Oral Contraceptives

Why should Oral Contraceptives not be prescribed?

You should not take oral contraceptives if you have had an allergic reaction to them or if you are pregnant (or think you might be). Avoid them, too, if you suffer from migraine headaches preceded by an aura (visual disturbances such as pulsing lights and blind spots, temporary numbness, and similar symptoms).

If you have ever had breast cancer or cancer in the reproductive organs or liver tumors, you should not take oral contraceptives.

If you have or have ever had a stroke, heart disease, liver disease, angina (severe chest pain), or blood clots, you should not take oral contraceptives. They are not recommended for women with significant high blood pressure. Women who have had pregnancy-related jaundice or jaundice stemming from previous use of oral contraceptives should not take them.

If you have undiagnosed and/or unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding, do not take oral contraceptives.

In addition, if you have liver, kidney, or adrenal disease, you should avoid the Yasmin brand of oral contraceptive. It contains an ingredient that can increase potassium levels in the body, leading to serious problems if you have one of these diseases.

Finally, you should not take oral contraceptives if you are having major surgery with a prolonged period of bed rest.

Special warnings about Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives should be used with caution if you are over 40 years old; smoke tobacco; have liver, heart, gallbladder, kidney, or thyroid disease; have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, or porphyria (a blood disorder); or tend to be seriously overweight. Caution is also advised if you have blood circulation problems or have had a heart attack or stroke in the past. Be cautious, too, if you have problems with depression, migraine or other headaches, irregular menstrual periods, or visual disturbances.

Because oral contraceptives may speed up development of gallbladder disease, see your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as sharp stomach pains, fever, or nausea and vomiting.