Ortho-Novum 1 / 35 is a monophasic contraceptive containing a low dose of two hormones – progestin and estrogen. This medication is devoted to pregnancy prevention.
Contents:
Indications for use
- Pregnancy prevention;
- Hypogonadism;
- Hypermenorrhea;
- Endometriosis.
Mechanism of action
Ortho-Novum 1/35 belongs to a combined hormonal birth control drug with anti-aldosterone and anti-androgenic effects. The contraceptive effect is based on the interaction of various factors. The most significant effect is to provide a suppression of ovulation and changes in the properties of cervical secretions, as a result of which it becomes less penetrable for spermatozoa.
Mode of application and dosage
A woman should be informed that in order to achieve the maximum contraceptive effect it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions for use. Ortho-Novum 1 / 35 should be taken from the 1st day of the menstrual cycle. One tablet of this birth control is taken daily for 28 days and preferably at the same time. A 7-days break is not followed. Menstruation will start during the reception of placebo pills.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity;
- Pregnancy and lactation;
- Liver failure and tumors including hemangioma, liver cancer;
- Congenital hyperbilirubinemia (Gilbert, Dubin-Johnson and Rotor’s syndromes);
- Thromboembolism including an increased risk of its development;
- Cerebral circulation dysfunction (ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke);
- Ischemic heart disease;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Cardiac disorder;
- Myocarditis;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Retinopathy;
- Angiopathy;
- Sickle cell anemia;
- Breast and endometrial cancer;
- Endometrial hyperplasia;
- Endometriosis;
- Metrorrhagia;
- Fat metabolism disorders;
- Jaundice or itching during a prior pregnancy;
- Otosclerosis with worsening during pregnancy;
- Age over 40 years.
If a woman has a bad habit as smoking especially if she is over 35 years old it is better to withdraw the medication.
Side effects
- Headache;
- Gastralgia;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Mammary glands tenderness;
- Increased body weight;
- Changes in libido;
- Decreased mood;
- Swelling of the eyelids;
- Skin rash;
- Conjunctivitis;
- Blurred vision;
- Hearing loss;
- Thrombophlebitis;
- Thromboembolism;
- Generalized itching;
- Jaundice;
- Intermenstrual bleeding.
Interactions
The metabolism of steroid hormones can be increased if taken together with barbiturates, some antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin). A decrease in the effective concentration is manifested in the case of the simultaneous use with some antibiotics (ampicillin, rifampicin), which is associated with a change in the microflora in the intestine. The effectiveness of this contraceptive drug is reduced in the case of the regular excessive use of ethanol. When taking progestin-estrogen drugs, correction of the dosage regimen of hypoglycemic drugs may be required.
What if I miss a dose?
If the patient misses taking the pills in the first 12 hours, the risk of getting pregnant is small. Additional contraception is not required. If the missing of the pill occurred within 36 hours or more, the contraceptive effect is significantly reduced. Additional contraceptive methods are required to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Ortho-Novum 1/35 and pregnancy
This drug is not recommended for pregnancy and lactation. There is a risk that hormones penetrate into breast milk, having an effect on the health of the newborn.