Category:

• Hormone

Description:

• Triphasic oral contraceptive

  • Phase 1: norethindrone 0.5mg, ethinyl estradiol 35mcg

  • Phase 2: norethindrone 0.75mg, ethinyl estradiol 35mcg

  • Phase 3: norethindrone 1mg, ethinyl estradiol 35mcg

Indications:

• Contraceptive

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy

• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Known or suspected benign or malignant liver tumors while on oral contraceptive use

• Breast carcinoma or estrogen-dependent neoplasia

• Current or history of thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular or cardiovascular disease.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category X

• Take as directed at intervals not exceeding 24 hours.  Effectiveness is dependent upon strict compliance.

• OCPs are 99.9% effective after the 1st month, if taken according to the prescribed schedule. 

• During the first month, effectiveness depends on how many OCPs have been taken, but overall are about 95% effective, comparable to condoms or a diaphragm.

• Breakthrough bleeding (“spotting”) may occur during initiation of therapy.

• Instructions for missed doses:

  • One missed dose: Take as soon as possible or two tablets the next day and continue

  • Two missed doses: Take two tablets daily for two days, then continue normal schedule

  • Three missed doses: Discontinue therapy and begin new packet 7 days following last dose

• May cause mental depression, fluid retention and depressed folate levels

• Twenty-eight day packs contain seven days of inert ingredients to maintain regimen

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Abdominal cramping, anorexia, nausea, vomiting

• Acne (Usually makes it better)

• Breast tenderness

• Edema, weight gain

• Unusual tiredness or weakness

• Cardiovascular disorders (hypertension)

• Thromboembolic disorders  

Dosage:

• Administered orally

• One tablet daily for 21 or 28 days beginning on the:

  • Fifth day of the cycle, or

  • First Sunday after the beginning of flow

For more information on Oral Contraceptive Pills, read:

• Birth Control Pills in Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology