On this page you can find important
product information, including side-effects about your brand of
birth control.
Alesse (brand or
generic equivalent)
Drug Uses
Alesse is one of the most effective methods for birth control
(99% effective when taken as directed). Alesse contains natural
hormones that stop the ovary from releasing an egg and prevent a
man's sperm from entering the uterus. So with Alesse you can put
your mind at ease and enjoy intimate moments with your partner.
How Taken
Take the first pill in a package on the first Sunday after your
period begins (unless otherwise directed by your doctor). Take
one pill every day, no more than 24 hours after your last dose.
Try to take the pills at a time that you will remember every
day--for example just before bed, with a meal, or first thing in
the morning. Taking your pill at night may help to reduce any
nausea or headache that you may experience because of the
hormones. If you are on a 28-day cycle, take one pill every day.
When the pack runs out, throw it away. Begin a new pack the
following day. The 28-day cycle contains seven pills that are
either placebos (with no active ingredients) or iron
supplements. These are "reminder" pills to keep you on your
regular cycle. They are taken while you are menstruating. If you
are on a 21-day cycle, take one pill every day for 21 days, then
do not take any pills for 7 days. You should have your period
during the 7 days with no pills. Resume your pills on the 8th
day with a new package. Follow your doctor's instructions about
using a second form of birth control when you first start taking
birth control pills, when you are taking antibiotics, or if you
miss a pill. If you are unsure what to do in any of these cases,
talk to your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor about how to ensure
that you will not become pregnant.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have high
blood pressure, angina, or heart disease; have had a stroke;
have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; have breast,
uterine, or another hormone-related cancer; have liver disease
or a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) caused
by use of birth control in the past; have undiagnosed, abnormal
vaginal bleeding; have migraines; have asthma; or have seizures
or epilepsy. You may not be able to take birth control pills, or
you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during
treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Birth
control pills are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means
that birth control pills will cause birth defects in an unborn
baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have very serious
negative effects on a developing baby. Do not take birth control
pills if you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant.
The hormones in birth control pills pass into breast milk and
may decrease milk production. Do not take birth control pills
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Missed Dose
If you miss pills you could get pregnant. This includes starting
the pack late. The more pills you miss, the more likely you are
to get pregnant in the 7 days after you miss pills. The pill may
not be as effective if you miss pink active pills, and
particularly if you miss the first few or the last few pink
active pills in a pack. MISSING PILLS CAN ALSO CAUSE SPOTTING OR
LIGHT BLEEDING, even when you make up these missed pills. On the
days you take 2 pills to make up for missed pills, you could
also feel a little sick to your stomach.
Possible Side Effects
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fluid retention
- Melasma.
Other side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, change
in appetite, headache, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss
of scalp hair, rash, vaginal infections, inflammation of the
pancreas, and allergic reactions. If any of these side effects
bother you, call your health-care provider.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature 20? to 25?C (68? to 77?F).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, and out of
reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of oral contraceptive over dosage in adults and
children may include nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness/fatigue;
withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. There is no specific
antidote and further treatment of overdose, if necessary, is
directed to the symptoms.
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Mircette
Drug Uses
Mircette Tablets are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy
if you elect to use this product as a method of contraception.
How Taken
Oral contraceptives must be used consistently to prevent
pregnancy. Take this medication with food or immediately after a
meal to avoid stomach upset. Try to take this medication at the
same time each day. This may help you to remember to take it
regularly. Oral contraceptives come in packets of 21 or 28
tablets. If you have a 21-tablet packet, take one tablet daily
for 21 days and then wait 7 days (no tablets) before starting a
new packet. If you have a 28-tablet packet, take one tablet
daily for 28 days in the order specified in your packet. The
last seven tablets in a 28-tablet packet are a different color.
