Question 1

What is Quasense?

Accepted Answer

Quasense is a combination hormonal contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol . This medication works primarily by suppressing the release of eggs from the ovaries during the treatment cycle. It also creates changes in the cervical mucus and the uterine lining to help prevent fertilization and implantation.

Question 2

What is Quasense used for?

Accepted Answer

Quasense is used to treat contraception .

Question 3

How does Quasense work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Quasense contains two types of female hormones: a progestin (levonorgestrel) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). These hormones work together in several ways to prevent pregnancy:

Inhibiting Ovulation: The primary way Quasense works is by suppressing the hormones that trigger the ovaries to release an egg each month. Without an egg, fertilization cannot occur.

Thickening Cervical Mucus: The medication causes the mucus in the cervix to become thicker. This makes it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and reach the uterus.

Changing the Uterine Lining: Quasense alters the lining of the uterus. This change makes it less likely for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall.

Extended-Cycle Regimen

Unlike traditional birth control pills that follow a 28-day cycle, Quasense is taken in a 91-day cycle. Active pills are taken for 84 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of inactive pills. This schedule is designed to reduce the frequency of menstrual periods to approximately once every three months.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Quasense?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredients in Quasense are Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Quasense?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Quasense may include:

Nausea

Headache

Breast tenderness

and others.

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Quasense?

Accepted Answer

Quasense belongs to the combined oral contraceptive drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Quasense and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Quasense

Take a tablet by mouth at the same time every day. It is important to take the pills in the exact order directed on the blister pack. You may take the medication with or without food, but taking it at the same time each day helps ensure effectiveness and may help you remember your dose.

This medication follows an extended cycle. You will take active tablets for several weeks followed by a short period of inactive tablets. Your period should occur during the time you take the inactive tablets.

Starting the Medication

Most healthcare providers recommend starting the initial pack on the Sunday after your menstrual period begins. If your period starts on a Sunday, start the pack that same day. Use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, for the initial week of the initial cycle.

Missed Doses

If you miss doses, your risk of pregnancy increases. Follow these general guidelines if a dose is missed:

Single active pill: Take the missed pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill at your regular time. This may mean taking more than a single pill in a day.

Multiple active pills in a row: Take the missed pills over the next couple of days and then return to the regular schedule. You must use a backup birth control method for several days.

Several active pills in a row: Do not take the missed pills. Continue taking the remaining pills in the pack as scheduled. You must use a backup birth control method for several days.

Inactive pills: If you miss any of the inactive pills, throw away the missed pills and continue taking the remaining pills in the pack until it is empty.

Question 8

Is Quasense safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Quasense is used to prevent pregnancy and should not be taken by individuals who are already pregnant. If you suspect you have become pregnant while taking this medication, stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional. Research has generally shown that accidental use of oral contraceptives during early pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects or harm the developing fetus.

Breastfeeding

Small amounts of the active hormones in Quasense can pass into breast milk. Additionally, estrogen-containing contraceptives may decrease the supply and nutritional quality of breast milk. Healthcare providers generally suggest using other forms of birth control until a nursing child is completely weaned.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Quasense come in?

Accepted Answer

Quasense is supplied as tablets for oral use. It is provided in a 91-day blister card dispenser designed for a continuous dosing schedule.

Each dispenser contains two different types of tablets to be taken in a specific sequence:

Active tablets: Each pack includes 84 white tablets that contain the active hormones levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol.

Inactive tablets: Each pack includes 7 peach-colored tablets that do not contain any active medication.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Quasense?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indication

Quasense (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a combination oral contraceptive. It is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use this product as a method of contraception.

Boxed Warning

The FDA-approved labeling for Quasense includes a boxed warning regarding cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular risks:

Smoking Risk: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from combination oral contraceptive use.

Age Factor: This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day).

Age Restriction: The risk is significantly higher in women over 35 years of age.

Healthcare providers strongly advise women who use combination oral contraceptives like Quasense not to smoke.

Regulatory Considerations

As a prescription medication, Quasense must be used under medical supervision. It is an extended-cycle regimen, meaning it is designed to provide a specific dosing schedule over a 91-day period to reduce the frequency of menstrual periods. The FDA-approved labeling also includes specific contraindications for women with certain medical conditions, such as a history of blood clots, cardiovascular disease, or known or suspected pregnancy.

Question 11

What should I know about Quasense and weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Weight Changes and Quasense

Weight gain is a documented side effect associated with the use of Quasense. Because this medication contains hormones, it can affect how the body retains fluid or manages metabolism in some individuals.

Clinical Trial Data

In clinical studies of Quasense, weight increase was reported as a common adverse reaction.

Specifically, weight changes were observed in at least 2% of the participants during the trials.

While some users may experience weight gain, others may not notice any significant changes. If you experience sudden or concerning weight gain while taking this medication, it is important to discuss these changes with a healthcare professional to determine the cause.

Quasense

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Weight Gain Information

FAQ

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