What is Seasonique?
Seasonique is a prescription drug that consists of two female hormones, ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and levonorgestrel (progesterone). It is a contraceptive pill that contains a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin.
This medication works by preventing the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle, as well as thickening the vaginal fluids to make it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, Seasonique is a popular contraception option for women because it reduces the number of menstrual cycles to just four per year, or once each season.
Birth control pills do not protect you from any sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Seasonique Uses
Correct usage of Seasonique prevents unwanted pregnancies and helps to make menstrual periods more regular. It also decreases excessive blood loss and reduces the occurrence of painful periods, a condition known as dysmenorrhea.
Although Seasonique may be an effective birth control option for many women, it is not suitable for everyone. Talk to your doctor before taking Seasonique if you are over 35 and smoke, or have a history of stroke, blood clot, circulation problems, severe high blood pressure or cancer.
Who should not take Seasonique?
- Pregnant or breast feeding women, Seasonique can cause birth defects
- Smokers
- Women over 35 years old
Do not use Seasonique if you have or had any of the following conditions.
- Breast cancer
- Liver disease or tumors
- Blood clots
- Strokes
- Heart Attacks
- Heart Valve problems or arrhythmia
- Blood that clots more than normal
- High blood pressure that is not under control
- Diabetes with kidney, eye or blood vessel damage
- Migraine headaches with aura, numbness, weakness or changes in vision
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Jaundice issues from taking birth control pills
Consult with your healthcare provider before taking Seasonique if you have or ever had any of the following.
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Angina, or a history of heart attack
- High cholesterol
- Depression
- Gallbladder disease
- Diabetes
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram
How to take Seasonique
Seasonique is taken once per day, preferably at the same time for 91 days. This completes one cycle. Menstruation will occur at the end of the cycle during the yellow pill week and will last for three days, on average. Begin taking Seasonique on the first Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still actively bleeding. You can still start Seasonique even if your period begins on Sunday.
If you miss a pill follow the instructions carefully to get back on track.
It is recommended that you use a back-up birth control method during the first seven days of taking Seasonique to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
