Indications
Seasonique is a type of birth control pill that contains a combination of two hormones: levonorgestrel, which is a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, which is an estrogen. It is an extended-cycle contraceptive, which means it is designed to be taken for a longer period than traditional birth control pills.
Seasonique comes in a 91-day blister pack containing 84 active light blue-green tablets, taken for 84 days, followed by 7 inactive yellow tablets. The purpose of the inactive pills is to allow for regular menstrual bleeding to occur. Seasonique is primarily used to prevent pregnancy, but it may also be prescribed for other purposes, such as regulating menstrual periods and reducing the risk of ovarian cysts.
Uses and Dosage
Seasonique comes in the form of a tablet to take by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember and take the pill at the same time each day. Make sure to follow the prescribed dosage and to take the tablets in the correct order as indicated in the package instructions.
Do not miss any doses as this increases the risk of pregnancy. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, be aware that this can affect the effectiveness of the medication, and you may need to use a backup form of birth control, such as condoms or spermicide.
To ensure proper use of Seasonique, it may be helpful to take the tablet after your evening meal or at bedtime if you experience stomach upset or nausea with the medication. However, you may also choose another convenient time of day to take the medication as long as you take it at the same time each day, 24 hours apart. Follow dosing schedule and order of pills to avoid the risk of pregnancy. The medication pack consists of 84 estrogen/progestin pills and 7 estrogen-only pills. Begin taking the tablets on the first Sunday following the start of your menstrual period. If your period begins on a Sunday, start taking the medication on that day.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Seasonique (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol/ Ethinyl Estradiol):
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Changes in your menstrual periods
- Decreased sex drive
- Freckles or darkening of facial skin
- Increased hair growth
- Loss of scalp hair
- Mild nausea (especially when you first start this medicine)
- Nipple discharge
- Problems with contact lenses
- Stomach cramps
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Seasonique (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol/ Ethinyl Estradiol):
- Balance problems
- Bloating
- Blurred vision
- Breast lump
- Brownish patch on the face
- Chest pain or pressure
- Clay-colored stools
- Coughing up blood
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Hives
- Mood changes
- Problems tolerating contact lenses
- Severe headache
- Stabbing chest pain
- Sudden vision loss
- Sweating
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Tiredness
- Upper stomach pain
- Weakness
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Seasonique (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol/ Ethinyl Estradiol) is available in the following forms and strength:
Seasonique: Tablet
- 0.15/0.03/0.01mg
Caution
- Women who are over 35 years old and smoke should not use Seasonique.
- Women who have a history of blood clots or stroke, certain types of cancer, liver disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or abnormal vaginal bleeding should not use Seasonique.
- Seasonique may increase the risk of developing blood clots, especially in women who have other risk factors for blood clots.
- Seasonique may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and gallbladder disease, especially in women who smoke.
- Some medications, such as certain antibiotics and anti-seizure drugs, may interfere with the effectiveness of Seasonique, so women should check with their healthcare provider before taking any new medications while using Seasonique.
- Women who experience persistent, severe headaches, visual disturbances, or other symptoms of a stroke or blood clot while using Seasonique should seek medical attention immediately.
- Women who smoke or have a history of blood clots, certain cancers, liver disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or abnormal vaginal bleeding should not use Seasonique.
- Seasonique may increase the risk of developing blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and gallbladder disease, especially in women who smoke.
- Seasonique may not be as effective in preventing pregnancy in women with a BMI of 30 or higher or women who are obese.
- Women who experience persistent, severe headaches, visual disturbances, or other symptoms of a stroke or blood clot while using Seasonique should seek medical attention immediately.
- Certain medications, such as certain antibiotics and anti-seizure drugs, may interfere with the effectiveness of Seasonique, so women should check with their healthcare provider before taking any new medications while using Seasonique.
- Seasonique does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Women with a history of depression, migraines, or high blood pressure should use Seasonique with caution and under close supervision by a healthcare provider.
- Seasonique may cause changes in menstrual bleeding, including irregular bleeding or stopping of periods altogether. Women who experience such changes should contact their healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for Seasonique to stop your period?
It is an extended-dosing cycle taken continuously for 91 days. This means whilst taking Seasonique you may not have your normal periods for up to 3 months (equivalent to 1 period every 3 months).
When is the best time to start Seasonique?
Instruct the patient to begin taking Seasonique on the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation. If menstruation begins on a Sunday, the first light blue-green tablet is taken that day. One light blue-green tablet should be taken daily for 84 consecutive days, followed by one yellow tablet for 7 consecutive days.
Can Seasonique cause hair loss?
Freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, hair loss on scalp; changes in weight or appetite; problems with contact lenses; vaginal itching or discharge.
Resources
- https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Seasonique.aspx
- https://www.rxlist.com/seasonique-drug.htm
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/referrals/seasonique-associated-names
- https://www.drugs.com/seasonique.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-144664/seasonique-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021840s008lbl.pdf
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