Combination Birth Control Pills
With typical use, low-dose birth control pills are 92% effective at preventing unintended pregnancy. These can be taken as generic or name brand pills. Both types have the same amount of effectiveness. The most popular brand name, low-dose combination pills include Yaz, Ortho-Novum, Aviane, , Yasmin, and Levlen.
In most cases, women will take 21 days of active pills followed by a seven-day break where only placebo pills are taken. It is during this break that a withdrawal bleed will occur. However, it is safe for women to take the active pills continuously to prevent this bleed.
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the packet it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Product Information For Econtra One
INDICATIONS
EContra One-Step is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive pill for use in women to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex . EContra One-Step is not intended to be used in place of routine birth control.
Consult the Package Insert or for Drug Label Information
WARNINGS
- Allergy alertDo not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to levonorgestrel.
- Sexually transmitted diseases alertThis product does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other STDs.
- Pregnancy alertDo not use if you are already pregnant .
- Interaction with other medicationsWomen should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using EContra One-Step if taking efavirenz or rifampin or medication for seizures . These medications may reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Commonly reported adverse reactions include menstrual changes, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, headache, dizziness, or breast pain.
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Delayed Follicular Atresia/ovarian Cysts
If follicular development occurs, atresia of the follicle is sometimes delayed, and the follicle may continue to grow beyond the size it would attain in a normal cycle. Generally these enlarged follicles disappear spontaneously. Often they are asymptomatic in some cases they are associated with mild abdominal pain. Rarely they may twist or rupture, requiring surgical intervention.
What Is Ethinyl Estradiol And Norethindrone
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation . This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone is also used to treat moderate acne in women who are at least 15 years old and have started having menstrual periods, and who wish to use birth control pills. There are many available brands of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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What Are The Risks Of Birth Control Pills
Even though birth control pills are very safe, using the combination pill can slightly increase your risk of health problems. Complications are rare, but they can be serious. These include heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and liver tumors. In very rare cases, they can lead to death. For the most part, progestin-only pills dont have these risks.
When talking with your doctor about birth control, tell them about any medications youre taking and any health problems youve had.
Theres a very slight chance that you can get pregnant even if you always take the pill correctly every day. But if you do get pregnant and accidentally take the pill during the early part of your pregnancy, it wont increase the risk of birth defects.
Its important to remember that the chance of having any of these problems while taking birth control pills is really, really low for most people. In fact, pregnancy is more likely to cause serious health problems than the pill. Your doctor or nurse can help you figure out which types of birth control will be safest for you.
Birth Control And High Blood Pressure: Which Methods Are Safe For You
- By Huma Farid, MD, Contributor
Three effective forms of birth control contain the hormone estrogen: the birth control patch, combined hormonal birth control pills, and a vaginal ring. Doctors have typically recommended that women avoid birth control with estrogen if they have high blood pressure, which current US guidelines define as 130 mm Hg systolic pressure and 80 mm Hg diastolic pressure, or higher. A recent clinical update in JAMA clarifies whether its safe for some women with high blood pressure to use these forms of birth control.
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What Are The Benefits Of Using Monophasic Pills
Some women prefer single-phase birth control because a steady supply of hormones may cause fewer side effects over time. People who use multiphase birth control may experience more side effects from the fluctuating levels of hormones. These side effects are akin to typical hormonal changes experienced during the menstrual cycle, such as mood changes.
Monophasic birth control has been studied the most, so it has the most evidence of safety and efficacy. However, no research suggests one type of birth control is more effective or safer than another.
Side effects for single-phase birth control are the same for other types of hormonal contraceptive.
These side effects include:
Single-phase birth control pills are safe, reliable, and highly effective if you use them accurately. Accurate use relies on your understanding how and when to take the pill.
Keep these tips in mind for using birth control pills correctly:
Pick a convenient time: You need to take your pill every day at the same time, so pick a time when youll be able to stop and take your medicine. It may help to set a reminder on your phone or calendar.
Take with food: When you first start taking the pill, you may want to take it with food to reduce nausea. This nausea will fade over time, so this wont be necessary for more than a week or two.
What Is Considered Low Dose Birth Control
Most pills prescribed today have around 30-35 micrograms of hormones. Any pill that has less than 30 micrograms is considered low dose. At Pandia Health, we do not recommend these pills for individuals under the age of 30, as they can have a negative impact on bone density.
The hormone estrogen helps during the process of gaining bone density by inhibiting bone resorption . According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, young adult females who used birth control pills with estrogen levels below 30 micrograms had lower bone mass density around the spine. Similarly, a study conducted by the Group Health Research Institute found that women under 30 who took lower-dose birth control experienced smaller gains in bond density compared to those who took a dose above 30 micrograms. While its impossible to develop conclusions based on small-scale results, low dose birth control should still be prescribed with caution to ensure healthy bone density.
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What To Expect At The Emergency Room
A trip to the emergency room will probably not be necessary. If you do go, take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
If an ER visit is needed, the provider will measure and monitor the person’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The person may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Blood and urine tests
- Medicines to treat symptoms
Side Effects Of Oral Contraceptives
1. 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 health care provider.
2. Contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses and notice a change in vision or an inability to wear your lenses, contact your doctor or health care provider.
3. Fluid retention
Oral contraceptives may cause edema with swelling of the fingers or ankles and may raise your blood pressure. If you experience fluid retention, contact your doctor or health care provider.
4. Melasma
A spotty darkening of the skin is possible, particularly of the face, which may persist.
5. Other side effects
Other side effects may include nausea and vomiting, change in appetite, headache, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections.
If any of these side effects bother you, call your doctor or health care provider.
