The risk of severe side effects from oral contraceptives, such as heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes, is increased by smoking. Women over 35 who smoke heavily (15 or more cigarettes per day) are at higher risk. Avoid smoking if you use oral contraceptives.

Pregnancy can be avoided by using oral contraceptives, sometimes known as birth control tablets. Two female sex hormones are estrogen and progestin. Ovulation, or the release of eggs from the ovaries, is prevented by estrogen and progestin combinations. Additionally, they alter the uterine lining (womb) to stop pregnancy from occurring as well as the mucus at the cervix (uterine opening) to stop sperm (male reproductive cells) from entering. Although they are a very effective method of birth control, oral contraceptives are unable to stop the spread of the HIV virus, which is the cause of AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

In some people, specific brands of oral contraceptives are also used to treat acne. By reducing the levels of specific natural chemicals that can exacerbate acne, oral contraceptives treat acne.

Some oral contraceptives (Beyaz, Yaz) are also used to treat the physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which affects women who have chosen to use an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives are available in packages of 21, 28, or 91 tablets that need to be swallowed once day, daily, or nearly daily during a regular cycle. Take oral contraceptives with food or milk to prevent nausea. Every day, take your oral contraceptive at the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the directions on your oral contraceptive exactly. Never take it in larger or less amounts, more frequently, or for a longer period of time than your doctor has instructed.

Oral contraceptives are available under numerous brand names. Oral contraceptives come in a variety of brands, each of which has slightly different ingredients or dosages, slightly different instructions for use, and slightly different dangers and advantages. Make sure you are aware of the brand and precise instructions for the oral contraceptive you are using. Request a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient from your doctor or pharmacist and carefully read it.

If you have a packet of 21 tablets, take 1 tablet every day for 21 days before stopping for 7 days. then launch a fresh packet.

If your package contains 28, take 1 pill each day for 28 days straight in the order listed on your packet. The day after you take your 28th tablet, begin a new package. Most 28-tablet packs may contain tablets of various colors. Numerous 28-tablet packets contain a mix of color-coded tablets with varying concentrations of estrogen and progesterone, as well as other color-coded tablets that may be inactive or contain a folate supplement.

Take 1 pill per day for 91 days if you have a 91-day supply of tablets. Three tablet trays will be included in your packet. Take one tablet daily in the sequence listed on the packet, starting with the first tablet on the first tray, until all of the tablets on all of the trays have been taken. The most recent batch of tablets have a distinct tint. These tablets might have an inactive component or a very little amount of estrogen. The day after you take your 91st tablet, begin your fresh package.

When you should begin using your oral contraceptive, your doctor will instruct you. Typically, oral contraceptives are started on the first or fifth day of your period, the first Sunday after it starts, or the day that bleeding starts. During the first 7 to 9 days that you take your oral contraceptive, your doctor will also advise you on whether you need to use another method of birth control and will assist you in making a decision. Pay close attention to these guidelines.

While taking the inactive pills, the low dose estrogen pills, or the week that you don’t take your oral contraceptive, you will likely experience withdrawal bleeding resembling a menstrual period. There won’t be any planned bleeding if you are taking a packet that solely contains active tablets, but there could be spotting and unexpected bleeding, especially early on in your therapy. Even if you are still bleeding, start taking your new package as directed.

If you vomit or have diarrhea while taking an oral contraceptive, you might need to use a backup birth control method. Before starting your oral contraceptive, discuss this with your doctor so that you can get ready with a backup birth control method just in case. Call your doctor to ask how long to use the backup method if you have nausea or diarrhea while using an oral contraceptive.

Wait 4 weeks after delivery before starting oral contraceptives if you just gave birth. Ask your doctor when you should start using oral contraceptives if you’ve had an abortion or miscarriage.

Only when taken consistently can oral contraceptives be effective. Even if you are bleeding or spotting, have an upset stomach, or don’t believe you are likely to get pregnant, keep taking your oral contraceptives every day. Stop using oral contraceptives only after consulting your doctor.

