Birth Control (Progestin only)

Patient Drug Information
Birth Control (Progestin only)

FPG-PROGESTRIN-PIB-OH02

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.

Warning: Smoking cigarettes while using this medication raises the chance of severe heart and blood-related side effects. This chance increases with age (mainly older than 35 years of age) and the number of cigarettes smoked. It is strongly advised not to smoke.

Taking Your Prescription:

• Progestin-only 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.
• Pills are taken continuously from each pack. There is no break between packs; start the next pack the day after the last pack is finished.
• Do not change oral contraceptive medication without notifying your medical provider. Special instructions may be needed before starting your new medication.
• You can start the progestin-only pill on any day of your cycle.
• You will need to use a back-up method of birth control (e.g., condoms) for 2 days after starting the pill if you engage in sexual intercourse.

Missed Dose Instructions

• You must take the progestin-only pill at the same time each day.
• If you take the progestin-only pill (mini pill) more than 3 hours outside of your usual time, it may not work as well to prevent pregnancy.
• Check the medication 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.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it, and then go back to your usual time.
  • If you miss the 3-hour window, use a backup form of birth control or abstain from sex for the next 2 days.
  • If vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs within 3 hours after taking a pill, the progestin may not be absorbed completely by your body. Keep taking your pills, but use a backup method of birth control until 2 days after your vomiting or diarrhea stops.

Precautions and contraindications:

• Notify your provider immediately  if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.
• Notify your medical provider immediately if you notice pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, and/or yellow skin or eyes as these may be signs of a serious liver problem.
• Notify your provider immediately if you notice any changes in your vision including loss of eyesight, bulging eyes, or a difference in how contact lenses feel.
• Notify your medical provider if you are breastfeeding or if you have recently given birth (within the past 6 weeks).
• Progestin-only pills DO NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections. To protect yourself from these infections, use a latex or polyurethane condom.
• Do not take this medication if you are allergic to progesterone or any other components of this medication. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant.
• Do not take this medication if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Do not take this medication if you have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Do not take this medication if you have liver disease or liver cancer.
• Ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional before taking this medication with any other new medications.
• Medications and supplements such as antivirals, medications for treating seizure disorders, antifungal medications, grapefruit juice, St. John's Wort, and many others may decrease the effectiveness of progestin-only oral contraceptives.
• Be sure to tell your medical provider if you have a history of: 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.
• The chance of pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) may be raised in some people. If you have questions, talk with your doctor. Get medical help right away if you have signs like heavy vaginal bleeding; irregular, late, or missed menstrual periods; upset stomach or throwing up; stomach pain; pelvic or rectal pain; shoulder or neck pain; dizziness; passing out; fast heartbeat; pale, sweaty, or clammy skin; confusion; or other severe or unusual effects.

Side Effects

• The most common side effect when taking progestin-only pills may include edema (swelling of the legs).
• There may be a decrease in your HDL cholesterol levels, increase in blood sugar levels, weight gain, increased risk of breast cancer, nausea, dizziness, headache, tingling or burning sensation in hands or feet, trouble sleeping, migraine, depression, and mood swings.
• Progestin-only contraceptives may also increase the occurrence of acne, breast tenderness, and unpredictable menstrual cycles.
• If you’re experiencing any other painful or threatening reaction to your medication, please seek 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.
• This list may not describe all potential side effects.  For more information, ask your medical provider or pharmacist.
• You may also report side effects to the FDA by visiting https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

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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