Oral Contraceptives

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

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

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

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.

• Symptoms of overdose may include:
  Drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, withdrawal bleeding in females