What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:
-Blood clots
-Blood vessel conditions
-Cancer, such as breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
-Diabetes
-Gallbladder disease
-Having surgery
-Heart disease or recent heart attack
-High blood pressure
-High cholesterol or triglycerides
-History of irregular heartbeat or heart valve problems
-Kidney disease
-Liver disease
-Lupus
-Migraine headaches
-Protein C deficiency
-Protein S deficiency
-Recently had a baby, miscarriage, or abortion
-Stroke
-Tobacco use
-Unusual vaginal bleeding
-An unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with the following:
-Dasabuvir; ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir
-Ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Acetaminophen
-Aprepitant
-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
-Atorvastatin
-Barbiturate medications, such as phenobarbital
-Bosentan
-Carbamazepine
-Caffeine
-Certain antibiotics, such as rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, griseofulvin, penicillins, or tetracyclines
-Certain antivirals for HIV, such as ritonavir
-Clofibrate
-Cyclosporine
-Dantrolene
-Doxercalciferol
-Felbamate
-Grapefruit juice
-Hydrocortisone
-Medications for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
-Medications for diabetes, such as pioglitazone
-Mineral oil
-Modafinil
-Mycophenolate
-Nefazodone
-Oxcarbazepine
-Phenytoin
-Prednisolone
-Rosuvastatin
-Selegiline
-Soy isoflavones supplements
-St. John's wort
-Tamoxifen or raloxifene
-Theophylline
-Thyroid hormones
-Topiramate
-Warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medication.
Use another form of contraception, such as a condom, during the first cycle of this medication.
If you may be pregnant, stop taking this medication right away and contact your care team.
If you are taking this medication for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.
Talk to your care team if you use tobacco products. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. Tobacco increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking this medication. This risk is higher if you are 35 years or older.
This medication can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your care team if you feel you are retaining fluid.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.
This medication can cause tooth and gum problems. Tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may reduce the risk of side effects. Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Tell your dentist about any medications you are taking.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medication before the surgery. Consult your care team for advice.
Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medication can increase the risk of serious blood clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. This risk increases if you are older than 35 years of age or use tobacco. You are strongly advised not to use tobacco.