Progestins For Contraceptive Use (Systemic)
Precautions While Using This MedicineIt is very important that your health care professional check
your progress at regular visits
. This will allow your dosage to be
adjusted to your changing needs, and will allow any unwanted effects to be
detected. These visits are usually every 12 months when you are taking progestins
by mouth for birth control.
-
If you are receiving the medroxyprogesterone injection for contraception,
a physical exam is needed only every 12 months, but you need an injection
every 3 months (13 weeks).
-
If you are using the levonorgestrel implants, your doctor will want
to check the area where they were placed within 30 days after they are put
into or removed from your arm. After that, a visit every 12 months usually
is all that is needed.
Progestins may cause some people to become dizzy
.
Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines,
or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Vaginal bleeding of various amounts may occur between your regular menstrual
periods during the first 3 months of use. This is not unusual and does not
mean you should stop the medicine. This is sometimes called spotting when
the bleeding is slight, or breakthrough bleeding when it is heavier. If this
occurs, continue on your regular dosing schedule. Check
with your doctor
:
-
If vaginal bleeding continues for an unusually long time.
-
If your menstrual period has not started within 45 days of your last
period.
Missed menstrual periods may occur. If you suspect
a pregnancy, you should call your doctor immediately
.
If you are scheduled for any laboratory tests, tell your health care professional
that you are taking a progestin. Progestins can change certain test results.
The following medicines might reduce the effectiveness of progestins for
contraception:
-
Aminoglutethimide (e.g., Cytadren)
-
Carbamazepine (e.g., Tegretol)
-
Phenobarbital
-
Phenytoin (e.g., Dilantin)
-
Rifabutin (e.g., Mycobutin)
-
Rifampin (e.g., Rifadin)
Sometimes your doctor may use these medicines with progestins
for contraception but will give you special directions to follow to make sure
your progestin is working properly. Use a second method
of birth control
while using these medicines that reduce the effectiveness
of progestins for contraception. If you are using medroxyprogesterone injection
for contraception, continue using a back-up method of birth control until
you have your next injection, even if those medicines that affect contraceptives
are discontinued. If you are using the oral tablets or implants, continue
using a back-up method of birth control for a full cycle (or 4 weeks), even
if those medicines that affect contraceptives are discontinued.
If you vomit your oral progestin-only contraceptive for any reason within
hours of taking it, do not take another dose. Return to your regular dosing
schedule and use an additional back-up method of birth control for 48 hours.
If you are receiving levonorgestrel tablets for emergency contraception
and vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking either dose of the medicine, contact
your physician to discuss whether the dose should be repeated.
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