These tablets do not contain ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel;
they contain iron (ferrous fumarate) or an inactive ingredient
and are used to permit continuous daily dosing during the entire
28-day cycle. This eliminates the need to count the number of
days between cycles. A new 28-tablet packet should be started
the day after taking your 28th tablet. When first starting on
this medication, use an additional method of birth control until
you have correctly taken at least 7 days' worth of tablets.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully
concerning when to take your first tablet (on the first or fifth
day of your menstrual period, or on the first Sunday on or after
bleeding begins). Take oral contraceptives exactly as directed
by your doctor. Do not take more or less of this medication
unless your doctor has advised you to do so. Do not stop taking
this medication without talking to your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have high
blood pressure, angina, or heart disease; had a stroke; a
bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; breast, uterine, or another
hormone-related cancer; liver disease or a history of jaundice
(yellowing of the skin and eyes) caused by use of birth control
in the past; undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; migraines;
asthma; or seizures or epilepsy. You may not be able to take
birth control pills, or you may require special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Birth control pills are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This
means that birth control pills are known to cause birth defects
in an unborn baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have
serious negative effects on developing baby. Do not take birth
control pills if you are pregnant or think you might be
pregnant. The hormones in birth control pills pass into breast
milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take birth control
pills without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
If you MISS 1 active [white] pill:
1. Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at your
regular time. This means you take 2 pills in 1 day.
2. You do not need to use a back-up birth control method if you
have sex.
If you MISS 2 active [white] pills in a
row in WEEK 1 OR WEEK 2 of your pack:
1. Take 2 pills on the day you remember and 2 pills the next
day.
2. Then take 1 pill a day until you finish the pack.
3. You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after
you miss pills.
You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms,
foam, or sponge) as a back-up method for those 7 days.
If you MISS 2 active [white] pills in a
row in WEEK 3:
1. If you are a Day 1 Starter:
THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that
same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking 1 pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, THROW OUT
the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same
day.
2. You may not have your period this month but this is expected.
However, if you miss your period 2 months in a row, call your
doctor or health care provider because you might be pregnant.
3. You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after
you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such
as condoms, foam, or sponge) as a back-up method for those 7
days.
If you MISS 3 OR MORE active [white] pills
in a row (during the first 3 weeks):
1. If you are a Day 1 Starter:
THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that
same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking 1 pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, THROW OUT
the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same
day.
2. You may not have your period this month but this is expected.
However, if you miss your period 2 months in a row, call your
doctor or health care provider because you might be pregnant.
3. You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after
you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such
as condoms, foam, or sponge) as a back-up method for those 7
days.
Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects,
stop taking the birth control pills and seek emergency medical
attention or contact your doctor immediately: an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); a blood clot in the
lung (shortness of breath or pain in the chest); a blood clot in
an arm or leg (pain, redness, swelling, or numbness of an arm or
leg); high blood pressure (severe headache, flushing, blurred
vision); or liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising,
severe fatigue). Other, less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. Continue to take the birth control pills and
talk to your doctor if you experience headache or dizziness;
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; breakthrough bleeding; or breast
tenderness. These side effects may disappear or be less
noticeable after 3 to 6 months of birth control use. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for advice if you find any side effect very
bothersome. The side effects listed below generally occur very
rarely and are not considered serious. If you experience any of
the following, talk to your doctor when it is convenient:
depression; changes in weight or appetite; vaginal yeast
infection; changes in your menstrual cycle; oily skin or acne;
changes in your sex drive; lethargy or fatigue; bloating;
changes in skin color; or changes in blood sugar. Side effects
other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
Storage
Store below 86� F (30� C).
Overdose
Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute
ingestion of large doses of oral contraceptives by young
children. Over dosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding
may occur in females.
More Information
Avoid smoking. Smoking greatly increases the risk of a heart
attack, stroke, or blood clot formation. Birth control pills do
not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV
or AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from
these diseases.
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Ortho Evra Birth
Control Patch
Drug Uses
Ortho Evra is a contraceptive (birth control) skin patch used to
prevent pregnancy. It is a combination hormonal contraceptive
because it contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. It
does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually
transmitted diseases.
