Quasense

As an extended-cycle birth control pill, Quasense allows women to only have four menstrual periods each year. However, the drug is not suitable for everyone. Prior to taking it, talk to your healthcare provider about existing medical conditions you have, as well as any other medications you are taking. Possible side effects of Quasense include headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

 

What Is Quasense?

Quasense™ (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill) and is a generic version of Seasonale®. Quasense was the first "extended-cycle" oral contraceptive -- the first birth control pill designed to let women have less frequent menstrual periods. With Quasense, you will get your period once every three months (only four times a year).
 
(Click What Is Quasense Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects of Quasense

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Quasense. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Quasense include but are not limited to:
 
  • Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches.
     
(Click Side Effects of Quasense to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Quasense Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;