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Seasonale
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Is it okay to have only 4 pill periods a year?
Clinical studies to date have shown no increased health risks with Seasonale compared with a 28-day birth control pill. Periods experienced on birth control pills (or pill periods) result only because hormones are stopped during the last 7 days of your pill cycle. They do not result because of a need to shed the built up uterine lining. Taking Seasonale maintains the lining of the uterus and avoids buildup. Since the lining is thin and does not need to be shed each month, there is no need for a monthly pill period.
Is it okay to switch from another birth control pill to Seasonale?
Yes. If you are on another birth control pill, you may switch to Seasonale. Only you and your healthcare professional, however, can decide if switching to Seasonale is right for you.
Who should not take Seasonale?
Birth control pills, including Seasonale, are not recommended for women who have experienced heart attack or stroke; blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes; cancer of the breast or sex organs; or liver tumors. Birth control pills are also not for women who have chest pain, an inherited tendency to form blood clots, liver or adrenal disease, or who have yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin. Women who smoke, especially those over 35, should not take birth control pills, neither should women who are pregnant or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, you should discuss these conditions with your healthcare professional before taking any birth control pill.
How is Seasonale different from other birth control pills?
Seasonale is a birth control pill that extends your cycle. With other pills, you will have your pill period once every 28 days, or 13 times a year. Seasonale works like a 28-day birth control pill. Unlike a 28-day birth control pill, Seasonale extends your cycle.
What if I don't get my pill period while I'm on Seasonale?
Some women on birth control pills experience no bleeding during their pill period. This is called amenorrhea and can happen with many birth control pills. If you do not get a pill period, contact your healthcare professional to confirm you are not pregnant.
Are there any risks associated with taking Seasonale?
Women who take Seasonale receive 9 more weeks of estrogen and progestin every year than with a same-dose 28-day birth control pill. While this may increase the chance of serious health risks, current studies have not shown an increased risk. Risks with Seasonale are similar to those with all birth control pills. Most side effects are not serious and those that are occur infrequently. The convenience of fewer planned menses (4 per year instead of 13 per year) should be weighed against the inconvenience of increased intermenstrual bleeding and/or spotting. Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use birth control pills should not smoke. Some women should not use birth control pills, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. If you are a heavy smoker and over age 35, you should not take Seasonale. Birth control pills do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Will I experience any side effects with Seasonale?
Side effects associated with Seasonale are similar to those of other birth control pills. They may include bleeding between pill periods, headache, nausea, and breast tenderness. These side effects may decrease over time. In addition, in a 12-month clinical trial, there was no difference in weight change between women taking Seasonale and women taking a 28-day birth control pill. A recent review of clinical studies involving different birth control pills showed no proof that birth control pills actually cause an increase in weight.
Will I have spotting or breakthrough bleeding with Seasonale?
Seasonale offers you the convenience of having just 4 pill periods a year, but you are also likely to have more spotting and breakthrough bleeding between pill periods than with a 28-day birth control pill. Breakthrough bleeding may vary from slight spotting to a flow much like a regular pill period. These side effects are common during early cycles and can happen as your body is adjusting to hormones. They should decrease over time. Breakthrough bleeding usually does not indicate any serious problems. Even if you have spotting or breakthrough bleeding, keep taking your pills as scheduled. If you have bleeding between pill periods for more than 7 days in a row, contact your healthcare professional.
What is breakthrough bleeding?
Breakthrough bleeding is vaginal bleeding, other than during your menstrual or pill period, that requires sanitary protection (a pad or tampon). It is common and often occurs as your body is adjusting to any birth control pill, including Seasonale. If you are concerned, contact your healthcare professional.
What is spotting?
Spotting is light vaginal bleeding, other than during your menstrual or pill period, that does not require sanitary protection (a pad or tampon). It is common and often occurs as your body is adjusting to any birth control pill, including Seasonale. If you are concerned, contact your healthcare professional.
When should I call my healthcare professional?
While taking Seasonale, call your healthcare professional if you experience any symptom that causes you concern. Call right away if you experience any of the following: sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden shortness of breath, calf pain, sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, vision or speech disturbances, numbness in an arm or leg, breast lumps, or severe stomach pain. If you have missed pills and think you may be pregnant, contact your healthcare professional.
How do I start taking Seasonale?
Take your first pink active pill on the Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still bleeding. If your period begins on Sunday, start taking Seasonale that same day. You should use another method of birth control as a backup (such as condoms or spermicide) for the first 7 days of your first Extended-Cycle Tablet Dispenser.
How often should I take Seasonale?
You should take 1 pink active pill every day for 84 days in a row. Then take 1 white inactive pill every day for 7 days. You should take Seasonale at the same time every day to most effectively prevent pregnancy. This may also reduce the chance of spotting or breakthrough bleeding.
Do I need to take Seasonale at the same time every day?
Yes. It's important to take Seasonale at the same time every day. This makes sure you are most effectively protected from pregnancy. It may also help lessen the chance of spotting and breakthrough bleeding.
Are there any medications I shouldn't take while I'm taking Seasonale?
It's important to tell your healthcare professional about all the medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements) you are currently taking. As with other birth control pills, if Seasonale is taken with certain other medications, the way either medication works may be changed.
Can I smoke while taking Seasonale?
As with other birth control pills, smoking while taking Seasonale can increase your risk for serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Women who use Seasonale, or any birth control pill, should not smoke. If you are a heavy smoker and over age 35, you should not take Seasonale.
Can I take Seasonale right after I have a baby?
If you are breast-feeding, you should not take any combination birth control pill, including Seasonale, during that time. If you decide NOT to breast-feed your baby, you can safely begin taking Seasonale 4 weeks after you give birth.
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