Jolessa

Jolessa is a prescription birth control pill used to help prevent pregnancy. It is an extended-cycle combined oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel 0.15 mg, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg, an estrogen. Jolessa is an authorized generic for Seasonale.

• Jolessa mainly works by preventing ovulation.
• Each 91-day pack contains 84 active pink tablets followed by 7 inactive white tablets.
• Because it uses an extended cycle, scheduled bleeding usually happens during the week of inactive tablets.
• It is taken every day rather than only when you have sex.
• Jolessa does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

Take one Jolessa tablet by mouth every day at the same time, following the order shown in the package. You take 84 active pink tablets followed by 7 inactive white tablets, then begin the next 91-day pack the day after the final white tablet.

• Take the tablets in the order provided.
• Taking active pills consistently is important for maintaining pregnancy protection.
• Do not add extra pill-free days between packs.
• Missing one active pill is handled differently from missing two or more pills.
• Special instructions apply if you miss pills, start a new pack late, vomit, have diarrhea, or switch from another birth control method.

Follow the Patient Information that comes with Jolessa for detailed starting and missed-pill instructions.

Possible side effects include headache, nausea, breast tenderness, migraine, acne, weight gain, depression, painful periods, and changes in menstrual bleeding. Spotting or bleeding between scheduled periods can also happen, especially during the first few extended cycles. This is not a complete list of possible effects.

• Combined birth control pills can increase the risk of serious blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
• Seek urgent medical care for sudden severe shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent leg pain, sudden vision loss, or sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking.
• Contact your healthcare provider about significant new or worsening headaches or other concerning symptoms.
• People over age 35 who smoke cigarettes should not use Jolessa because smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular problems.

See Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information.

Jolessa requires a prescription, and your healthcare provider should review your health history before prescribing it. Tell them if you smoke or have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart problems, migraines, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver problems, breast cancer, or depression. Also mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent childbirth, upcoming major surgery, or long periods of limited movement. Share all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements you take so your provider can decide whether Jolessa is appropriate for you.

Jolessa uses an extended 91-day cycle, so scheduled bleeding usually happens during the 7 inactive-pill days rather than every month. Spotting or bleeding between scheduled periods can still happen and may be more common when you first start Jolessa. This often decreases with continued use. Contact your healthcare provider if bleeding is heavy, lasts a long time, or concerns you. A missed scheduled period may also need pregnancy evaluation in some situations.

What to do depends on how many active pink pills you miss. If you miss one, take it as soon as you remember and continue your pack. Missing two or more pills has different instructions and may require backup contraception for 7 days. Follow the Patient Information for the exact missed-pill steps, or contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are unsure.

The 7 white tablets at the end of each Jolessa pack are inactive and do not contain birth control hormones. If you miss one, throw it away and continue taking the remaining tablets on schedule. Missing a white pill does not require backup contraception. Make sure you start your next Jolessa pack on time after finishing the inactive-pill week.

Vomiting or diarrhea can affect how well an active pill is absorbed. If you vomit or have diarrhea within about 3 to 4 hours after taking a pink pill, the prescribing information says to follow the instructions for a missed pill. If symptoms continue, additional contraception may be needed. Check the Patient Information or contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Yes. Some medicines and herbal products can reduce pregnancy protection. Examples include certain seizure medicines, rifampin or rifabutin, and St. John’s wort. Backup contraception may sometimes be needed. Jolessa can also affect other medicines, including lamotrigine, so tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about everything you take before starting Jolessa or adding a new medication.

Not having scheduled bleeding does not always mean you are pregnant. However, pregnancy should be considered if you did not take Jolessa correctly or if you have pregnancy symptoms. If you miss scheduled bleeding and are unsure about your pregnancy risk, contact your healthcare provider before relying on Jolessa alone for contraception.

JOLESSA - levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol kit / Source: DailyMed

Link: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f1076019-6f2c-4c90-9f3c-ab0c7cdd9315 / Published: October 24, 2024