Are you using birth control pills as a method of family planning? Or are you thinking about using them? Then this article will be very important for you. There are different types of birth control pills on the market. Today we are talking about a relatively new type of birth control pill that is made by combining two hormones called Drospirenone and Estetrol.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, it is a combination of two hormones. That is, it contains both estrogen and progestin . The main thing this pill does is prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg. In medicine, we call this stopping ovulation . There is no way to get pregnant without an egg. So it is a very effective form of birth control. NEXTSTELLIS is one of the brands that contains this medicine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Okay, this is the most important part . This medicine is not for everyone. Therefore, before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she should know your complete medical history. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed in the table below, you should definitely tell your doctor . Don't hide anything.
| See if you have these conditions |
|---|
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. |
| If you are breastfeeding your baby. |
| If you are a smoker (especially if you are over 35 years old). |
| If you have or have had breast cancer, cervical, uterine, ovarian or liver cancer. |
| If you have blood vessel disease, a history of blood clots, or a stroke. |
| If you have heart disease, a heart attack, a problem with your heart valves, or an irregular heartbeat. |
| If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. |
| Liver or kidney conditions. |
| Migraine headaches. |
| If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, other than at your regular period. |
| A condition such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). |
| If you have recently given birth or had a miscarriage. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to any other medicine, food, or substance. |
How should I use the medicine?
This is very simple.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- Try to take the medicine at the same time every day . This is very important. That's when the medicine is most effective.
- Take the pills in the order listed on the medication card.
- You can take it before or after meals. If you experience stomach upset, take it with food.
- Use only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more.
- Read the patient package insert inside the medicine box carefully. It has all the details you need.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you accidentally take too many pills, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I forget to take a pill?
Forgetting to take a pill can happen to anyone. If this happens, follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet you received. Usually, if you forget to take one pill, you are told to take it as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the usual time. However, if you miss more than one pill, the birth control effectiveness of this medicine may be reduced. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, during that month.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine
This is also very important. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, whether they are prescribed by your doctor, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, etc. because some medications can interact with this birth control pill, making it less effective or increasing side effects.
Certain medications, especially those for conditions such as HIV, Hepatitis, Measles, and Tuberculosis, as well as pain relievers (NSAIDs), some antibiotics, and herbal products such as St. John's Wort, can interact with these birth control pills. Therefore, it is your responsibility to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking .
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: While taking this medicine, it is important to see your doctor at regular intervals for check-ups. It is important to have breast exams and Pap smears.
- Smoking and Risk: As we mentioned earlier, smoking greatly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke while taking this medication. Especially if you are over 35, it is best for your health to avoid smoking altogether.
- If you suspect you are pregnant: If you have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, stop taking the pill immediately and see a doctor.
- Sun sensitivity: This medication may cause some people to burn more easily when exposed to the sun. Therefore, it is a good idea to use sunscreen when exposed to the sun.
- Gum problems: Some women may experience bleeding and swelling of the gums. This can be controlled by brushing your teeth well and seeing a dentist.
The most important thing: These birth control pills only protect you from pregnancy. They do not protect you from HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You must use a barrier method, such as a condom, to prevent pregnancy.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Leg pain, swelling, redness, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness/numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe allergies (swelling of the face, lips), increased blood pressure, increased depression. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
Take-Home Message
- It is very important to take this birth control pill at the same time every day.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Smoking greatly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke with this medication.
- These pills only prevent pregnancy and do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of a leg, or difficulty speaking.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, talk to your doctor.
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