Seasonique (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Do’s

• Take Seasonique exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily at the same time each day.
• Follow the package instructions to find the first tablet, start with the first tablet in the pack, and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses.
• Take Seasonique with or without food, but taking it after your evening meal or at bedtime may help with stomach upset or nausea.
• Choose a dosing schedule that is easy for you to remember and stick to it.
• If you miss a pill, follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet or check with your healthcare provider for further guidance.
• Use a backup birth control method (like condoms) if you experience vomiting or diarrhea as this can prevent Seasonique from working effectively.
• Start taking Seasonique on the first Sunday following the beginning of your menstrual period. If your period starts on a Sunday, begin then.
• Continue taking Seasonique for 84 days straight, taking one estrogen/progestin pill daily.
• After 84 days, switch to the 7 estrogen-only pills in the pack, taking one daily.
• Expect your period during the week you take the estrogen-only pills.
• Start a new pack of Seasonique on the eighth day, regardless of whether you have your period.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you don't get your period.
• Use a backup form of non-hormonal birth control (like condoms) for the first 7 days if you are switching to Seasonique from another birth control method.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about switching from other birth control methods or anything else related to Seasonique.

Don'ts

• Don't skip doses or take your pill at different times of the day, as this can increase the risk of pregnancy.
• If you experience vomiting or diarrhea within a few hours of taking your pill, it might not be fully absorbed by your body. Consider using backup birth control during that time.
• Don't take Seasonique at different times of the day.
• Don't stop taking Seasonique without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't use Seasonique if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Red or orange discoloration of urine, stools, sweat, saliva, or tears
• Soft contact lenses may be permanently stained

Serious side effects:

• Signs of liver damage, such as nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Signs of kidney problems, such as changes in urine output or appearance
• Mental/mood changes, such as confusion or unusual behavior
• Unusual tiredness
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Small red spots on the skin
• Joint pain or swelling
• New or worsening shortness of breath
• Serious allergic reactions
• Serious cutaneous reactions
• Paradoxical drug reactions (recurrence or appearance of new symptoms in a patient who had previously shown improvement with treatment)

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Seasonique,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Any allergies to ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel, other estrogens, progestins, or inactive ingredients in Seasonique.

Check your medical history, especially:

• Blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal breast exam or cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer)
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Family history of angioedema
• Gallbladder problems
• Severe headaches/migraines
• Heart problems (valve disease, irregular heartbeat, heart attack)
• Liver disease (including tumors)
• Stroke
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

If you have diabetes, Seasonique may affect your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and tell your healthcare provider about any changes.

Seasonique may increase your risk of blood clots, especially if you are having surgery, will be on bed rest for a long time, or smoke over 35 years old.

Seasonique may cause side effects like melasma (darkening of skin) and vision problems.

Seasonique may decrease breast milk production and pass into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Seasonique should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you become pregnant.

It may take longer to get pregnant after stopping Seasonique. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Discuss reliable forms of birth control with your healthcare provider after childbirth or pregnancy loss.

Do not use Seasonique if you smoke cigarettes/use tobacco and are over 35 years old.