How Taken
This birth control method uses a 28-day (four week) cycle. One
topical patch is applied and kept in place for one week. A new
topical patch is applied each week for three weeks in a row (21
total days). You should not apply a patch during the fourth week
(a one-week break). During the one-week break, you should have
your menstrual period. Every new patch should be applied on the
same day of the week; this will be your 'Patch Change Day'.
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding when to
start using Ortho Evra and whether back-up contraception is
needed temporarily. Clean and dry the area of skin where the
patch will be applied. The patch can be placed on the buttock,
abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso in a place where it
won't be rubbed by tight clothing. Never put the patch on the
breasts. To avoid skin irritation, apply each new patch to a
different place on the skin. Do not apply the patches to skin
that is red, irritated or cut. Do not use creams, oils, powder,
or makeup on the skin where you will put a patch or near a patch
your are wearing. It may cause the patch to become loose. If a
patch causes irritation, it can be removed and a new patch may
be applied to a new location until the next 'Patch Change Day'.
Only one patch should be worn at a time.
Warnings/Precautions
The risks associated with using Ortho Evra increase
significantly if you: smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes,
or high cholesterol, have or have had clotting disorders, heart
attack, stroke, chest pain (angina pectoris), and cancer of the
breast or reproductive organs, jaundice, or malignant or benign
liver tumors. Ortho Evra may be less effective in women weighing
more than 198 lbs. (90 kg). Do not use Ortho Evra without first
talking to your doctor if you weigh more than 198 lbs. (90 kg).
Ortho Evra is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that
Ortho Evra is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do
not use Ortho Evra if you are pregnant. Ortho Evra may decrease
milk flow and have other effects on milk composition. Do not use
Ortho Evra without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
If you forget to change your patch: -at the start of any patch
cycle, Week one (Day 1): If you forget to apply your patch, YOU
COULD BECOME PREGNANT � you must use back-up contraception for
one week. Apply the first patch of your new cycle as soon as you
remember. You now have a new Patch Change Day and new Day 1. -in
the middle of your patch cycle, Week two or week three: If you
forget to change your patch for one or two days, apply a new
patch as soon as you remember. Apply your next patch on your
normal Patch Change Day. No back-up contraception is needed.
Week two or week three: If you forget to change your patch for
more than two days, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT start a new four
week cycle as soon as you remember by putting on a new patch.
You now have a different Patch Change Day and a new Day 1. You
must use back-up contraception for the first week of your new
cycle. -at the end of your patch cycle, Week four: If you forget
to remove your patch, take it off as soon as you remember. Start
your next cycle on your normal Patch Change Day the day after
Day 28. No back-up contraception is needed. -at the start of
your next patch cycle, Day 1 (week one): If you forget to apply
your patch, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT. Apply the first patch of
your new cycle as soon as you remember. You now have a new Patch
Change Day and new Day. You must use back-up contraception for
the first week of your new cycle.
Possible Side Effects
Some common side effects with combination hormonal
contraceptives like Ortho Evra are: -breast tenderness and
enlargement -headache -nausea -menstrual changes -abdominal
cramps and bloating -vaginal discharge.
Storage
Store at 25�C (77�F); excursions permitted to 15-30�C (59-86�F).
Store patches in their protective pouches. Apply immediately
upon removal from the protective pouch. Do not store in the
refrigerator or freezer. Used patches still contain some active
hormones. Each patch should be carefully folded in half so that
it sticks to itself before safely disposing of it in the trash.
Used patches should not be flushed down the toilet.
Overdose
Ortho Evra is unlikely to cause an overdose because the patch
releases a steady amount of the hormones. Do not use more than
one patch at a time. Serious ill effects have not been reported
when large doses of oral contraceptives were accidentally taken
by young children. Over dosage may cause nausea and vomiting.
