Do you take birth control pills? Let's learn about (Norgestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol)!

You may be thinking about family planning , or your doctor may have prescribed oral contraceptives as a treatment for a hormonal condition. Today we are going to talk about birth control pills that contain the compound `(Norgestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol )`. These are often used to prevent pregnancy . Let's take a look at these in more detail.

What is this medicine? Simply put...

This pill, called `(Norgestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol ), prevents your body from releasing an egg `(ovulation), thereby preventing pregnancy. It belongs to the group of birth control pills `(oral contraceptives). To be precise, it is a combination of two hormones `(estrogen)` and `(progestin).`

You may see these pills in the market under different brand names like `(Cryselle)`, `(ELINEST)`, `(Lo/Ovral)`, `(Low-Ogestrel)`, `(Ogestrel 0.5/50)`, `(Ovral)`. But the name and dosage that your doctor has given you is what is important. Sometimes this medicine can also be used for other medical purposes. If you have questions about it, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine!

Before you start using these birth control pills, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions or problems, or if you have had any in the past. Is this very important?

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (frequent or 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
• Diabetes Mellitus or high blood sugar levels
• If you have gallbladder disease
• If you have heart disease or have recently had a heart attack
• If you have high blood pressure
• If the cholesterol level in the blood is high (High cholesterol)
• If you have kidney disease
• If you have liver disease
• If you have migraine headaches
• If you have had a stroke before
• If you have a condition called `Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)`
• If you are a tobacco smoker – this is a very important point.
• If you have an allergic reaction to hormones called estrogen and progestin, other medications, foods, artificial colors, or preservatives.
• If you are currently pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• If you are a breastfeeding mother

If any of these points apply to you, it is very important for your safety to talk to your doctor about it.

How should I use these pills?

This medicine is to be taken by mouth. Some people may feel nauseous after taking it. If this happens, taking the medicine with food can help reduce this feeling. Follow the directions on the prescription label that your doctor gives you exactly.

It is very important to take this pill at the same time every day and in the order indicated on the packet. Just like you drink tea every morning, keep a specific time for this too. Only then will you be able to get the maximum results from this. Do not take more than the doctor has told you.

If this medicine is given to young children, that is, young children who have started menstruating, special care may be needed. So talk to your doctor about it.

When you are prescribed this medicine, you will receive a patient package insert. Read this insert carefully each time you get a new medicine and each time you get a refill, as the information in it may change.

What if I take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

Imagine you've taken too much of this medicine. If that happens , you should go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately, or call a poison control center. Don't take this for granted, okay?

Important: This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

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

If you forget to take a pill one day, the patient information sheet that comes with your medicine will give you instructions. Check it. Sometimes, if you forget to take more than one pill, the medicine may be less effective. If this happens, you may need to use another form of contraception. So ask your doctor about that too.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

These birth control pills can interact with other medications you are taking. So, when you see your doctor, be sure to tell them about all the medications you are currently taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements.

In particular, there are several medications that should never be taken with these birth control pills. For example:

• `(Dasabuvir; ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir)`
• `(Ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir)`

In addition, the following medications and substances may interact with these birth control pills:

• Acetaminophen
• Antibiotics or medicines for infections (especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, griseofulvin, and sometimes penicillins or tetracyclines)
• `Aprepitant`
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) `(Ascorbic acid (vitamin C))`
• `Atorvastatin` (a cholesterol-lowering drug)
• Barbiturate medications (e.g. phenobarbital)
• `Bosentan`
• Caffeine
• `Carbamazepine` (a medicine for epilepsy)
• `Clofibrate`
• `Cyclosporine`
• `Dantrolene`
• `Doxercalciferol`
• `Felbamate`
• Grapefruit juice
• `Hydrocortisone`
• Medicines for anxiety or insomnia (e.g. diazepam, temazepam)
• Diabetes medications (e.g. pioglitazone)
• Mineral oil
• `Modafinil`
• `Mycophenolate`
• `Nefazodone`
• `Oxcarbazepine`
• `Phenytoin` (a medicine for epilepsy)
• `Prednisolone` (a type of steroid)
• Ritonavir or other medicines for HIV/AIDS
• `Rosuvastatin` (a cholesterol-lowering drug)
• `Selegiline`
• Soy isoflavone supplements
• The herbal supplement St. John's Wort
• `Tamoxifen` or `raloxifene` (medicines for cancer)
• `Theophylline` (a medicine for asthma)
• Thyroid hormones
• `Topiramate`
• Warfarin (a blood thinner)

This list may not be all-inclusive. So, if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs, tell your doctor about them as some things can interact with your medication.

Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine

See your doctor for regular checkups while taking this birth control pill. You will usually need to have a breast exam, pelvic exam, and Pap smear while taking this medicine.

• Extra protection in the first month: It is wise to use an additional form of birth control (e.g. condoms) during the first month (first cycle) of taking these pills.
• If you suspect you are pregnant: If you think you are pregnant for any reason, stop taking these pills immediately and see your doctor.
• As a treatment for hormonal problems: If you are taking this medication as a treatment for a hormonal problem, you may need to use it for several months (several cycles) to see an improvement in your condition.
• Smoking and Risk: If you smoke while taking these birth control pills, especially if you are over 35, your risk of developing a blood clot or stroke is much higher. That is why doctors strongly advise against smoking while taking these pills.
• Fluid retention: This medicine may cause fluid retention in your body. This may cause swelling in your fingers, hands, or ankles. Your blood pressure may also increase. Tell your doctor if you experience this.
• Sun sensitivity: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. If you go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin, wear sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
• For contact lens wearers: If you wear contact lenses and notice a change in your vision, or if you experience discomfort while wearing your lenses, see your eye care specialist.
• Gum problems: Some women may experience pain, swelling, or slight bleeding in their gums. If this happens, let your dentist know. This condition can be controlled by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. See your dentist regularly and tell them about any medications you are taking.
• Planned surgery: If you have an elective surgery, ask your doctor if you should stop taking this medicine before the surgery.
• No protection against HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases: This is very important. These birth control pills do not protect you from HIV/AIDS or any other sexually transmitted infections. You must use other methods of protection (e.g. condoms).

Possible side effects of this medicine

Like all medications, these birth control pills can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them, right? Some of them are a little more serious,If you see something like that, you should see a doctor immediately.

Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, 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.
• Increase in 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 unusual tiredness.
• 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 odor .
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression .

Side effects that usually do not require medical advice (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome):

• Breast pain or tenderness
• Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
• Nausea
• Weight gain

This list may not include all side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA (by calling 1-800-FDA-1088).

How should I store this medicine?

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

Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius / 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Discard any medicine that has passed its expiration date.

Important: This article is a summary only. It may not contain all the details. If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

The most important things you need to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you now have a better understanding of the birth control pills we talked about.

• Always at the same time, following the instructions exactlyIt is very important to take these pills.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.
• If you are a smoker, the risks are higher when taking these pills. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoking.
• These pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
• If you experience any serious side effects, seek medical advice immediately.

It is your own responsibility to take care of your health. Therefore, when using such medications, it is wise to be fully informed and follow your doctor's instructions.

` Birth control pills, Norgestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol, Pregnancy prevention, Hormones, Women's health, Side effects