Jolessa

Jolessa is a drug used as an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. This drug is available as a package of tablets, each tablet containing Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03mg and Levonorgestrel 0.15mg or placebo.

Instructions:

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions:

Jolessa may interact with medications such as:

• Aromatase inhibitors such as anastrazole or exemestane
• Raloxifene
• Sodium tetradecyl sulfate
• Tamoxifen
• Medication for underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Drugs that may increase blood levels of this drug (such as acetaminophen, vitamin C, atorvastatin, azole antifungals like itraconazole, ketoconazole or vaginal miconazole)
• Griseofulvin
• Modafinil
• Rifamycinssuch as rifampin or rifabutin
• St. John's wort
• Drugs used to treat seizures such as barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, primidone or topiramate
• HIV drugs such as nelfinavir, nevirapine or ritonavir
• Acetaminophen
• Certain beta blockers such as metoprolol
• Clofibrate
• Cyclosporine
• Morphine
• Corticosteroids such as prednisolone
• Certain benzodiazepines such as lorazepam or temazepam
• Theophylline
• Tizanidine

Side Effects:

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings:

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to ethinyl estradiol or levonorgestrel
• History of stroke or other blood clots
• Blood clotting disorders
• Severe high blood pressure
• Abnormal breast exam
• Cancer especially endometrial and breast cancer
• Diabetes that has caused kidney, eye, nerve or blood vessel disease
• Severe headaches
• History of heart disease
• Heart valve disease
• Liver problems
• Current or suspected pregnancy
• Recent major surgery
• Long periods of sitting or lying down
• History of yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using birth control pills
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Heavy tobacco use especially if 35 or over
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol or triglyceride (blood fat) levels
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Swelling (edema)
• Gallbladder problems
• Kidney disease
• Migraine
• Obesity
• Irregular, missed or very light periods
• Recent pregnancy
• Thyroid problems
• Pregnancy or lactation