Alesse Concerns

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-09-2003
Alesse Concerns
1
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 12:52pm
I am on Aviane (generic for Alesse). I was just reading online some of the side effects of Alesse. I am a little scared now! I've been famililar with certain (the normal) side effects of the pill, but the ones listed here, I wouldn't suspect. Or just didn't read in the manual. I'm a non-smoker and I hear that when you smoke your risks are greater of certain side effects. How common are the more severe side effects associated with BC Pills? Please see below:

Alesse side effects may include abdominal cramps, acne, appetite changes, bladder infection, bleeding in spots during a menstrual period, bloating, blood clots, breast tenderness or enlargement, cancer of the reproductive organs, cataracts, chest pain, contact lens discomfort, decreased flow of milk when given immediately after birth, depression, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fluid retention, gallbladder disease, growth of face, back, chest, or stomach hair, hair loss, headache, heart attack, high blood pressure, inflammation of the large intestine, kidney trouble, lack of menstrual periods, liver tumors, lumps in the breast, menstrual pattern changes, migraine, muscle, joint, or leg pain, nausea, nervousness, pancreatitis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), secretion of milk, severe allergic reactions, sex drive changes, skin infection, skin rash or discoloration, stomach cramps, stroke, swelling, temporary infertility, unexplained bleeding in the vagina, vaginal inflammation or discharge, vaginal infections (and/or burning and itching), visual disturbances and loss of vision, vomiting, weight gain or loss, worsening of lupus, worsening of

twitches or tics, worsening of varicose veins, yellow skin or whites of eyes. If the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 5:54pm
Hi nchristinzio, welcome back,

Serious side effects from oral contraceptives are very rare for young, healthy non-smoking women. Most of the side effects can be traced to the estrogen and Aleese/Aviane has the lowest amount of estrogen in a pill (In the U.S. NuvaRing is lower) so you should be very safe. You might want to have a talk with the doctor who prescribed Aviane for you to help relieve your mind.

Good luck,

      Jill