Seasonique (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol)

What is Seasonique?

Seasonique is a combination of two female hormones – an estrogen and a progestin. It is an oral contraceptive for pregnancy prevention.

What is Seasonique used for?

Seasonique is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. It also helps make periods more regular, and reduces blood loss and painful periods (dysmenorrhea). When used continuously for three months, the medication can help decrease the number of periods a female has.

How does Seasonique work?

Seasonique works by preventing the release of an egg and/or by making the vaginal fluid thicker, thereby, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the uterus. If the egg has been fertilized, Seasonique prevents it from attaching itself to the uterus and thus, prevents pregnancy.

How to use Seasonique

Follow your doctor’s instructions wisely. Taking it for longer period or in larger amount than recommended can cause problems.

If you are using the medicine for the first time, it is suggested that you take the first tablet on the first Sunday following the beginning of your menstrual cycle.

The medicine is to be taken by mouth, once daily. If you have upset stomach or nausea, it is advised that you take the medicine after your evening meal or before going to bed.

The Seasonique pack contains 84 estrogen/ progestin pills which are to be taken daily for 84 days (one pill each day). Apart from these 84 pills, there are 7 estrogen-only pills, which are to be taken for 7 days, following the day you had taken the last estrogen/ progestin pill.

After this period, continue with your next set of 84 pills. However, before continuing, seek advice from your doctor.

Remember to take Seasonique pills at the same time each day.

Seasonique warnings and precautions

Do not use Seasonique if you are suffering from abnormal vaginal bleeding, migraine headaches, extremely high blood pressure, a heart valve disorder, liver cancer (or any other liver disease), hormone related cancer (e.g., uterine or breast cancer); a history of blood clotting, stroke, circulation problems, or jaundice (caused by birth control pills).

Prior to taking this medication, let your doctor know if you have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, heart disease, angina pain, a history of heart attack, depression, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, diabetes, epilepsy, irregular menstrual cycle, fibrocystic breast disease, nodules, lumps, or abnormal mammogram.

Abstain from smoking and drinking, especially if you are 35 years of age or above.

Seasonique should never be used by pregnant females. If you become pregnant during the course of the treatment, or if you miss two periods in a row, inform your doctor right away. Lactating women should not take this medication, unless prescribed by the doctor. It may harm a nursing infant and may even slow down the production of breast milk.

It is to be noted that the medicine does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases; therefore, you must use necessary precautions during intercourse.

What do I do if I have missed a Seasonique dose?

If you have missed a Seasonique dose, take two pills on the day you remember about the missed dose. After that, continue taking one pill everyday (for the remaining pack). However, if you have missed two pills in a row, take two pills per day for two days and then continue with your regular dosing schedule.

If you miss three pills in a row, do not take the missed pills and continue your schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Seasonique overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Seasonique, you should seek medical help right away.

Seasonique interactions

Before taking Seasonique, tell your doctor about all the medicines that you are on, especially if you have been taking phenylbutazone, antibiotics, St. John’s wort; seizure medicines such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, primidone; barbiturates such as butabarbital, mephobarbital, secobarbital, or phenobarbital; or HIV medicines such as indinavir, saquinavir, fosamprenavir, or ritonavir.

Seasonique side effects

Seasonique side effects include breathing trouble, hives, swelling, sudden headache, sudden numbness, confusion, chest pain, nausea, severe migraine headache, sweating, pain in arms or shoulders; problems with speech, vision, or balance; low fever, appetite loss, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice.

Less serious side effects from Seasonique may include mild nausea, bloating, vomiting, stomach cramps, breast pain and tenderness, freckles, darkening of facial skin, changes in weight or appetite, loss of scalp hair, vaginal itching and abnormal discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive, nervousness, dizziness, or fatigue.