Oral Contraceptives

Overview

About Oral Contraceptives

You should also be aware that oral contraceptives have been known to cause rare cases of noncancerous—but dangerous—liver tumors. In people prone to high cholesterol and similar problems, oral contraceptives have been known to raise triglyceride levels, leading to pancreatitis.

If you use a combination oral contraceptive, be aware that it may take a couple of months to get pregnant after you stop using it.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Oral Contraceptives

Return to top

If oral contraceptives are taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining oral contraceptives with the following:

Acetaminophen
Amitriptyline
Ampicillin
Aspirin
Atorvastatin
Barbiturates (phenobarbital, secobarbital)
Carbamazepine
Chloramphenicol
Clofibrate
Clomipramine
Cyclosporine
Dexamethasone
Diazepam
Doxepin
Felbamate
Fluconazole
Glipizide
Griseofulvin
HIV protease inhibitor drugs such as indinavir
Imipramine
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Lorazepam
Metoprolol
Modafinil
Morphine
Oxazepam
Oxcarbazepine
Penicillin
Phenylbutazone
Phenytoin
Prednisolone
Prednisone
Primidone
Propranolol
Rifabutin
Rifampin
St. John's wort
Sulfonamides
Temazepam
Tetracycline
Theophylline
Topiramate
Troleandomycin
Vitamin C
Warfarin

In addition, before using the Yasmin brand of oral contraceptive check with your doctor if you regularly take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, potassium supplements, certain water pills such as spironolactone, and certain high blood pressure medications, including captopril, enalapril, irbesartan, lisinopril, losartan, and valsartan.

Remember, too, that oral contraceptives may affect tests for blood sugar levels and thyroid function and may cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Return to top

If you are pregnant (or think you might be), you should not use oral contraceptives, since they are not safe during pregnancy. For safety's sake, switch to a nonhormonal method of contraception if you miss a period after forgetting a scheduled dose of the Pill. In addition, wait at least 4 weeks after delivery before starting an oral contraceptive.

Nursing mothers should not use most oral contraceptives, since these drugs can appear in breast milk and may cause jaundice and enlarged breasts in nursing infants. In this situation, your doctor may advise you to use a different form of contraception while you are nursing your baby. However, progestin-only oral contraceptives should not affect your milk or your baby's health.

Recommended dosage for Oral Contraceptives

Return to top

If you have any questions about how you should take oral contraceptives, consult your doctor or the patient instructions that come in the drug package. The following is a partial list of instructions for taking oral contraceptives; it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with your doctor.

Some brands can be started on the first day of your menstrual cycle or on the first Sunday afterwards. Others must be started on the fifth day of the cycle or the first Sunday afterwards. The instructions below are for the first-Sunday schedule.

Oral contraceptives are supplied in 21-day and 28-day packages.

FOR A 21-DAY SCHEDULE

Oral contraceptives are taken every day for a 3-week period, followed by 1 week of no oral contraceptives; this cycle is repeated each month.

1) Starting on the first Sunday after the beginning of your menstrual period, take one tablet daily (at the same time each day) for the next 21 days. Note: If your period begins on Sunday, take the first tablet that day.

2) Wait 1 week before taking any more tablets. Your menstrual period should occur during this time.

3) Following this 1-week waiting time, begin taking a daily tablet again for the next 21 days.

FOR A 28-DAY SCHEDULE

Starting on the first Sunday after the beginning of your menstrual period, take one tablet daily (at the same time each day) for the next 28 days. Continue taking the oral contraceptives according to your physician's instructions. Note: If your period begins on Sunday, take the first tablet that day.

FOR BOTH 21- AND 28-DAY REGIMENS

When following a regimen with a Sunday or Day 5 start, use an additional method of birth control for the first 7 days of the cycle.

Progestin-only tablets should be taken at the same time of day every day of the year.

Overdosage

Return to top

While any medication taken in excess can cause overdose, the risk associated with oral contraceptives is minimal. Even young children who have taken large amounts of oral contraceptives have not experienced serious adverse effects. However, if you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.