Additionally, endometriosis (a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus [womb] grows in other parts of the body and causes pain, heavy or irregular menstruation [periods], and other symptoms) and heavy or irregular menstruation are sometimes treated with oral contraceptives. The dangers of using this drug for your illness should be discussed with your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking oral contraceptives,

• If you have an allergy to estrogen, progestin, or any other drugs, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are using. Make sure to bring up any of the following: Acetaminophen (Tylenol, APAP); drugs such metronidazole (Flagyl), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin), ampicillin (Principen), clarithromycin (Biaxin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), tetracycline (Sumycin), and troleandomycin (TAO) (not offered in the United States); antifungals such griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Grisactin), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral); anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) like warfarin (Coumadin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); bosentan (Tracleer); cimetidine (Tagamet); danazol (Danocrine); delavirdine (Rescriptor); atorvastatin (Lipitor); clofibrate (Atromid-S); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); HIV protease inhibitors including indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir); medication for seizures such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), lamotrigine (Lamictal), carbamazepine (Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), nefazodone; rifampin (Rimactane, in Rifadin, in Rifater); phenytoin (Dilantin), primidone (Mysoline), and topiramate (Topamax); modafinil (Provigil); morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, MSIR, and others); oral steroids like prednisone (Deltasone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), and prednisolone (Prelone); temazepam (Restoril), Theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur), Levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid), Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and other thyroid medications; zafirlukast (Accolate), as well as vitamin C. Your doctor might need to adjust your medication doses or keep a close eye out for any negative side effects.
• If you use any of the drosperinone-containing oral contraceptives (Beyaz, Gianvi, Loryna, Ocella, Safyral, Syeda, Yasmin, Yaz, and Zarah), let your doctor and pharmacist know if you also use any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), enalapril, and benazepril (Lotensin), aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), losartan (Cozaar), and valsartan (Diovan), angiotensin II antagonists such as irbesartan (Avapro), and valsartan (Diovan); diuretics (often known as “water pills”) include amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyrenium), as well as eplerenone (Inspra), heparin, and potassium supplements. A folate supplement, methotrexate (Trexall), pyrimethamine (Daraprim), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), or valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor) should also be disclosed to your doctor or pharmacist before using Beyaz or Safyral.
• Please let your doctor know if you are taking any herbal supplements, especially St. John’s wort.
• Inform your doctor if you have thrombophilia (a condition in which the blood clots readily) or if you have ever had blood clots in your legs, lungs, or eyes. coronary artery disease (obstructed heart-related blood vessels); stroke or mini-stroke, an irregular heartbeat, heart illness, cerebrovascular disease (clogging or weakening of the blood arteries in the brain or leading to the brain); a heart attack, chest discomfort, circulatory problems brought on by diabetes, migraines accompanied by additional symptoms such vision changes, weakness, and dizziness; high blood pressure, liver cancer, liver tumors, or other forms of liver disease; breast cancer; cancer of the uterus, cervix, or vagina; during a pregnancy or when using hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, implants, or injections), yellowing of the skin or eyes; unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding, kidney illness, or adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the body lacks certain natural components needed for critical processes including blood pressure. If you have just undergone surgery or have been unable to move around for any reason, let your doctor know as well. If you currently have or have ever had any of these illnesses, your doctor may advise you not to use any oral contraceptives or to stop using specific types altogether.
• Tell your doctor if you are overweight, if anyone in your family has had breast cancer, or if you currently have any lumps in your breasts, an abnormal mammogram, or fibrocystic breast disease, which causes swollen, tender breasts and/or lumps in the breast that are not cancer; diabetes, asthma, toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), heart attack, chest pain, seizures, and migraine headaches are all conditions that can cause high blood cholesterol or fats; Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), depression, gallbladder disease, excessive weight gain, and bloating (water retention) during the menstrual cycle are some conditions that might affect a person.
• If you are breastfeeding a baby or intend to become pregnant, avoid using oral contraceptives. Call your doctor right away if you get pregnant while using oral contraceptives.
• If you stop getting your period while using oral contraceptives, you might be pregnant. When using a 91-tablet packet, call your doctor if you miss one period. If you miss one period while using another sort of packet in accordance with the guidelines, you may still take your tablets. However, call your doctor and use a different method of birth control until you have a pregnancy test if you have taken your pills as prescribed but have missed one period or two periods after doing so. You won’t anticipate having periods frequently if you are taking a 28-tablet packet that solely contains active tablets, so it can be challenging to determine whether you are pregnant. If you develop pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or sore breasts while using this type of oral contraceptive, call your doctor and get a pregnancy test, or if you have any reason to believe you might be pregnant.
• Inform the surgeon or dentist that you are using oral contraceptives if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
• It’s important for you to be aware that oral contraceptives may result in a patchy darkening of the skin, particularly on the face. Avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight while using oral contraceptives if you have previously experienced changes in your skin tone while pregnant or while using oral contraceptives. Put on sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective gear.
• In case you wear contact lenses, let your doctor and pharmacist know. Consult an eye doctor if you experience changes in your vision or your ability to wear contact lenses while using an oral contraceptive.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

