WARNING

Azurette is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing estrogen and progestin. While it is effective for preventing pregnancy, it carries some risks and potential side effects:

• Blood Clots: There is an increased risk of blood clots in the veins (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Stroke: The risk of stroke may be elevated, particularly in women with other risk factors.
• Heart Attack: The risk of heart attack can increase, especially in smokers and women over 35.
• Hormonal Side Effects: These may include nausea, headaches, mood changes, and weight gain.
• Breast Cancer: There might be a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer.
• High Blood Pressure: It can lead to an increase in blood pressure.

It’s important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider to determine if Azurette is appropriate for you based on your health history and risk factors.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Azurette, a combined oral contraceptive, is primarily prescribed for:

• Pregnancy Prevention: It is used as a birth control method to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
• Regulating Menstrual Cycles: It can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the symptoms of irregular periods.
• Managing Menstrual Disorders: It may be prescribed to manage conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods.
• Acne Treatment: It can be used to treat acne in some cases.

How should this medicine be used?

How Azurette Should Be Used:

• Dosage: Take one pill daily at the same time each day. Each pack contains 28 pills, with 21 active pills and 7 placebo (inactive) pills.
• Starting the Pill: Begin taking Azurette at least 7 days before engaging in sexual activity to ensure full contraceptive protection. You can start on the first day of your menstrual cycle or on the Sunday following the start of your period, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
• Missed Pills: If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one pill or are unsure what to do, consult the product’s instructions or your healthcare provider for guidance. You may need to use additional contraceptive methods if you miss pills.
• Regular Schedule: To maximize effectiveness, take the pill at the same time each day. This helps maintain consistent hormone levels.
• Continuing Use: Continue taking Azurette for 28 days and then start a new pack immediately after finishing the current pack.
• Consultation: Regularly consult with your healthcare provider to monitor for any side effects or complications and to ensure the contraceptive method continues to be suitable for you.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and the information provided with the medication for the best results and to manage any potential side effects.

Other uses for this medicine

In addition to preventing pregnancy, Azurette may be used for:

• Managing Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): It can help alleviate severe symptoms of PMDD, a more intense form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Reducing Acne: Azurette may be used as part of the treatment plan for acne, especially in women who do not respond well to other treatments.
• Treatment of Endometriosis: It can help manage the symptoms of endometriosis by reducing menstrual flow and associated pain.
• Regulating Hormonal Imbalances: It can be used to manage conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as irregular periods or excessive bleeding.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions to Follow for Azurette:

• Health History: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, or certain cancers, as these conditions may affect your suitability for using Azurette.
• Smoking: If you are a smoker and over 35 years old, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events while on hormonal contraceptives.
• Medication Interactions: Some medications and supplements can reduce the effectiveness of Azurette. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
• Monitoring Side Effects: Watch for and report any unusual symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, chest pain, leg swelling, or signs of depression. These could indicate serious side effects or complications.
• Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your health and adjust the treatment if necessary.
• Missed Pills: Follow the guidelines for missed pills carefully. Missing pills can reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of pregnancy.
• Pregnancy: If you suspect you are pregnant while taking Azurette, stop taking the pill and consult your healthcare provider immediately.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Be aware of how Azurette might interact with any underlying health conditions or other treatments you are undergoing.

By following these precautions and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can help ensure that Azurette remains a safe and effective option for you.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• General Diet: There are no specific dietary restrictions with Azurette. However, maintaining a balanced diet can support overall health and may help manage any potential side effects.
• Alcohol Consumption: Moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe, but excessive drinking can affect your overall health and potentially impact how well you manage any side effects.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Less than 24 Hours: If you miss a dose by less than 24 hours, take it as soon as you remember. Then, continue taking the rest of the pills at your usual time.
• More than 24 Hours: If you miss a dose by more than 24 hours, take the missed pill as soon as you remember. You should also use additional contraceptive methods (e.g., condoms) for the next 7 days, as the effectiveness of Azurette may be reduced. Refer to the specific instructions provided with your pill pack for detailed guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Azurette, like other combined oral contraceptives, can cause a range of side effects. While many side effects are mild and may resolve on their own, some can be more serious. Here are common and potential side effects:

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea: Some women may experience nausea, particularly when first starting the pill.
• Headaches: Hormonal changes can lead to headaches or migraines.
• Breast Tenderness: Tender or swollen breasts can occur.
• Mood Changes: Some women may experience mood swings or changes in emotional state.
• Weight Gain: Weight changes can occur, though significant weight gain is less common.
• Spotting: Light bleeding or spotting between periods can happen, especially during the first few months.
• Vaginal Discharge: Changes in vaginal discharge or increased discharge can be experienced.

Serious Side Effects:

• Blood Clots: Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Stroke: Potential risk of stroke, particularly in women with additional risk factors.
• Heart Attack: Risk may increase, especially in smokers and women over 35.
• Severe Abdominal Pain: Could indicate a serious condition such as an ectopic pregnancy or liver problem.
• Liver Issues: Symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) may signal liver problems.
• Severe Depression: Serious mood changes or depression can occur, and should be reported to a healthcare provider.
• Severe Pain or Swelling: Especially in the legs or chest, which could indicate blood clots.
• Chest Pain: Could be a sign of a serious cardiovascular event.
• Vision Changes: Sudden vision problems might indicate a serious issue.
• Severe Headaches: Particularly if they are new or different from usual headaches.

If you experience any of these serious side effects or have concerns about the side effects you’re experiencing, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

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

Storage and Disposal of Azurette:

Storage:

• Store Azurette at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. The ideal temperature is generally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Keep the medication in its original blister pack to protect it from light and moisture.
• Store Azurette in a place where children cannot access it.

Disposal:

• Do not flush Azurette down the toilet or pour it down the drain.
• Utilize drug take-back programs or designated disposal locations if available. Many communities offer special disposal services for medications.
• If no take-back programs are available, dispose of Azurette by mixing it with an undesirable substance (like coffee grounds or cat litter) in a sealed plastic bag, then throw it in the household trash.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Contact Poison Control: If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency services immediately.
• Emergency Room: Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience severe symptoms or have concerns about an overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Medical Check-ups: Schedule regular visits with your healthcare provider to monitor your health and adjust the treatment as needed.
• Interactions with Other Medications: Keep your healthcare provider informed about all medications and supplements you are taking, as they can interact with Azurette.
• Missed Dose Protocol: Familiarize yourself with the protocol for missed doses and follow the instructions carefully to maintain contraceptive effectiveness.
• Health Conditions: Be aware of any health conditions that might affect or be affected by taking Azurette and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
• Effectiveness: Understand that while Azurette is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, no contraceptive method is 100% effective. Use additional contraception methods if you have concerns about effectiveness.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and read the information provided with Azurette for comprehensive guidance on its use, storage, and disposal.