to blood clots, high cholesterol and triglycerides, depression, diabetes, underactive thyroid, gallbladder disease, seizures, migraines, irregular menstrual cycles,  fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.

While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.

Common Seasonale side effects may include: mild nausea (especially when you first start taking this medicine), vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps; breast tenderness or swelling, nipple discharge; freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair; changes in weight or appetite; problems with contact lenses; vaginal itching or discharge; or changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive.

Stop using Seasonale and call your doctor at once if you begin to experience any of the following; sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches; nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; a breast lump; or symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

How much does Seasonale cost?

At My Drug Center, we carry the brand-name medication for an affordable price. The cost of 91 tablets (0.15mg/0.03mg) is $105.00, which equals to about $1.15 per tablet. In the United States, the cost of the same supply (brand-name Seasonale) is about 2.5 times as expensive, which is more than 50% as much. At My Drug Center, the price per tablet will go down as you purchase larger quantities of the medication.

What is the generic for Seasonale?

There are a few different generic names for Seasonale; the generic name for Seasonale is Levonorgestrel & Ethinyl Estradiol, the names of the active ingredients that make up the medication. However, some generic manufacturers have created their own generic forms of Seasonale, but have given them generic trade names, such as Introvale, Jolessa, and Quasense. At My Drug Center, we carry the brand-name product, Seasonale, in 0.15mg/0.03mg, available to those with a valid prescription.

What are the side effects of Seasonale birth control?

When you first take taking Seasonale, you may experience side effects as your body adjusts to the medication. Nausea is reported as a common side effect, especially during the start of treatment. Additional side effects may include vomiting, headache, stomach cramping, bloating, or dizziness. There may also be other side effects not listed here. If side effects become worrisome or do not go away over time, you may want to consult your doctor.

Who makes Seasonale?

Seasonale is manufactured by a company called Teva Women's Health, Inc., a U.S.-based subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals Inc. Teva Pharmaceuticals is an Israeli American pharmaceutical company (the 15th largest pharmaceutical company in the world).