Many people now use birth control pills as a method of family planning. Perhaps your doctor has also advised you to start taking one of these pills. Seeing the different colored pills on this pill card, you may also think that this is a bit complicated. But don't worry. Today, let's talk about what exactly this pill is and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Okay, let's first see what this pill is. It contains two types of hormones. They are estrogen and progestin . In addition to this pill card, there are also several pills that contain iron.
Simply put, these hormonal pills prevent your body from releasing an egg (ovulation). If an egg is not released, a sperm cannot join it. So that's how these pills prevent pregnancy from happening. That's why we call them oral contraceptives. This is a very effective method of family planning.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
This is a very important point. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he must have a complete understanding of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them. Do not hide anything.
- Cancer conditions: If you have or have ever had cancer of the breast, cervix, endometrium, ovaries, liver, or uterus.
- Depression: If you have depression or are being treated for it.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease: If you have had a heart attack or stroke before.
- Blood clotting problems: If you have a history of blood clots in the veins.
- Surgery: If you are about to undergo major surgery.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Liver disease.
- Migraine: A severe headache that occurs frequently.
- Smoking: If you smoke, be sure to mention it.
- If there is abnormal vaginal bleeding .
- Allergies: If you are allergic to the hormones contained in this medicine, to iron, or to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child.
Knowing these things, the doctor can decide exactly whether this medication is right for you or not.
How to use the medicine correctly?
This is also very simple.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day . You can set an alarm on your phone. That way you won't forget.
- You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea, it is best to take the medicine with some food.
- Use it exactly as your doctor has instructed. Do not take more than that.
When you are given medication, read the patient package insert carefully. It is important to read it every time you get a new medication, as the information may change.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
The most important thing is that this medicine is prescribed for you only. Never give it to a friend or family member.
What to do if you miss a pill?
Oh my god, did you forget to take your medicine? Don't worry. If this happens, the instructions for taking it are clearly stated in the leaflet that came with your medicine. Check it.
Usually, if you miss more than one pill, the contraceptive effect of the pill may be reduced. In such cases, it is wise to use an additional method of contraception, for example, a condom . Ask your doctor for further advice about this.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
If you are taking birth control pills and taking medication for another condition, there may be interactions between the two medications. This means that one medication may affect the effectiveness of the other.
In particular, the drug tranexamic acid is not recommended to be taken with these birth control pills.
In addition, the following medications may also interact with this:
- Some antibiotics , for example rifampin.
- Some medications for seizures .
- Some medications for breast cancer.
- Steroid- type medications, like prednisone.
- Supplements like soy isoflavones or St. John's wort.
- Grapefruit juice.
- Thyroid hormones.
This list is not complete. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) so he or she can make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular medical checkups: While taking this medication, go for checkups at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor.
- Smoking and Risk: If you smoke, your risk of blood clots and stroke is much higher while taking this medication. This risk is especially high if you are over 35 years old. So talk to your doctor about this.
- Sun protection: Some people may develop brown spots on their face (chloasma) while taking this medication. If you have had these spots during pregnancy, you are at higher risk. Therefore, wear well-covered clothing and use sunscreen when going out in the sun.
- Surgery: If you are planning to have surgery, tell your medical team in advance that you are taking these birth control pills.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are normal and go away in a few days. But some can be serious.
| Side effects and what to do | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, new or worsening migraines, worsening mood (depression), abnormal vaginal discharge. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Breast pain or tightness | These often decrease as the body gets used to the medication. |
| Nausea | This can be reduced by taking the medicine after meals. |
| Irregular menstruation or spotting | This is normal in the first few months. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Weight gain | Talk to your doctor about this too. |
How to store medicine?
This is also very simple.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- These birth control pills are a very effective way to prevent pregnancy.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the medicine at the same time every day. If you miss a pill, check the package leaflet that comes with the medicine or seek medical advice.
- If you smoke and are over 35, you are at higher risk of blood clots. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious side effect (such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling, difficulty speaking).
- If you have any further questions about this medication, never be afraid to ask your doctor.
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