Oral contraceptives

What are Oral contraceptives?

Oral contraceptives 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 are usually prescribed for women who should avoid estrogens; however, they may not be as effective as estrogen/progestin contraceptives.

What is the most important information I should know about Oral contraceptives?

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.

Oral contraceptives do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted disease. If there is a danger of infection, use a latex condom and spermicide in addition to your oral contraceptive.

Who should not take Oral contraceptives?

Do not use oral contraceptives if you: have unusual vaginal bleeding; have a history of certain cancers, including breast or uterine; had a stroke or heart attack in the past year; have a history of blood clots; have a history of liver problems; have undiagnosed and/or unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding; are allergic to hormones or any of the ingredients in the product; think you may be pregnant; have diabetes complications that affect your circulation; have headaches with aura symptoms; have chest pain; or have high blood pressure.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Oral contraceptives?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with any oral contraceptive. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially about any preexisting conditions such as a history of blood clots, high cholesterol, heart problems, diabetes, migraines or seizures, depression, gallbladder disease, irregular periods, or if you have any known or suspected cancers.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

The dosage will depend on the brand you are taking. Oral contraceptives are usually supplied in 21-day and 28-day packages. If you have any questions about how you should take oral contraceptives, consult your doctor or the patient instructions that come in the drug package.

How should I take Oral contraceptives?

Oral contraceptives should be taken daily, no more than 24 hours apart, for the duration of the prescribed cycle (usually 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.

What should I avoid while taking Oral contraceptives?

Avoid smoking cigarettes while taking oral contraceptives.

Due to the risk of blood clots, you should not take oral contraceptives if you are having major surgery with a prolonged period of bed rest.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Oral contraceptives?

Certain drugs may interact with birth control pills and make them less effective in preventing pregnancy or may cause unscheduled bleeding. Always check with your doctor before combining an oral contraceptive with any other medication, especially the following: rifampin, antiseizure drugs, barbiturates, phenytoin, antibiotics, and herbal products containing St. John's wort.

What are the possible side effects of Oral contraceptives?

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

Serious, and possibly life-threatening, side effects are also possible, especially for women who smoke. Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following: chest pain, coughing up blood, or shortness of breath (indicating a possible blood clot in the lung); pain in the calf (indicating a possible blood clot in the leg); crushing chest pain or heaviness (indicating a possible heart attack); sudden, severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, fainting, vision or speech problems, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg (indicating a possible stroke); sudden partial or complete loss of vision (indicating a possible blood clot in the eye); breast lumps (indicating possible breast cancer or fibrocystic breast disease); severe pain or tenderness in the stomach (indicating a possible liver tumor); difficulty sleeping, lack of energy, fatigue, change in mood (possibly indicating depression); yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), sometimes accompanied by fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, or light-colored bowel movements (indicating possible liver problems).

Can I receive Oral contraceptives if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant (or think you might be), you should not use oral contraceptives, since they are not safe during pregnancy. Nursing mothers should not use most oral contraceptives, since these drugs can appear in breast milk and may cause jaundice and enlarged breasts in nursing infants. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect you may be pregnant or if you plan on breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Oral contraceptives?

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 the medication cycle. The risk of pregnancy is small if you miss only one combination pill per cycle. If you miss more than one tablet, call your doctor or 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.

How should I store Oral contraceptives?

To help keep track of your doses, use the original container. Store at room temperature.