You must have heard of birth control pills, which are now used as a family planning method by many people. Today we are going to talk about one such special type of pill. This is not only for family planning, but it has several other benefits. So let's see what this pill is, how to use it, and what are the things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a birth control pill. That is, a medicine used for family planning. But there is something special about this one. This pill is a combination of two types of female hormones. That is, it contains both types of hormones called estrogen and progestin . These two hormones work together to prevent your body from ovulating, that is, from releasing an egg. That is how pregnancy is prevented.
Not only that, these pills also contain a type of B vitamin called levomefolate . So, these pills are mainly used for the following things:
- To prevent pregnancy (family planning).
- Treat some of the severe mental and physical discomforts that occur before menstruation, namely Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) .
- Treat acne, a condition that some women experience.
- While using birth control pills, increase your folate levels. This is especially important for those planning to have children in the future.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
For your safety, it is important to discuss these things with your doctor before starting this medication. It is very important to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Illness or condition | Simply meaning |
|---|---|
| Abnormal vaginal bleeding | Irregular bleeding of unknown cause. |
| Adrenal gland disease | Diseases of the glands located above the kidneys. |
| Blood vessel disease or blood clots | If you have previously had blood clots in the legs or lungs. |
| Cancer of the breast, cervix, liver, or uterus | If there is or has been cancer in these organs. |
| Depression | If you are being treated for severe depression. |
| Diabetes | High blood sugar level. |
| High blood pressure, high cholesterol | High blood pressure or cholesterol levels. |
| Heart disease, stroke, or recent heart attack | A history of heart disease or stroke. |
| Liver or kidney disease | Liver or kidney problems. |
| Migraine | Having a migraine, which is a severe headache. |
| Smoking | If you are a smoker, you should definitely say so. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | These pills are not suitable in these cases. |
| If the baby is breastfed | Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for breastfeeding mothers. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Drink at the same time every day: Choose a time that is convenient for you and that you can remember every day. For example, every day after dinner.
- Take the pills in the order on the pill card: The days and arrows on the pill card are marked for a reason. Take the pills in that order.
- If you feel nauseous: Some people may feel a little nauseous after taking these pills. To reduce this, take the pill with or after a meal.
- Read the information leaflet that comes with your medicine: Every medicine comes with a leaflet that contains information about it. Always read it carefully.
- If you miss a pill: If you forget to take a pill for a day, follow the instructions on the package insert that comes with the medicine. In general, if you miss more than one pill, the birth control effectiveness of the medicine may be reduced. In such cases, it is wise to use an additional method of birth control, such as a condom . Talk to your doctor about this.
- If you take too much medicine: If you think you have taken too much medicine, 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.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
There are a few things you should pay attention to when using this medicine.
Most importantly: Smoking while taking these birth control pills greatly increases your risk of blood clots and stroke. We strongly advise you to avoid smoking altogether, especially if you are over 35 years old.
- No protection against STDs/HIV: This is something to keep in mind. These pills only prevent pregnancy. They do not protect you from HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You must use a barrier method like a condom.
- Water retention: Sometimes this medicine can cause swelling in the fingers, hands, or ankles. It can also increase blood pressure. If you experience any of these changes, tell your doctor.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be a little sensitive to sunlight while taking this medication. Therefore, it is a good idea to use sunscreen and cover up when going out in the sun.
- Before surgery: If you have a planned surgery, ask your doctor if you should stop taking this medicine before it.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the 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, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Change in mental status | Increased or new onset of depression. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Breast pain or tightness | Breast pain or tenderness |
| Irregular menstrual cycles or light spotting | Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting |
| Nausea | Nausea |
| Weight gain | Weight gain |
Problems with other medications
This type of birth control pill may interact with some other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products). It is important for your safety.
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine at the same time every day, in the order listed on the pill card.
- If you are over 35 years of age, avoid smoking completely while taking this medication. It greatly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke.
- These birth control pills only prevent pregnancy and do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe pain and swelling in a leg, or sudden difficulty speaking.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, talk to your doctor.
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