Oral contraceptives (also known as "the pill") are highly
effective means of preventing pregnancy. Oral contraceptives consist
of synthetic forms of two hormones produced naturally in the body:
either progestin alone or estrogen and progestin. Estrogen and progestin
regulate a woman's menstrual cycle, and the fluctuating levels of these
hormones play an essential role in fertility.
To reduce side effects, oral contraceptives are available in a wide
range of estrogen and progestin concentrations. Progestin-only products
(such as Micronor) are usually prescribed for women who should avoid
estrogens; however, they may not be as effective as estrogen/progestin
contraceptives.
One variety of the Pill--the Ortho Tri-Cyclen 28-day Dialpak--is also
used in the treatment of moderate acne in women aged 15 and older.
It is taken just as it would be for contraception. Most important fact about NOVELON (Desogen, Ortho-Cept,
Primera)
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious heart-related side
effects (stroke, heart attack, blood clots, etc.) in women who use
oral contraceptives. This risk increases with heavy smoking (15 or
more cigarettes per day) and with age. There is an especially significant
increase in heart disease risk in women over 35 years old who smoke
and use oral contraceptives. How should you take Oral Contraceptives NOVELON (Desogen,
Ortho-Cept, Primera)?
Oral contraceptives should be taken daily, no more than 24 hours apart,
for the duration of the prescribed cycle of 21 or 28 days. Start the
cycle according to package directions. Ideally, you should take your
pill at the same time every day to reduce the chance of forgetting
a dose; with progestin-only contraceptives, taking the pill at the
same time each day is essential.
If you miss a dose NOVELON (Desogen, Ortho-Cept, Primera).
If you neglect to take only one estrogen/progestin pill, take it as
soon as you remember, take the next pill at your regular time, and
continue taking the rest of Oral Contraceptives cycle. The risk of
pregnancy is small if you miss only one combination pill per cycle.
If you miss more than one tablet, check your product's patient information
for instructions.
Missing a single progestin-only tablet increases the chance of pregnancy.
Consult your doctor immediately if you miss a single dose or if you
take it 3 or more hours late, and use another method of birth control
until your next period begins or pregnancy is ruled out.
Storage instructions...
To help keep track of your doses, use the original container. Store
at room temperature. Oral Contraceptives side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking an oral contraceptive.
* Side effects may include:
Breakthrough bleeding between menstrual periods (spotting), depression, loss
of menstrual periods, migraine, nausea, vomiting, water retention, weight
gain, yeast infection
Why should Oral Contraceptives not be prescribed?
You should not take oral contraceptives if you have had an allergic
reaction to them or if you are pregnant (or think you might be). Avoid
them, too, if you suffer from migraine headaches preceded by an aura
(visual disturbances such as pulsing lights and blind spots, temporary
numbness, and similar symptoms).
If you have ever had breast cancer or cancer in the reproductive organs
or liver tumors, you should not take oral contraceptives.
If you have or have ever had a stroke, heart disease, liver disease,
angina (severe chest pain), or blood clots, you should not take oral
contraceptives. They are not recommended for women with significant
high blood pressure. Women who have had pregnancy-related jaundice
or jaundice stemming from previous use of oral contraceptives should
not take them.
If you have undiagnosed and/or unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding,
do not take oral contraceptives.
In addition, if you have liver, kidney, or adrenal disease, you should
avoid the Yasmin brand of oral contraceptive. It contains an ingredient
that can increase potassium lev