It’s possible that you won’t be protected against pregnancy if you skip doses of your oral contraceptive. For 7 to 9 days, or until the end of the cycle, you might need to use a backup method of birth control. If you miss one or more doses of an oral contraceptive, there are specific instructions to follow that come with every brand. Read the manufacturer’s material for the patient that was included with your oral contraceptive product very carefully for directions. You should contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any queries. As long as you don’t get your answers, keep taking your pills as prescribed and use a backup form of birth control.

Side effects from oral contraceptives are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gingivitis (gum tissue swelling)
• Greater or lesser appetite
• Gaining or losing weight
• Tan or black spots on the skin
• Acne
• Hair growth in unexpected locations
• Between menstrual cycles, there may be bleeding or spotting.
• Modifications to menstrual flow
• Unpleasant or skipped periods
• Discomfort, enlargement, or discharge in the breast
• Vaginal edema, redness, irritability, burning, or itchiness
• White vaginal spotting

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Even though the following signs are unusual, you should call your doctor right away if you notice any of them:

• Terrible headache
• Violent vomiting
• Speech issues
• Faintness or dizziness
• An arm or leg that is weak or numb
• Chest heaviness or severe chest pain
• Spitting blood
• Breathing difficulty
• Leg ache
• Partial or total eyesight loss
• Dual perception
• Enlarged eyes
• A very bad stomach ache
• Eyes or skin that have a yellow tint
• Reduced appetite
• Severe weakness, low energy, or exhaustion
• Fever
• Urine with a dark color
• Stool with a light color
• Edema of the lower legs, ankles, feet, or hands
• Depression, particularly if you also experience difficulty sleeping, exhaustion, a decline in energy, or other mood changes
• Uncommon bleeding
• Rash
• Unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven days straight

Utilizing oral contraceptives may increase your risk of developing liver tumors. Although these tumors are not cancerous, they have the potential to rupture and result in significant internal bleeding. Additionally, using oral contraceptives may make you more likely to get liver or breast cancer, a heart attack, a stroke, or a serious blood clot. Discuss the dangers of using oral contraceptives with your doctor.

According to some studies, women who use the oral contraceptives Beyaz, Gianvi, Loryna, Ocella, Safyral, Syeda, Yasmin, Yaz, and Zarah (which contain the hormone drosperinone) may be more susceptible to developing deep vein thrombosis, a serious or fatal condition in which blood clots form in the veins, typically in the legs and may spread to the lungs. Other studies, though, do not demonstrate this elevated risk. Consult your doctor before starting an oral contraceptive regimen to discuss your risk of blood clots and the best oral contraceptive or other form of birth control for you.

Other adverse reactions to oral contraceptives are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone at 1-800-332-1088 if you have a serious side event.

Keep this medication out of the reach of children and tightly wrapped in the packet it came in. Keep it at room temperature and out of the bathroom and other places with excessive heat and moisture.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilizing a medicine take-back program is the best way to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programs in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back program, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning.http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose symptoms could include:

• Nausea
• Uterine bleeding

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. Every year, you should receive a thorough physical exam that includes a Pap test, breast and pelvic checks, and blood pressure readings. When checking your breasts, adhere to your doctor’s instructions and report any lumps right away.

Inform the lab staff that you use oral contraceptives before you undergo any testing.

Your doctor might advise you to use a different method of birth control until you start menstruating regularly once more if you decide to stop taking oral contraceptives and get pregnant. If you have never given birth or had irregular, infrequent, or no menstrual periods prior to taking oral contraceptives, it could take a while for you to get pregnant after stopping the medication. However, after stopping some oral contraceptives, it is possible to become pregnant within a few days. You should start utilizing a different method of birth control as soon as you stop using oral contraceptives if you wish to stop using them but avoid getting pregnant. Any queries you might have can be discussed with your doctor.

The amount of folate in your body may decrease as a result of oral contraceptives. If you wish to get pregnant quickly after stopping oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor because folate is crucial for the growth of a healthy baby. Your doctor might advise you to take a folate supplement or an oral contraceptive (Beyaz, Safyral) that also contains a folate supplement.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.