Quasense

Watson Labs introduced the extended-cycle birth control pill Quasense after FDA approval in September 2006.  Since that time, women have used the drug with mixed success.  While it does a good job as an oral contraceptive, it also can be dangerous.  There are numerous cases of serious side effects and there have been a number of Quasense lawsuits filed since the birth control pill was introduced.

Quasense is made up of a combination of ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and levonorgestrel (progestin).  The combination of female hormones prevents ovulation and the fertilization of the egg by causing changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining making it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and it also keeps a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.

Caution should be used before taking Quasense as there are numerous situations in which the oral contraceptive should not be used.

 Do not Take Quasense if:

• -you are pregnant or recently had a baby because it can be transferred through breast milk to the baby
• -you have a history of stroke or blood clots
• -you are diabetic and have poor circulation because it can affect your blood sugar level
• -you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, liver cancer or liver disease
• -you have abnormal vaginal bleeding
• -you have a history of heart valve disorder or other heart problems
• -you have a history of jaundice
• -you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• -you have migraine headaches

Use Caution and Check with Your Doctor if:

• -you have a history of heart attack, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• -you are significantly overweight
• -you have gall bladder disease
• -you have irregular menstrual cycles
• -you have a history of depression
• Major side effects that require immediate emergency attention include any allergic reaction to the drug that causes hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.  This can be life-threatening so get to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

Serious side effects that also require prompt attention include:

• -sudden numbness or weakness, particularly if it occurs on one side of the body
• -sudden onset of a headache, confusion, loss of balance
• -pain behind the eyes, vision problems, speech problems
• -a change in the severity and occurrence of migraines
• -nausea, stomach pains, low fever, appetite loss, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
• -swelling in the feet, ankles or hands
• -symptoms of depression such as sleep problems, feeling tired, having mood swings

Less serious side effects may include:

• -mild nausea
• -breast pain, tenderness or swelling
• -freckles or a darkening of the facial skin
• -increased body hair growth
• -loss of scalp hair
• -changes in appetite
• -blurry vision
• -vaginal itching
• -changes in menstrual periods
• -decreased sex drive
• -headaches, nervousness or feeling dizzy

All of the above-mentioned side effects may or may not be completely attributable to Quasense.  If you had high blood pressure or high cholesterol before taking the drug, naturally, you will still have the problem unless you take steps to treat it.  The same can be said for a number of symptoms that you may experience when taking Quasense.

It is very important to check with your doctor and give his or hers complete medical history.  If the doctor believes the drug is safe for you he or she will prescribe the drug.  Once you start taking the oral contraceptive, be aware of anything that seems abnormal.  What might seem like a minor irritation to you can actually be a very serious medical problem.  As with any drug you put in to your body, you must be aware of how it affects you.