Aygestin

Aygestin may mask the onset of menopause. However, women who are of menopausal age are still eligible to take the drug.

If you're being screened for cancer, make sure the doctor or lab technician knows you are taking Aygestin.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Aygestin

If Aygestin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Make sure your doctor knows about all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking.

In general, when you are taking a progesterone drug such as Aygestin, it is especially important to check with your doctor before taking the following:

Aminoglutethimide (Cytadren)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take Aygestin if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, since the drug may cause harm to a developing baby.

Aygestin appears in breast milk. Because the effect of Aygestin on a nursing infant is unknown, it is best to avoid the drug while breastfeeding unless it's clearly necessary.

Recommended dosage

To prevent abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance or to restore menstrual periods

The usual dose is 2.5 to 10 milligrams a day taken for 5 to 10 days during the second half of a 28-day cycle. Your period should start 3 to 7 days after you stop taking Aygestin.

To treat endometriosis

The recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams a day for 2 weeks. The doctor may increase your dose by 2.5 milligrams a day every 2 weeks up to a maximum of 15 milligrams a day. Treatment may continue for 6 to 9 months or until intolerable breakthrough bleeding occurs.

Overdosage

Although no specific information is available on Aygestin overdose, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.