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Combination Birth Control Pill Now Available In One-Third Lower Dose PHILADELPHIA -- July 24, 1997 -- A new, low-dose oral contraceptive, Alesse(TM) (100 mcg levonorgestrel/20 mcg ethinyl estradiol tablets), is now available in the United States. New Alesse, from Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, contains a one-third lower dose of the formulation used in the world's most widely prescribed birth control pill combination. "Since the introduction of the birth control pill, physicians and their patients have been eager to see a reduction in the dosage of estrogen and progestin in the Pill," said David F. Archer, M.D., Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School. "We have been gradually and steadily lowering the dosages of these hormones, and now we're seeing low-dose birth control pills that are just as effective in preventing pregnancy as the pills in the past." Alesse represents the lowest dose combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol marketed in the United States. It contains 100 mcg of the progestin levonorgestrel, the most widely prescribed contraceptive progestin, and 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, the estrogen most frequently used in oral contraceptives. More than 40 percent of oral contraceptive prescriptions worldwide contain levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, representing nearly three billion cycles. Alesse, like other oral contraceptives, has proven to be more than 99 percent effective when taken as directed. In addition, clinical studies suggest that birth control pills may provide protection from ovarian and endometrial cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease. They also may make a woman's period less painful by reducing cramps and increase menstrual cycle regularity. Women who use Alesse or other oral contraceptives also may experience iron-deficiency anemia and ectopic pregnancy less frequently. Common side effects associated with oral contraceptives include nausea, headache and breast tenderness. Serious side effects occur infrequently, especially if a woman is in good health and does not smoke. These may include blood clots, heart disease, stroke, liver tumors and gallbladder disease. Several studies have found no overall increase in the risk of developing breast cancer in women taking oral contraceptives. More information on: Alesse, Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version