Seasonale is an oral contraceptive, which are are medications you can take to help prevent pregnancy, help regulate your menstrual cycle and, in some cases, help with acne. Traditional birth control pills have 21 days of active (hormone) pills and 7 days of placebo pills, and this is when you get your period.
Identification
Seasonale contains the hormones ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, which are similar to estrogen and progesterone, naturally occurring hormones in your body. Generic names include Jolessa and Quasense.
Benefits
Many traditional pills work on monthly schedules. Seasonale, however, contains 84 active pills and 7 placebo pills, so you only get your period every three months. This regimen is known as continuous birth control or extended-cycle birth control.
Function
You should take Seasonale as your doctor has told you to take it. This will mean starting the pack on either the first day of your period or the Sunday after you start your period. You take one pill a day at the same time every day.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of Seasonale may include breakthrough bleeding, headache, weight or appetite changes, chest pain, nausea, and feelings of depression. If you are experiencing anything unusual, call your doctor immediately.
Warning
If you have a history of stroke or blood clots, liver disease, hormone-related cancers like breast cancer, significantly high blood pressure or circulation problems, Seasonale might not be the best contraception choice for you. Smoking cigarettes also increases your risk of adverse effects with the drug.
Considerations
Seasonale is intended to help prevent pregnancy; it does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, or HIV and AIDS.
