Are you using birth control pills as a family planning method? Or are you thinking about it? Then this article will be very important for you. Today we are talking about pills containing Mestranol and Norethindrone, a popular type of medicine used to prevent pregnancy. After reading this, you will have a better understanding of this medicine.
What are Mestranol and Norethindrone?
Simply put, this is a type of birth control pill. Medically speaking, it is an ``Oral Contraceptive``. These pills contain a combination of two female hormones. They are the hormones called ``Estrogen`` and ``Progestin`` . These two hormones work together to stop your body from ovulating (that is, releasing an egg from an ovary). If an egg is not released, there is no way for pregnancy to occur. This is the basic function of these pills.
Sometimes, doctors may prescribe this medication for other health conditions in addition to preventing pregnancy. So if you have any questions about this, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start using this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health history. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or habit | What you need to inform |
|---|---|
| Blood related problems | Conditions like blood vessel disease, blood clotting problems, and stroke. |
| Cancer | If you have had breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian, or liver cancer. |
| Heart disease and blood pressure | If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or a recent heart attack. |
| Other medical conditions | Diseases such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, migraine, or SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). |
| Habits and other matters | If you are a smoker (this is very important), have abnormal vaginal bleeding, are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to hormones, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is an oral tablet. Some people may experience nausea after taking this. It is best to take this tablet with food to reduce this.
The most important thing is to take this pill at the same time every day . Take the pills exactly as directed on your medicine packet. Use only as directed by your doctor, and do not take more than that. You will receive a patient package insert with each pack of medicine. Always read it carefully.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a pill, follow the instructions in the information leaflet you received. In general, if you miss more than one pill, the contraceptive effect of this medicine may be reduced. In such cases, it is safest to use an additional method of contraception (for example, a condom).
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Things to keep in mind when using this medicine
- Avoid smoking: This is the most important thing. If you smoke while taking birth control pills, you are at a much higher risk of blood clots or stroke . This risk is especially high if you are over 35 years old. That is why doctors strongly advise you to completely avoid smoking while taking this medicine.
- Medical checkups: While taking this medicine, continue to see your doctor for checkups. It is important to continue to have breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap smears.
- Pregnancy: If you have any suspicion that you are pregnant, stop taking the pill immediately and see your doctor.
- Changes in the body: This medicine may cause your body to retain more water, causing swelling in your fingers, hands, or ankles. It may also increase your blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be slightly sensitive to sunlight while taking this medication. Therefore, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen if you are going to be in the sun.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products). Some medications can affect the way birth control pills work. For example, some antibiotics, epilepsy medications, and herbal products like St. John's wort.
- No protection against sexually transmitted diseases: Keep this in mind. These birth control pills only prevent pregnancy. They do not protect you from HIV (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is essential to use protective methods such as condoms.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some are common. It is very important to be aware of these.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood | Pain in the leg, arm, or groin |
| Sudden or severe headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness | Difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness on one side of the body |
| Severe stomach pain, vomiting | Yellowing of the eyes or skin |
| Breast changes (lumps, discharge) | Abnormal bleeding during menstrual cycles or menstruation |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Breast pain or tightness | Nausea |
| Mood changes (anxiety, irritability, sadness) | Skin rashes, acne, or brown spots |
| Slight bleeding (spotting) between menstrual cycles even after the first 3 months | Slight weight gain |
Take-Home Message
- It is very important to take these birth control pills at the same time every day .
- If you are taking this medication, avoid smoking completely . This greatly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke.
- These pills only prevent pregnancy. They do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (AIDS) .
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, severe headache, or difficulty breathing.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, talk to your doctor. Don't make decisions based on the internet or friends.
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