This
medicine is an estrogen/progestin combination used to prevent pregnancy. It may
also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and for other conditions as
determined by your doctor.
Warning
Smoking
cigarettes while using this medicine increases your chance of having heart
problems. Do not smoke while using this medicine. The risk of heart problems
increases with age (in women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent
smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater). Some medicines or medical
conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of
all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not take
this medicine if you are also taking nevirapine or rifampin. Additional
monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking
barbiturates, carvedilol, corticosteroids, felbamate, griseofulvin, hiv
protease inhibitors, modafinil, metoprolol, pioglitazone, penicillin or
tetracycline antibiotics, theophylline, topiramate, troglitazone,
troleandomycin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this
medicine is not recommended if you have a history of cancer, heart or liver
conditions, pulmonary embolism, blood clots, stroke, cerebrovascular disease,
or smoking.
Directions
Follow
the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine
comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor,
nurse or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using this medicine.
This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take this
medicine at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart. Remember to
take all of the pills in the pack. Do not skip any doses. Store this medicine
at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this
medicine, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the regular
time. This means you may take 2 doses on the same day. If you miss more than 1
dose of this medicine, refer to the patient information that came with this
medicine.
Cautions
Smoking cigarettes while using this medicine may increase
your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other
diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Taking certain antibiotics or
anticonvulsants while you are using this medicine may decrease the
effectiveness of this medicine. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of
birth control until your next period. If you have any questions, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. If you wear contact lenses and you develop
problems with them, contact your doctor. This medicine may cause dark skin
patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If
patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the
sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Use of this medicine will not prevent the
spread of sexually transmitted diseases (stds). Do not use this medicine if you
are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor
immediately. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be
breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or
pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Side
Effects
Side
effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, bleeding
between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as
soon as possible if you experience headache, swelling of your fingers or
ankles, or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Contact your doctor immediately
if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden shortness of breath;
sudden leg pain; sudden, severe headache or vomiting; dizziness or fainting;
changes in vision; numbness of an arm or leg; or severe stomach pain. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug
interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Please read the package insert for more information.
Overdose
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea and vomiting. Females
may experience vaginal bleeding.
Storage
Store
this medicine at room temperature! Keep it out of the reach of children.
LINK:
http://www.organon.com