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Oral Contraceptives May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:
- increased or decreased appetite
- weight gain or weight loss
- brown or black skin patches
- hair growth in unusual places
- bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
- changes in menstrual flow
- light-colored stool
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- depression, especially if you also have trouble sleeping, tiredness, loss of energy, or other mood changes
- unusual bleeding
- menstrual bleeding that is unusually heavy or that lasts for longer than 7 days in a row
Oral contraceptives may increase the chance that you will develop liver tumors. These tumors are not a form of cancer, but they can break and cause serious bleeding inside the body. Oral contraceptives may also increase the chance that you will develop breast or liver cancer, or have a heart attack, a stroke, or a serious blood clot. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using oral contraceptives.
Some studies show that women who take oral contraceptives that contain drosperinone may be more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis than women who take oral contraceptives that do not contain drosperinone. However, other studies do not show this increased risk. Before you begin taking oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor about the risk that you will develop blood clots and about which oral contraceptive or other method of birth control may be the best choice for you.
Oral contraceptives may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination every year, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test. Follow your doctor’s directions for examining your breasts report any lumps immediately.
Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you take oral contraceptives.
If you wish to stop taking oral contraceptives and become pregnant, your doctor may tell you to use another method of birth control until you begin to menstruate regularly again. It may take a long time for you to become pregnant after you stop taking oral contraceptives, especially if you have never had a baby or if you had irregular, infrequent, or complete absence of menstrual periods before taking oral contraceptives. However, it is possible to become pregnant within days of stopping certain oral contraceptives. If you want to stop taking oral contraceptives but do not want to become pregnant, you should begin using another type of birth control as soon as you stop taking oral contraceptives. Discuss any questions that you may have with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
Oral contraceptives come in packets of 21, 28, or 91 tablets to take by mouth once a day, every day or almost every day of a regular cycle. To avoid nausea, take oral contraceptives with food or milk. Take your oral contraceptive at the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take your oral contraceptive exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.
Oral contraceptives come in many different brands. Different brands of oral contraceptives contain slightly different medications or doses, are taken in slightly different ways, and have different risks and benefits. Be sure that you know which brand of oral contraceptives you are using and exactly how you should use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient and read it carefully.
If you have a 21-tablet packet, take 1 tablet daily for 21 days and then none for 7 days. Then start a new packet.
If you have recently given birth, wait until 4 weeks after delivery to begin taking oral contraceptives. If you have had an abortion or miscarriage, talk to your doctor about when you should begin taking oral contraceptives.
Benefits Of Monophasic Pills
Everyones body reacts differently to the birth control pill. Some women experience fewer side effects when taking the monophasic pill because they are taking a steady level of hormones in their pill.
Also, women taking combination pills may have lighter periods with fewer cramps. Some types of pill have been associated with reduced acne.
Research has also shown that combination pills can reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, such as ovarian and endometrial.
Monophasic birth control pills are the most commonly prescribed and studied. This means that they have the most amount of research supporting their safety and efficacy. It does not mean, however, that this type of birth control is better, safer, or more effective than the other brands or types.
The side effects of monophasic birth control pills are the same as other types of birth control pills. They may include:
- spotting or bleeding between periods
- possible weight gain
- mood changes or depression
- breast tenderness
These symptoms are not usually anything to be concerned about, but it is always best for someone to discuss them with their doctor to be sure.
Birth control pills have also been linked with some serious medical conditions. Anyone experiencing any of the following side effects while taking the pill should contact their doctor immediately:
- severe headache
- pain or swelling in the legs
Without prompt treatment, very serious complications or even death can occur.
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Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Oral contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones. Combinations of estrogen and progestin work by preventing ovulation . They also change the lining of the uterus to prevent pregnancy from developing and change the mucus at the cervix to prevent sperm from entering. Oral contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control, but they do not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Some brands of oral contraceptives are also used to treat acne in certain patients. Oral contraceptives treat acne by decreasing the amounts of certain natural substances that can cause acne.
Some oral contraceptives are also used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in women who have chosen to use an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
Which Birth Control Methods Do Not Contain Estrogen
So, what can women who are unable to use birth control containing estrogen use to prevent pregnancy? The good news is that there are a variety of other birth control methods available, both hormonal and nonhormonal.
- The most reliable forms of birth control without estrogen are the copper intrauterine device , the hormonal IUD, the implant, and sterilization for women or men.
- Nonhormonal methods include the copper IUD, condoms for men or women, cervical cap, and diaphragm.
- Three progestin-only hormonal methods are safe to use: the minipill, the birth control implant, or the hormonal IUD. However, the birth control shot is not recommended for women who have poorly controlled high blood pressure.
If you do have high blood pressure, exercise and dietary changes remain an important component of maintaining your heart health. Discuss with your doctor which birth control options might be best for you, so that you and your doctor can engage in shared decision-making about your preferences.
See the Harvard Health Birth Control Centerfor more information on options.
About the Author
Huma Farid, MD, Contributor
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When To Start The First Pack Of Pills
You have a choice of which day to start taking your first pack of pills. Decide with your doctor or clinic which is the best day for you. Pick a time of day which will be easy to remember.
SUNDAY START:
Alyacen 1/35: Take the first active peach pill of the first pack on the Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still bleeding. If your period begins on Sunday, start the pack the same day.
Use another method of birth control as a back-up method if you have sex anytime from the Sunday you start your first pack until the next Sunday .
DAY 1 START:
Alyacen 1/35: Take the first active peach pill of the first pack during the first 24 hours of your period.
1. Pick the day label strip that starts with the first day of your period .
2. Place this day label strip on the tablet blister card over the area that has the days of the week imprinted in the plastic.
Note: If the first day of your period is a Sunday, you can skip steps #1 and #2.
3. 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.