Are you thinking about a family planning method? Or maybe your doctor has recommended a pill like this for you. When you see this pill card, it's normal to feel a little nervous and have a lot of questions because there are pills of different colors. So, what are these pills, how exactly do they work on our bodies, what things to be careful about while using them, and are there any side effects, we are talking about some simple answers to the questions you have in your mind today.
What exactly is this pill?
Simply put, this is a type of birth control pill that prevents pregnancy. In medical terms, we call these 'oral contraceptives'. It mainly contains a combination of two types of hormones. These are estrogen and progestin . These two hormones work together to prevent your body from releasing an egg (ovulation). Without an egg, there is no way for you to get pregnant.
You may be wondering why this contains iron (Ferrous Bisglycinate). Some women may experience a decrease in iron levels due to heavy menstrual bleeding. The different colored tablets at the end of this pill card contain iron. This helps restore the iron levels that decrease with menstruation. Therefore, this works as a hormonal pill as well as an iron supplement.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about any conditions you have before prescribing the medicine. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them.
| Disease or condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Unexplained vaginal bleeding | If you experience bleeding outside of your menstrual period for no known reason. |
| A history of blood vessel disease or blood clots | If you have blood clots in the legs, lungs, or brain, or have similar diseases. |
| Types of cancer | Breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian, or liver cancer. |
| Diabetes | Diabetes. |
| High blood pressure or high cholesterol | If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol. |
| Heart disease or a recent heart attack | If you have a heart disease or a heart attack. |
| Liver or kidney disease | Any liver or kidney disease. |
| Migraine | Severe headache. |
| Smoking | If you are a smoker. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | These pills are not suitable for pregnant mothers. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Ask your doctor about the effects of these during breastfeeding. |
How should I use these pills?
The most important thing is to use this correctly.
- Drink at the same time every day: You can choose a time for this every night, like before bed. It's a good idea to set an alarm on your phone.
- Take the pills in the order listed on the pill card:Take the pills every day in the order shown by the arrows on the pill card. Do not change the order.
- Taking with food: Some people may experience nausea after taking this pill. To reduce this, it is best to take the pill with or after a meal.
- Read the patient information leaflet: Always read the patient package insert that comes with your medicine. It may contain important information.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you suddenly forget to take a pill one day, don't worry. The information leaflet you received will give you instructions about this. Usually, if you miss one pill, you are told to take it as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the usual time that day. However , if you miss more than one pill, the contraceptive effect of this medicine may be reduced . In such a case, talk to your doctor for advice on using an additional form of contraception (e.g. condoms).
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too many pills, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications you are taking can affect the way these birth control pills work. These pills can also affect the way other medications work. Therefore, it is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking. Even herbal products like St. John's wort can interact with these pills. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Especially remember: Do not take these birth control pills with some medications used to treat hepatitis C, such as dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir.
Important things to consider when taking medication
- Regular medical checkups: While taking this pill, have regular medical checkups as directed by your doctor. This may include a breast exam and a Pap smear.
- Avoid smoking:
- Fluid accumulation in the body:Sometimes this medicine can cause fluid retention in the body, causing swelling in the fingers, hands, or ankles. It can also increase blood pressure. If you experience any such changes, tell your doctor.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun while taking this medication. So if you are going to be in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin and use a good sunscreen.
- Sexually transmitted diseases: This is a very important point. These birth control pills only protect you from pregnancy. They do not protect you from HIV (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). It is essential to use a protective method such as a condom.
- It is very important to take these birth control pills at the same time every day, in the prescribed order .
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Smoking greatly increases the risk of blood clots, so avoid it completely while taking this medication.
- These pills only prevent pregnancy. They do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (AIDS).
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious side effect such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of a leg, or severe headache.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, never be afraid to discuss them with your doctor .
Smoking while taking birth control pills greatly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. This risk is especially high if you are over 35 years old. Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid smoking altogether.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any medication, there is a chance of side effects. Some of these are serious, some are common.
| 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 abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, new or worsening migraines, and feelings of depression. |
| Side effects that usually go away, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Breast pain or tightness | Nausea |
| Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting | Slight change in body weight |
Take-Home Message
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 🧴 Is it mandatory to use birth control pills while using Tazarotene?
Yes, it is very important. Tazarotene is a retinoid medication used to treat skin conditions. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, it can cause serious harm to the fetus. That is why we advise you to use a family planning pill containing Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel to prevent unintended pregnancies.
💬 💊 Why do these family planning pills contain iron (ferrous bisglycinate)?
Anemia is often seen among women in our country. The iron (ferrous bisglycinate) in these pills restores the amount of iron lost by the body during menstruation. So, taking a pill containing iron like this while using a medicine like Tazarotene will protect your safety and keep your body strong.
💬 🤔 Will taking these contraceptive pills while taking Tazarotene help reduce acne faster?
Yes, indeed. Some people get acne due to hormonal imbalances. While applying Tazarotene externally, taking these pills containing Ethinyl Estradiol can help regulate hormones from the inside and help acne heal faster. However, it is imperative to seek medical advice before using any of these medications.
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