Pharmacological Action
Oral contraceptives of the combination type act by a multiplicity of mechanisms including inhibition of ovulation.
Indications
Ovral is indicated for fertility control in women and for the control of certain menstrual irregularities.
Ovral does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and the virus that causes AIDS.
Contra-Indications
Oral contraceptives are contra-indicated in patients with recurrent cholestatic jaundice, or markedly impaired liver-function, hormone-dependent neoplasms, carcinoma of the breast, previous or active thromboembolic disorders, coronary-artery disease, severe migraine or cerebrovascular insufficiency and undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Medication should be discontinued immediately if migraine becomes focal, or if there is a loss of vision, or if there is an onset of unexplained chest pain.
Relative contra-indications include a history of diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension, depression, porphyria or states in which fluid retention occur.
Combined oral contraceptives should be avoided in pregnancy and in patients who are breast feeding.
Warnings
There are some adverse effects of the pill that are very important. Even though they rarely occur, you should be aware of them. Stop taking tablets and see your doctor immediately if you have persistent vaginal bleeding or discomfort, constant leg or chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, difficulty seeing or talking, numb or weak feeling in an arm or leg, if you become very sad or irritable, if you cough up blood, or have other unusual symptoms.
How should I take this medicine?
Take estrogen/progestin pills by mouth. Before you start taking these pills decide what is a suitable time of day and always take them at the same time of day and in the order directed. Swallow the pills with a drink of water. Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Establish a pattern of taking your pills at the same time each day; do not take more often than directed. All products contain a 21-day supply of pills containing the active ingredients. Some products contain an additional 7 pills
containing iron or inactive ingredients to be taken during the week of menstruation; this reduces the chance of missing the first day of the next cycle. Most products are to be started on the fifth day of your period, while others are to be started on the first Sunday after you start your period or on the first day of your period. Before starting this medication, read the package insert provided by your pharmacist, and make certain you understand the instructions.
What if I miss a dose?
Try not to miss a dose, but if you do, proceed as follows: 21-day schedule: If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the regular time as usual. You may feel slight nausea on the day you take the missed pill and your regular pill. If you miss two doses (days) in a row, throw away the missed pills and return to the regular schedule. To prevent pregnancy use a second method of contraception until the end of the cycle in addition to taking the pills. Missing a pill can cause spotting or light bleeding. Make sure that no more than 7 days pass at the end of the 21 day cycle, before you start your next pack of pills.
Special Note
To take Ovral as an Emergency Contraceptive
Take 4 white (active) pills within 72 hours after unprotected sex and 4 more white pills 12 hours later. Each dose contains 0.6mg of levonorgestrel and 120µg of ethinyl estradiol.
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