WARNING

Smoking raises the chance of significant side effects with oral contraceptives, such as heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes. Women over the age of 35 who smoke heavily (15 or more cigarettes per day) are at higher risk. You shouldn’t smoke if you use an oral contraceptive.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Kelnor is a combined oral contraceptive pill that is primarily prescribed for birth control purposes. It contains a combination of two hormones: an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norethindrone). These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to hinder sperm penetration, and altering the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.

In addition to its contraceptive effects, Kelnor may also be prescribed for managing certain menstrual cycle irregularities, such as heavy or painful periods, and for addressing symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome.

How should this medicine be used?

Kelnor is typically taken orally, once a day, at the same time every day. It comes in a pack of 28 tablets, with 21 active tablets containing hormones and 7 placebo tablets. The active tablets are the ones that contain the hormones and are responsible for providing contraception.

Here are the general guidelines for using Kelnor:

• Start with the first active tablet: Begin taking Kelnor on the first day of your menstrual period or as directed by your healthcare professional. If you start on the first day of your period, you will have immediate contraceptive protection. If you start at any other time, additional contraception methods should be used for the first 7 days.
• Take one tablet daily: Take one tablet at the same time each day, with or without food. Follow the numerical order indicated on the blister pack. The tablets are typically labeled with the days of the week to help you keep track.
• Finish the pack: Continue taking one tablet daily for a full 28-day cycle, even during your period. The last 7 tablets in the pack are placebo tablets and do not contain any active hormones. They are included to help you maintain your daily pill-taking routine.
• Start a new pack: After finishing the pack, start a new pack the next day. It’s important to begin the new pack without any interruption to maintain contraceptive effectiveness.
• Missed tablets: If you miss a tablet, refer to the prescribing information provided with the medication or consult your healthcare professional for specific instructions. Generally, if you miss a tablet, it’s recommended to take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets in one day. However, it’s crucial to follow the guidance provided by your healthcare professional to ensure proper use.

Always consult with your healthcare professional or refer to the package insert for detailed instructions on how to use Kelnor. They can provide personalized guidance and address any questions or concerns you may have regarding its use.

Other uses for this medicine

While Kelnor is primarily prescribed as an oral contraceptive, there are a few other uses for this medication. It may be prescribed to manage certain menstrual cycle irregularities, such as heavy or painful periods, and to address symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome.

What special precautions should I follow?

Regarding special precautions for Kelnor, here are some important considerations:

• Contraindications: Kelnor should not be used in certain circumstances, including if you have a history of blood clotting disorders, certain types of cancer (such as breast or uterine cancer), uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver disease, or if you are pregnant. Additionally, it is not recommended for women over the age of 35 who smoke due to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
• Side effects and risks: Like all medications, Kelnor can potentially cause side effects. Some common side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, and irregular bleeding. Serious but rare risks associated with Kelnor include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, liver problems, and high blood pressure. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your healthcare professional to assess your individual risk factors.
• Interactions with other medications: Kelnor may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs, seizure medications, HIV medications, and herbal supplements. Inform your healthcare professional about all the medications and supplements you are taking to ensure there are no potential interactions.
• Effectiveness and consistency: Kelnor needs to be taken consistently and as prescribed for optimal effectiveness. Missing tablets or taking them at irregular intervals may decrease the contraceptive protection provided by the medication.
• Regular check-ups: It’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare professional while taking Kelnor to monitor your overall health and discuss any concerns or changes in your symptoms.

Remember, this information provides a general overview of precautions for Kelnor, but it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare professional or refer to the prescribing information for comprehensive guidance specific to your situation. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health history and needs.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Kelnor is a prescription medication that combines two hormones, ethinyl estradiol and mestranol, to prevent pregnancy. When taking Kelnor, there are no specific dietary restrictions you need to follow. However, it’s generally recommended to maintain a healthy and balanced diet for overall well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If you miss one active pill (containing hormones), take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills on the same day. Continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time.
• If you miss two active pills in a row in the first or second week of the pack, take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the following day. Then continue with the remaining pills as scheduled. Use a backup contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the next seven days.
• If you miss two active pills in a row in the third week of the pack or miss three or more active pills in a row at any time, discard the current pack and start a new pack immediately. Use backup contraception until you have taken active pills for seven consecutive days.
• If you miss any reminder (placebo) pills, you can discard them and continue with the next pack without interruption.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Kelnor, like any other medication, can cause side effects. The following are some of the common side effects associated with Kelnor use:

• Nausea: Some individuals may experience feelings of nausea or an upset stomach while taking Kelnor. Taking the pill with food or before bedtime may help alleviate this side effect.
• Headaches: Headaches, including migraines, can occur as a side effect of Kelnor. If you experience severe or persistent headaches, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
• Breast tenderness: Some women may notice breast tenderness or swelling while taking Kelnor. This side effect is usually temporary and tends to resolve on its own.
• Mood changes: Hormonal contraceptives like Kelnor can affect mood in some individuals. This may include changes in mood, irritability, or mood swings. If you experience significant mood changes or mental health concerns, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
• Weight changes: While not all women experience weight changes, some may notice slight weight gain or weight loss while taking Kelnor. It’s important to note that individual responses to medications can vary.
• Changes in menstrual bleeding: Kelnor can affect your menstrual cycle, leading to changes such as lighter or heavier bleeding, irregular bleeding, or spotting between periods. These changes are generally temporary and tend to normalize over time.
• Other possible side effects: Less common side effects of Kelnor can include bloating, changes in appetite, decreased libido, vaginal discharge, or skin changes. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning or persistent side effects.

It’s worth noting that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may experience different or additional effects. If you have specific concerns or questions about the potential side effects of Kelnor, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Storage: Store Kelnor at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Follow the specific storage instructions provided by your pharmacist or mentioned on the medication packaging.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets: Ensure that Kelnor is stored in a secure location where children and pets cannot access it. Accidental ingestion of the medication can be dangerous.
• Disposal: Do not flush Kelnor down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Properly dispose of unused or expired medication by following local regulations or guidelines. You can consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance on how to safely dispose of Kelnor.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or suspected overdose, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Signs of an overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, vaginal bleeding, or unusual fatigue. It’s important to provide healthcare professionals with as much information as possible, including the medication name (Kelnor) and the amount ingested.

What other information should I know?

• Effectiveness: Kelnor is a birth control medication and should not be relied upon for protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If STI protection is needed, additional barrier methods such as condoms should be used.
• Regular check-ups: It’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider while using Kelnor to monitor your overall health and ensure the medication is appropriate for you.
• Medication interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements, that you are currently taking. Some medications may interact with Kelnor and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
• Smoking and health risks: Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects associated with Kelnor. Women over 35 years of age who smoke are advised against using combination hormonal contraceptives like Kelnor.

Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the information provided with your medication. If you have any specific questions or concerns about Kelnor, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for professional advice.