This combination hormone medication is used to prevent pregnancy and contains two hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). In the fourth week of the cycle, you take four inactive pills that contain a small amount of iron (ferrous fumarate). These are there to help you stay on track with your routine but don’t have enough iron to treat deficiency. Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills can help regulate your periods, reduce menstrual blood loss and pain, lower the chance of ovarian cysts, and even treat acne. Keep in mind, though, that they don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections like HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Instructions for Use:
Before you start or refill this medication, make sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet from your pharmacist. This includes important details on when to take the pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have questions, check in with your doctor or pharmacist. Take the pill orally with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. It’s best to pick the same time every day to take your pill.
For chewable pills, chew and swallow one daily. Some brands let you swallow them whole. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some need to be taken with water, while others don’t. Stick closely to your doctor’s prescription and the packaging directions. Start with the first pill in the pack and continue in order—don’t skip doses. Skipping pills or starting a new pack late increases your chances of getting pregnant.
How long does the medication stay in your system?
The length of time this medication stays in your body can vary based on factors like metabolism and your personal characteristics. Typically, after stopping it, it might take a few days to a week to clear out of your system. If you’re worried about how long it stays in your body, talk to your healthcare provider for more personalized advice.
Side Effects:
Some possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, swelling in your ankles and feet, and weight changes. You might also experience vaginal bleeding between periods or irregular periods, especially in the first months. If any of these persist or get worse, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist. Missing two consecutive periods (or one if pills aren’t used correctly) warrants a pregnancy test and contact with your doctor.
Your doctor prescribed this because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects, and many people don’t experience severe issues. However, this medication might raise your blood pressure, so keep an eye on it and inform your doctor if it increases. Immediately notify your doctor if you notice serious side effects, such as breast lumps, mood changes, intense stomach pain, unusual vaginal bleeding, dark urine, or yellowing of your eyes or skin.
In rare cases, this medication could cause severe complications linked to blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or strokes. Seek urgent medical help if these occur: chest pain, pain spreading to your jaw or left arm, confusion, sudden dizziness, trouble speaking, sudden shortness of breath, or unusual headaches. An allergic reaction, although rare, is also possible. Watch for rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or breathing trouble and get medical help if they happen.
This list doesn’t cover all potential side effects. If you notice any others, check in with your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions:
Before using, inform your doctor if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients, including ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, or ferrous fumarate. Some inactive ingredients might cause allergic reactions or other issues. Share your medical history with your doctor, especially conditions like blood clots, high blood pressure, cancer, depression, or diabetes. This medication might affect blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, so monitor them and let your doctor know if anything changes.
Inform your doctor if you’re due for surgery or expect to be immobile for a while, as these situations increase the risk of blood clots. Prior to any surgeries, inform your doctor and dentist about all products you use. This medication could cause skin discoloration, so minimize sun exposure and use sunscreen. If you wear contact lenses, you might experience vision changes. Discuss with your doctor if birth control pills might delay conception if you stop them. Don’t use this medication during pregnancy. If you’re breastfeeding, consult your doctor, as the medication may reduce breast milk production.
Interactions:
Drug interactions can alter effectiveness or increase risks of side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor. Notify your doctor about any new drugs or if you notice any spotting or bleeding.
Some medications can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, increasing the risk of pregnancy. When starting a new medication, discuss with your doctor if backup birth control is needed. This medication might affect certain lab tests, so inform lab personnel and your doctors about its use.
Dosage:
Check the package information for what to do if you miss a dose. You might need to use additional birth control. If you often forget, talk to your doctor about other options. Store the medication at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Dispose of it properly when it expires or isn’t needed anymore, following your pharmacist’s or local waste disposal facility’s guidelines.
