Ovcon 50 (norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol) is an oral contraceptive used by women to prevent pregnancy. The product combines two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin.
Contents:
Indications for use
Prevention of pregnancy.
Mechanism of action
It works by preventing ovulation, increasing estrogen levels, and changing hormone levels.
Dosage and mode of application
Each Ovcon 50 pack contains 21 tablets (1 mg norethindrone and 0.05 mg ethinyl estradiol) and 7 green inert tablets.
Take this drug orally once daily, at about the same time of the day with water, regardless of meals.
Follow the package instructions and take pills in the correct order. Do not skip any pills. Pregnancy may occur if you miss doses, make interruptions, or take pills at a different time of the day.
Vomiting or diarrhea can reduce the efficiency of the contraceptive. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, use a barrier method of contraception (condoms or spermicide).
Taking the pills after your evening meal or at bedtime may help reduce stomach upset or nausea.
After you have taken the last inert pill in the pack, start a new pack the next day whether or not you have menstruation. If you do not get your period, contact your doctor for medical advice.
Ask your doctor about how to switch to Ovcon 50 from other forms of hormonal contraception (patch, intrauterine device, other birth control pills) to this product.
Side effects
In some cases, Ovcon 50 can cause side effects, such as:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Amenorrhea;
- Breakthrough bleeding;
- Spotting;
- Change in menstrual flow;
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating);
- Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment;
- Breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, and secretion;
- Change in cervical ectropion and secretion;
- Change in weight (increase or decrease);
- Changes in libido;
- Colitis;
- Possible diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum;
- Cholestatic jaundice;
- Edema;
- Changes in appetite;
- Nervousness;
- Melasma which may persist;
- Migraine;
- Rash (allergic);
- Premenstrual syndrome;
- Cataracts;
- Dizziness;
- Hirsutism;
- Loss of scalp hair;
- Erythema multiforme;
- Cystitis-like syndrome;
- Change in corneal curvature (steepening);
- Intolerance to contact lenses;
- Headache;
- Erythema nodosum;
- Hemorrhagic eruption;
- Acne;
- Vaginitis;
- Porphyria;
- Mental depression;
- Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates;
- Vaginal candidiasis;
- Thrombophlebitis;
- Impaired renal function;
- Myocardial infarction;
- Hypertension;
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome;
- Budd-Chiari syndrome;
- Arterial thromboembolism;
- Pulmonary embolism;
- Gallbladder disease;
- Hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors;
- Mesenteric thrombosis;
- Cerebral hemorrhage;
- Cerebral thrombosis;
- Retinal thrombosis.
Contraindications
Do not take Ovcon 50 if you have any of the following diseases/conditions:
- hepatic neoplasms;
- abnormal genital bleeding;
- thromboembolism;
- carcinomas (estrogenic);
- thromboembolism/cardiovascular;
- hypercalcemia in breast cancer;
- hypertension;
- abnormal vaginal bleeding;
- breast malignancy;
- liver disease.
If you have any severe side effects after using this product, seek urgent medical attention.
Interactions
Some drugs may interact with Ovcon 50. Example include certain combination products used to treat chronic hepatitis C (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir), aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane), ospemifene, tamoxifen, tizanidine, tranexamic acid.
Some drugs may decrease the contraceptive efficiency of Ovcon 50. These are drugs used to treat seizures (such as barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate), griseofulvin, modafinil, rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), HIV drugs (such as nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir), St. John’s wort, among others.
Always consult your doctor prior to combining any drugs.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Use is contraindicated. If you think you get pregnant when on the pills, discontinue therapy and consult a doctor right away.
What if I miss a pill?
Missing active pills increases the risk of getting pregnant.
- One missed pill: Take as soon as possible or two tablets the next day, then continue normal schedule;
- Two missed pill: Take two tablets daily for two days, then continue normal schedule;
- Three missed pills: Discard the current pack and begin new packet 7 days following last dose.
Precautions
This product does not protect against HIV-infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Use with caution:
- angioedema;
- hyperlipidemia;
- gallbladder disease;
- hypercalcemia;
- melasma;
- thyroid function tests;
- depression;
- retinal thrombosis;
- hyperlipidemia;
- liver disease.
If you think you have overdosed Ovcon 50 and has serious symptoms such as severe nausea and vomiting, sudden/unusual vaginal bleeding, passing out or trouble breathing, call 911 or a poison control center right away at 1-800-222-1222 (US).