Vaginal bleeding may occur in females. In case of over dosage,
contact your health care professional or pharmacist.
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Ortho
Tri-Cyclen (brand or generic equivalent)
Drug Uses
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is an estrogen and progestin combination used
to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the
menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
How Taken
THE RIGHT WAY TO TAKE THE PILL IS TO TAKE ONE PILL EVERY DAY AT
THE SAME TIME. If you miss pills you could get pregnant. This
includes starting the pack late. The more pills you miss, the
more likely you are to get pregnant. MANY WOMEN HAVE SPOTTING OR
LIGHT BLEEDING, OR MAY FEEL SICK TO THEIR STOMACH DURING THE
FIRST 1-3 PACKS OF PILLS. If you feel sick to your stomach, do
not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If
it doesn't go away, check with your health care professional.
MISSING PILLS CAN ALSO CAUSE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING, even
when you make up these missed pills. On the days you take 2
pills to make up for missed pills, you could also feel a little
sick to your stomach. IF YOU HAVE VOMITING OR DIARRHEA, or IF
YOU TAKE SOME MEDICINES, including some antibiotics, your pills
may not work as well. Use a back-up method (such as condoms or
spermicides) until you check with your health care professional
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING TO TAKE THE PILL, talk to your
health care professional about how to make pill-taking easier or
about using another method of birth control. IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS OR ARE UNSURE ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS LEAFLET,
call your health care professional.
Warnings/Precautions
Smoking cigarettes while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen may increase
your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood
pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. If
you have vomiting or diarrhea for any reason, your medicine may
not work as well. Taking certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants
while you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen may decrease the
effectiveness of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. To prevent pregnancy, use an
additional form of birth control until your next period. If you
have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency
care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using
Ortho Tri-Cyclen. If you wear contact lenses and you develop
problems with them, contact your doctor. Before you begin taking
any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check
with your doctor or pharmacist. Ortho Tri-Cyclen may cause dark
skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these
patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or
protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or
tanning booths. Use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen will not prevent the
spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Do not use Ortho
Tri-Cyclen if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be
pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is
excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding
while you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen, check with your doctor or
pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Missed Dose
If you miss one dose, take the dose as soon as you remember or
take two pills at the time of your next regularly scheduled
dose. There is little likelihood that ovulation will occur. You
may, however, want to use a second method of birth control such
as a condom or a spermicidal cream, jelly, or foam for at least
7 consecutive days following the missed tablet to ensure
protection from pregnancy. If you miss two tablets in a row,
take the two missed tablets as soon as you remember or with your
next regularly scheduled dose (three total). Or, you may take
two tablets each for the next two regularly scheduled doses (one
missed tablet plus one regularly scheduled tablet for 2 days in
a row). Chances are much greater that you may ovulate so you
must use another form of birth control for at least 7 days
following the missed tablets. It is even better to use a second
method of birth control until your next period. If you miss
three tablets in a row, throw away the package and start a new
package on the 7th day after the last day you took a pill. Use
another method of birth control until you have taken a pill for
7 days in a row. Your period should occur during the 7 days
without pills. If it doesn't, have a pregnancy test before
beginning a new package of pills.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects may go away during treatment, include nausea,
vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness,
or weight change. If they continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you
experience persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a
missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of
fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact
lenses. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sharp
or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden
severe headache or leg pain, yellow skin or eyes, changes in
vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep
this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Overdose
Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute
ingestion of large doses of oral contraceptives by young
children. Over dosage may cause nausea and withdrawal bleeding
may occur in females.
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Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo
Drug Uses
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is an estrogen and progestin combination used
to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the
menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
How Taken
THE RIGHT WAY TO TAKE THE PILL IS TO TAKE ONE PILL EVERY DAY AT
THE SAME TIME. If you miss pills you could get pregnant. This
includes starting the pack late. The more pills you miss, the
more likely you are to get pregnant. MANY WOMEN HAVE SPOTTING OR
LIGHT BLEEDING, OR MAY FEEL SICK TO THEIR STOMACH DURING THE
FIRST 1-3 PACKS OF PILLS. If you feel sick to your stomach, do
not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If
it doesn't go away, check with your health care professional.
