Let's learn exactly about birth control pills (Ethynodiol Diacetate; Ethinyl Estradiol)!

Sometimes we have to use birth control pills as a family planning method, right? Or a doctor may prescribe them for a hormonal problem. So today we are going to talk about one such pill. The medical name of this is `Ethynodiol Diacetate; Ethinyl Estradiol`. Even though the name may seem a bit complicated, don't worry. We will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is this medicine? Simply put...

Simply put, this is a type of birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. Doctors call these ``oral contraceptives.'' These pills contain a combination of two types of female hormones . They are called ``estrogen'' and ``progestin''.

Imagine, these two hormones work together to stop an egg from maturing and being released from your ovaries, a process called `ovulation.` If an egg isn`t released, there`s no way a sperm can combine with it and get pregnant, right? That`s how these pills primarily prevent pregnancy.

These pills are sometimes used for other medical reasons. If you want to know more about them, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Things you need to tell your doctor! (Before starting this medicine)

Before you start using these birth control pills, there are some health conditions that you should definitely inform your doctor about. Because, these pills may not be suitable for people with certain diseases, or they may need to be used with great caution and under special supervision. Therefore, if you have any of the following, or have had them in the past, do not forget to tell your doctor about it:

• If there is unusual vaginal bleeding.
• If you have a history of blood vessel disease or blood clots.
• If you have or have ever had breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer.
• If you have diabetes (high blood sugar levels).
• If you have gallbladder disease.
• If you are scheduled to undergo surgery in the future.
• If you have heart disease or have recently had a heart attack.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood.
• If you have previously had an irregular heartbeat or heart valve problems.
• If you have kidney disease.
• If you have liver disease.
• If you have frequent migraine headaches.
• If you have a blood condition called `Protein C/S deficiency`.
• If you have recently had a baby, had a miscarriage, or had an abortion.
• If you have had a stroke.
• If you have the autoimmune disease ``Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)``.
• If you are a smoker (this is very important).
• If you have previously had an unusual or allergic reaction to hormones called estrogens, progestins, other medications, foods, food colorings, or preservatives.
• If you are currently pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

It's for your own safety to tell the doctor these things.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This pill is to be taken by mouth. The most important thing is to take it at the same time every day. That's when it's most effective. You can choose a time that's easy for you to remember, for example, every night after dinner.

Some people may experience nausea and stomach upset after taking these pills. If this happens, take this pill with a meal. This may help reduce the symptoms.

Follow the instructions on the prescription label exactly. Take one pill daily, as directed on the pill card. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.

This medicine is sometimes given to young girls who have started menstruating, but it requires special medical advice.

When you are given this medicine, you will receive a patient package insert. You will receive a new one with each prescription and each time you get a refill. Always read the information in it carefully, as the information may change from time to time.

Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, that is, if you suspect an overdose, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call a poison control center immediately. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.

What do you do if you forget to take a pill?

Oh, it's possible, isn't it? Sometimes you might forget to take a pill. Don't worry. Look at the patient information sheet I mentioned earlier that came with your medicine. It has instructions on what to do in such a case.

In general, if you miss more than one pill, the pill may be less effective at preventing pregnancy. If this happens, you may need to use an additional form of birth control (such as a condom) for a while. This is also explained in the leaflet, or ask your doctor.

What are the interactions with this medicine?

There are some medications that should never be taken with birth control pills. Also, many other medications, some vitamins you take, and herbal supplements you use can affect the way birth control pills work. This means that either the birth control pill may not work as well or the side effects may increase.

Never use these birth control pills with the following medications:

• `Dasabuvir; ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir` (these are medicines given for hepatitis C)
• `Ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir` (this is also a medicine given for hepatitis C)

In addition, there are a number of other medications and substances that can interact (affect) with these birth control pills. Here are a few examples:

• Acetaminophen (similar to paracetamol)
• Some antibiotics (especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, griseofulvin, and sometimes penicillins or tetracyclines)
• Medicines for conditions such as epilepsy (seizures/fits) (such as `phenobarbital`, `carbamazepine`, `oxcarbazepine`, `phenytoin`, `topiramate`)
• Medicines for anxiety or insomnia (e.g. diazepam, temazepam)
• Diabetes medication
• The herbal supplement `St. John's Wort`
• Some medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS (e.g. ritonavir)
• `Warfarin` (a blood thinner)
• Grapefruit juice

This list is not complete. There may be many more. So, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, herbal supplement, or other product you are taking. Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.

Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine

It is very important to always pay attention to your health while using these birth control pills.

• Regular medical checkups: See your doctor regularly to check your condition. It is important to have regular breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap smears while taking this pill.
• Extra protection during the first month: It's a good idea to use an additional form of birth control (e.g. condoms) during the first month you start taking these pills, as it can take some time for your body to adjust to the pills and provide full protection.
• If you suspect you are pregnant: If you think you may be pregnant for any reason, stop taking these pills immediately and call your doctor.
• As a treatment for hormonal problems: If you are taking these pills for a hormonal problem (e.g., irregular menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding), you may need to take these pills for several months to see an improvement in that condition.
• Smoking and Risk: This is very important! If you smoke while taking these birth control pills, especially if you are over 35, you are at a much higher risk of developing a blood clot or stroke. Therefore, doctors strongly advise you to completely avoid smoking if you are taking these pills.
• Water retention: These pills can sometimes cause your body to retain too much water. This can cause swelling in your fingers, hands, or ankles. Your blood pressure can also increase. Tell your doctor if you experience this.
• Sun sensitivity: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). Therefore, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses and notice a change in your vision, or if you experience discomfort while wearing your lenses, see your eye doctor.
• Gum problems: Some people may experience pain, swelling, or slight bleeding of the gums. If this happens, tell your dentist. This can be reduced by brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly every day. See your dentist regularly and tell him about any medications you are taking.
• Before surgery: If you are planning to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking these pills a few days before the procedure. Talk to your doctor about this.
• No protection against sexually transmitted diseases: This is also very important. These birth control pills do not protect you from HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To protect yourself from them, you must use other methods of protection, such as condoms.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like all medications, these birth control pills can cause side effects in some people. Some are not serious, but others are a bit concerning.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor or the nearest hospital as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives (large red spots), swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Blood clot: leg pain, swelling, or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain.
• Gallbladder problems: Severe pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Liver injury: Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and feeling unusually tired or weak.
• New or worsening migraines or headaches.
• Stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache, changes in vision.
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or a bad odor.
• Worsening of mood, feelings such as depression.

Side effects that are usually not serious, but are bothersome, should be reported to the doctor:

These things are usually not serious, but if they persist or bother you a lot, it's a good idea to tell your doctor:

• Breast pain or tightness.
• Dark patches of skin on the face or other areas exposed to the sun.
• Irregular menstrual cycles or light bleeding (spotting) between periods.
• Nausea.
• Weight gain.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, please ask your doctor about it.

How do you keep this medicine safe?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .

It should be stored at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

The most important thing for you to remember! (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you now have a better understanding of the birth control pill called `Ethynodiol Diacetate; Ethinyl Estradiol` that we talked about.

Remember, this is a medicine that should only be used on medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. This leaflet is only a summary and may not contain all the details. Your safety is the most important thing!

Avoiding smoking, taking the pill on time, telling your doctor about your health conditions, and being aware of interactions with other medications are all in your best interest.

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