Seasonique Side Effects
Summary
Women who are considering Seasonique birth control should be aware of the side effects and drug interactions that are associated with this popular drug. Common Seasonique side effects include acne, gastrointestinal upset, and changes in vaginal bleeding or fluids. These and other Seasonique side effects are common during the first three months of use, but often subside as the body adjusts to the hormones in the treatment. Other, more serious, side effects may occur in a small number of Seasonique users.
Common Seasonique Side Effects
Many women experience some type of side effect during their first three months of taking Seasonique. If these side effects become serious or do not go away on their own, contact your doctor. In most cases, the following side effects of Seosonique do not require medical attention or treatment:
- Acne
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Loss of scalp hair
- Nausea
- Headache
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Vaginal irritation
- Increased vaginal fluids
- Decreased sex drive
- Vaginal spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Problem wearing contact lenses
Serious Seasonique Side Effects
Seasonique contraception treatments result in more serious side effects for some patients. Although serious Seasonique side effects are considered uncommon, they can occur.
In rare cases, some women may experience a severe allergic reaction to Seasonique. Allergic reactions to prescription medications such as Seasonique require immediate medical attention. Never ignore the following symptoms, which are indicative of a serious allergic reaction:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Unusual hoarseness
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue
Seasonique also comes with a wide array of other potentially serious side effects that may require medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these serious Seasonique side effects:
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Confusion
- Chest pain or heaviness
- Fainting
- Mood changes
- Breast discharge
- Breast lumps
- Dark urine
- Changes in urine production
- Swelling, pain or tenderness in the calves or legs
- Coughing up blood
- Pale stools
- Fever
- Severe nausea
- Severe headache
- Severe dizziness
- Persistent vaginal spotting
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Vision changes
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Severe stomach pain or tenderness
- Migraines
- Swelling of the fingers, hands, legs or ankles
- Sudden, severe vomiting
- Dark patches on the skin
- Unwanted facial or body hair
Unintended Pregnancy
Unwanted pregnancies are a potential side effect of any birth control method that is not used correctly. To avoid Seasonique side effects such as unwanted pregnancy, always take the medication as prescribed by your doctor and at the same time each day. It is also important to avoid any medications or products that may increase, or decrease, the effectiveness of Seasonique. Women who have just started taking Seasonique should use a backup birth control method for the first one to two months of treatment; consult your doctor for more information.
When to Discontinue Treatment
Let your doctor know immediately if you experience any of the uncommon, but serious, side effects associated with Seasonique. Depending on the symptoms and their severity, your doctor may choose to adjust your dosage or discontinue Seasonique treatment altogether. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to discontinue treatment temporarily, such as before going into surgery, during a period of bed rest or before a long flight.
Seasonique is an effective medication for many women who are looking to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the number of menstrual cycles they experience. However, the many potential side effects and drug interactions associated with the Seasonique may make some women wary. Talking to your doctor will help you decide if Seasonique is right for you.
