Birth Control

Patient Drug Information
Birth Control 

Written information about this prescription has been provided for you. Please read this information before you take this medication. If you have questions concerning this prescription, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer these questions. You can call the pharmacy using the number listed on the prescription label. 

Important Information about your prescription: 

This medication should only be taken by the patient whose name appears on the prescription label.

Taking Your Prescription:

Oral contraception tablets are taken by mouth as directed by your prescriber. Take your medication at the same time each day as directed on the labeling of your prescription. Do not change oral contraceptive medication without notifying your medical provider as special instructions may be required. When starting oral contraceptive therapy, use back-up barrier contraception (e.g., condoms) for the first 7 days of use. You may have light spotting when you first start using this medication.

Precautions and contraindications:

• Do not take this medication if you are allergic to any of the components.
• Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or nursing.

• Oral contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections; additional barrier contraception (e.g., male or female condom) should be used.
• Discontinue taking this medication if pregnancy is confirmed.
• Tell your medical provider if you are breastfeeding or if you have recently given birth (within the past 6 weeks).
• Be sure to also tell your medical provider if you have a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a new breast mass, a history of breast cancer or endometrial cancer, migraine with aura, past or current blood clots in the legs or lungs, history of a stroke, history of a heart attack or other heart disease, hereditary angioedema, depression, epilepsy, gallbladder disease, kidney disease or irregular monthly periods.
• Avoid smoking while taking oral contraceptives.
• This medication may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or life-threatening blood clots.
• This medication may increase the risk of the following, but not limited to: increased risk of cancer of the breast, cervix, liver problems, gallbladder disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Ask your pharmacist or provider before starting new supplements and medications. Do not take St. John’s Wort while taking oral contraceptives as it may result in decreased contraceptive effectiveness.
• Men should not take this medication
• If you have any signs of pregnancy or if you have a positive pregnancy test, call your doctor right away.
• If you are allergic to tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), talk with your doctor. Some products have tartrazine.

Side Effects

The most common side effects when taking oral contraception may include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Enlarged or tender breasts
• Dizziness
• Mood changes
• Nausea
• Weight changes
• Irregular bleeding
• Oral contraceptives may cause changes to your skin such as an increased occurrence of acne or dark patches on your face. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing and eyewear while taking this medication.

• Oral contraceptives may also cause changes in appetite, changes in vision, stomach cramps, diarrhea, pain or burning while urinating, vaginal spotting or light bleeding, itching or discharge.
• Notify your medical provider immediately if you notice changes in vision or contact lens tolerance, heavy vaginal bleeding, irregular, late or missed menstrual periods, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, or breast changes such as lumps, pain, swelling, tenderness or discharge.
• If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or redness in your lower legs, sudden onset headache or sudden pains in your stomach, an allergic reaction such as itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, mouth or throat, tightness in your chest or trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately. If you're experiencing any other painful or threatening reaction to your medication, please get medical help now. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can either reach out to your prescriber, call 911 or visit a local urgent care.

Directions for Use

• Take one tablet orally at the same time once daily. Refer to the prescription label for directions.
• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Do not skip doses, even if you do not have sex very often.
• If you also take colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours before or after you take this drug.
• If you throw up or have diarrhea soon after taking, this drug may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. If this happens within 3 to 4 hours after you take an active tablet, take another tablet. If it goes on for more than 1 day, use an extra form of birth control and call your doctor. 

Missed dose Instructions

Check your oral contraception packaging first for instructions on how to handle a missed or skipped dose as they may slightly differ. If you are unable to find adequate instructions, follow the missed dose procedures below. Call your medical provider or pharmacist if you have further questions.

Storage 

• Store your medication at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in the packaging provided by the pharmacy. Keep out of reach of children.
• Under certain circumstances a prescription drug’s effectiveness may be affected by exposure to extremes of heat, cold, or humidity.

Disposal of Medications

• Do not flush unused medication down the toilet or pour in the sink or drain. Dispose according to local regulations.

Additional Information 

• If you have questions about your medication, please contact the pharmacy using the number on the label of your prescription product.

Questions
This written information may not cover all possible information. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or medical provider.

A local or a toll-free telephone service is available, staffed by registered pharmacists, to answer questions about your medication. You can find the number for the pharmacy on the label of your prescription product.

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