MISSING PILLS CAN ALSO CAUSE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING, even
when you make up these missed pills. On the days you take 2
pills to make up for missed pills, you could also feel a little
sick to your stomach. IF YOU HAVE VOMITING OR DIARRHEA, or IF
YOU TAKE SOME MEDICINES, including some antibiotics, your pills
may not work as well. Use a back-up method (such as condoms or
spermicides) until you check with your health care professional
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING TO TAKE THE PILL, talk to your
health care professional about how to make pill-taking easier or
about using another method of birth control. IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS OR ARE UNSURE ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS LEAFLET,
call your health care professional.
Warnings/Precautions
Smoking cigarettes while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen may increase
your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood
pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. If
you have vomiting or diarrhea for any reason, your medicine may
not work as well. Taking certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants
while you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen may decrease the
effectiveness of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. To prevent pregnancy, use an
additional form of birth control until your next period. If you
have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency
care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using
Ortho Tri-Cyclen. If you wear contact lenses and you develop
problems with them, contact your doctor. Before you begin taking
any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check
with your doctor or pharmacist. Ortho Tri-Cyclen may cause dark
skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these
patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or
protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or
tanning booths. Use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen will not prevent the
spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Do not use Ortho
Tri-Cyclen if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be
pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is
excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding
while you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen, check with your doctor or
pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Missed Dose
If you miss one dose, take the dose as soon as you remember or
take two pills at the time of your next regularly scheduled
dose. There is little likelihood that ovulation will occur. You
may, however, want to use a second method of birth control such
as a condom or a spermicidal cream, jelly, or foam for at least
7 consecutive days following the missed tablet to ensure
protection from pregnancy. If you miss two tablets in a row,
take the two missed tablets as soon as you remember or with your
next regularly scheduled dose (three total). Or, you may take
two tablets each for the next two regularly scheduled doses (one
missed tablet plus one regularly scheduled tablet for 2 days in
a row). Chances are much greater that you may ovulate so you
must use another form of birth control for at least 7 days
following the missed tablets. It is even better to use a second
method of birth control until your next period. If you miss
three tablets in a row, throw away the package and start a new
package on the 7th day after the last day you took a pill. Use
another method of birth control until you have taken a pill for
7 days in a row. Your period should occur during the 7 days
without pills. If it doesn't, have a pregnancy test before
beginning a new package of pills.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects may go away during treatment, include nausea,
vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness,
or weight change. If they continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you
experience persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a
missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of
fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact
lenses. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sharp
or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden
severe headache or leg pain, yellow skin or eyes, changes in
vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep
this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Overdose
Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute
ingestion of large doses of oral contraceptives by young
children. Over dosage may cause nausea and withdrawal bleeding
may occur in females.
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Triphasil (brand or
generic equivalent)
Drug Uses
Triphasil is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy,
also to regulate your menstrual cycle. Some brands of birth
control pills can be used for treating acne or as a pill for
emergency contraception ("morning after"). Please consult your
doctor or pharmacist. By using of this medication you or your
partner are not protected against sexually transmitted diseases
like HIV, gonorrhea etc.
How Taken
This medication is to be taken with food or immediately after a
meal (to prevent stomach upset). If it is possible, try to take
this medication at the same time each day, this makes easier for
you to remember to take it. You should learn the proper use of
your particular medication brand. Follow carefully your dosing
schedule and always ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have
any questions. During the first week of taking this medication
you should use a supplemental form of birth control since it
takes a while to be effective. If used as a "morning after"
pill, please follow the directions from your doctor.
