What is Alesse?

Alesse is a second generation oral bio-active low dose combination of man-made estrogen and progestin hormones put together for the purpose of interrupting a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. The part of the menstrual cycle affected is the release of an egg approximately once a month. A peak in the amount of hormones in a woman’s system normally triggers that event. Taking Alesse keeps the hormone levels consistent which prevents ovulation. The compound also changes the composition of the mucus in the cervix and the inner lining of the uterus to further impede pregnancy by making the environment inhospitable to sperm and impregnated eggs.

The non-proprietary names for Alesse are Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Ethinyl estradiol was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States on June 25, 1943. This is what would be seen on the label when purchasing a generic version from a pharmaceutical outlet.

It is commercially marketed under fourteen different trademark labels; Aviane, Levlite, Enpresse, Nordette, Alesse, Lutera, Trivora, Lessina, Levora, Portia, Lybrel, Triphasil, Levlen and Tri-Levlen. While Alesse is primarily used as a birth control pill it is sometime prescribed by a physician for other conditions. Such usage is not covered in this directory of prescription medications.

See also