Jolessa contains two hormones, ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, which work together to prevent pregnancy through several mechanisms. The primary action is suppression of ovulation, meaning the ovaries do not release an egg during the cycle. The hormones also thicken cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and thin the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation. When taken consistently and correctly, Jolessa can be effective at preventing pregnancy.
Unlike traditional 28-day birth control pills, Jolessa is taken continuously for 84 days of active hormone tablets followed by 7 days of inactive tablets, resulting in a menstrual period about once every three months. This extended-cycle schedule can reduce the frequency of periods and may lessen menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, and hormone-related symptoms for some patients. Patients should take one tablet daily at the same time each day and follow instructions carefully if a dose is missed. Jolessa does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Before starting therapy, healthcare providers review medical history to ensure it is appropriate, particularly in patients with a history of blood clots, certain cancers, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or migraine with aura.
Common side effects of Jolessa include nausea, breast tenderness, headache, bloating, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding or spotting, especially during the first few cycles. Because this is an extended-cycle pill, irregular bleeding may occur initially but often improves over time. Serious but uncommon risks include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and liver problems. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as leg swelling or pain, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, severe headache, vision changes, or weakness on one side of the body. Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in patients over age 35.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only a healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. TelyRx does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine’s uses from the patient education materials and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you may receive from your healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please review the entire patient education information you receive with the medication.