Warning
Chances of having heart problems increase if you smoke
cigarettes while using this medication. Do not smoke while using
this medication. The risk of heart problems is growing with
frequent smoking (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and with age
(in women greater than 35 years of age).
Precautions
This drug must not be used during pregnancy. Inform your doctor
immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
This medication passes into breast milk and may affect milk
production (may have harmful effects on a nursing infant).
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Before taking this
medication, you should tell your doctor your entire medical
history, including your family medical history, with special
focus on: high blood pressure, asthma, stroke, kidney disease,
liver heart disease, blood clots, heart attack, history of
jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes) or high blood pressure during
pregnancy, excessive weight gain or fluid retention during
menstrual cycle, seizures, migraine headaches, breast cancer,
high blood level of cholesterol or lipids (fats), diabetes,
depression. This drug may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin
on the face (melasma), depending on strength (higher strengths
are more likely to cause melasma). This darkening could be
intensified by sunlight, you may need to avoid prolonged sun
exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of
sunscreens and protective clothing. After you stop taking birth
control pills, it may take a long time for you to become
pregnant. Consult your doctor. Do not smoke cigarettes.
Birth-control pills slightly increase your risk of strokes,
heart attacks, gallbladder disease, blood clots, high blood
pressure, vision problems, and liver tumors. The risk of stroke,
blood clots, high blood pressure and heart attacks further
increases with cigarette smoking (especially 15 or more
cigarettes daily) and age (women older than 35/smokers or
40/nonsmokers years of age). Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a
copy of the patient labeling which explains these risks in more
detail. If you have any questions please consult your doctor,
including questions regarding possible use in nonsmokers over 40
years of age. You may develop vision problems if you are
near-sighted or wear contact lenses and your tolerance of the
lenses may decrease. Contact your eye doctor if these problems
occur. Tell the doctor that you take birth control pills before
having surgery, including dental surgery.
Interactions
Tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription
drugs you are taking. Drugs such as Griseofulvin, many
antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines,
sulfas, cephalosporins), chloramphenicol, many seizure
medications (e.g., phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone,
carbamazepine), dapsone, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), modafinil,
nevirapine, nelfinavir, ritonavir, St John's wort, troglitazone
may decrease the effectiveness of the pill. Ask your doctor if
you should use additional birth control methods while taking any
of the drugs mentioned above while taking birth control pills.
Also tell your doctor if you use: thyroid hormone drugs, certain
benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide),
prednisone-like drugs, certain antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics),
beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), "blood thinners"
(anticoagulants such as warfarin), insulin. This product can
affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., thyroid). Inform
all laboratory personnel that you use this drug. Birth control
pills may significantly intensify the effects of alcohol.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about this. Do not start or
stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
Contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately if you suspect an overdose. The symptoms of overdose
could be nausea and vomiting. Females may experience vaginal
bleeding.
Missed Dose
Missed dose advice depends on the brand used, the number of
doses missed. Product package information should include advice
on missed doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions.
Possible Side Effects
This medication may cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness,
stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. Contact your doctor if these
effects persist or worsen or if you experience: groin or calf
pain, sudden severe headache, severe depression, chest pain,
shortness of breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling
in the arms or legs, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
Storage
This medication should be stored at room temperature between 59
and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from
moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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Yasmin
Drug Uses
Yasmin is a birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. Yasmin
differs from other birth control pills because it contains a
progestin hormone called drospirenone. It does not protect
against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted
diseases.
How Taken
This oral contraceptive comes in a packet of 28 tablets. The
first 21 tablets are the active pills; they contain the active
ingredients (hormones) ethinyl estradiol and drospirenon. The
last seven tablets in a 28-tablet packet are the reminder pills;
they are different in color and do not contain any hormone. Day
1 start: Take the first active pill of the first pack during the
first 24 hours of your period. You will not need to use a
back-up method of birth control, since you are starting the pill
at the beginning of your period. Sunday start: Take the first
active pill of the first pack on Sunday after your period
starts, even if you are still bleeding. If your period starts on
Sunday, start the pack that same day. Use another method of
birth control (such as condoms or spermicides) if you have sex
during 7 days after you start your first packet.
Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Yasmin without first talking to your doctor if you
have had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot; high blood
pressure, angina, or heart disease; a bleeding or blood-clotting
disorder; breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer; or
undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Before taking Yasmin,
also tell your doctor if you have diabetes; high cholesterol;
gallbladder disease; migraines or other headaches; epilepsy; a
history of depression; a history of scanty or irregular
menstrual periods; smoke cigarettes; or need an extended period
of bed rest due to surgery or illness. Yasmin is in the FDA
pregnancy category X. This means that it has been reported to
cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Hormonal changes during
pregnancy can have very serious negative effects on a developing
baby. Do not take drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol if you are
pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant. Yasmin passes
into breast milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take
Yasmin without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. Avoid smoking. Smoking greatly increases
the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.
Missed Dose
If you MISS 1 yellow active pill: -Take it as soon as you
remember. Take the next pill at your regular time. This means
you may take two pills in one day. -You do not need to use a
back-up birth control method if you have sex. If you MISS 2
yellow active pills in a row in WEEK 1 OR WEEK 2 of your pack:
-Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next
day. -Then take one pill a day until you finish the pack. -You
MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss
pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as
condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days. If you
MISS 2 yellow active pills in a row in the 3RD WEEK: -If you are
a Day 1 Starter: THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack and start a
new pack that same day. If you are a Sunday Starter: Keep taking
one pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, THROW OUT the rest
of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same day. -You
may not have your period this month but this is expected.
However, if you miss your period two months in a row, call your
doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant. -You MAY BECOME
PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You
MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or
spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days. If you MISS 3 OR
MORE yellow active pills in a row (during the first 3 weeks). -
If you are a Day 1 Starter: THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack
and start a new pack that same day. If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking 1 pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, THROW OUT
the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same
day. -You may not have your period this month but this is
expected. However, if you miss your period two months in a row,
call your doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant. -You
MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss
pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as
condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.
Possible Side Effects
VAGINAL BLEEDING Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may
occur while you are taking the pills. Irregular bleeding may
vary from slight staining between menstrual periods to
breakthrough bleeding, which is a flow much like a regular
period. Irregular bleeding occurs most often during the first
few months of oral contraceptive use, but may also occur after
you have been taking the pill for some time. Such bleeding may
be temporary and usually does not indicate any serious problems.
It is important to continue taking your pills on schedule. If
the bleeding occurs in more than one cycle or lasts for more
than a few days, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
CONTACT LENSES If you wear contact lenses and notice a change in
vision or an inability to wear your lenses, contact your doctor
or healthcare provider. FLUID RETENTION Oral contraceptives may
cause edema (fluid retention) with swelling of the fingers or
ankles and may raise your blood pressure. If you experience
fluid retention, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
MELASMA A spotty darkening of the skin is possible, particularly
of the face. OTHER SIDE EFFECTS Other side effects may include
change in appetite, headache, nervousness, and depression, and
dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections. If
any of these side effects bother you, call your doctor or
healthcare provider.
Storage
Store at 25�C (77�F); excursions permitted to 15�-30�C
(59�-86�F).
Overdose
Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute
ingestion of large doses of other oral contraceptives by young
children. Over dosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding
may occur in females. Drospirenone, however, is a spironolactone
analogue, which has antimineralocorticoid properties. Serum
concentration of potassium and sodium, and evidence of metabolic
acidosis, should be monitored in cases of overdose.
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Disclaimer
This drug information on this page is for your
information purposes only, it is not intended that this
information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions,
precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only
general information, and should not be relied on for any
purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific
instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all
responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this
information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of
this information, including damage or adverse consequences to
persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise.
No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to
this information.
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