What is Heather?
Heather is a type of progesterone. This female hormone regulates ovulation, menstruation, and other important processes.Heather is used for contraception (birth control) in order to prevent pregnancy.Heather can also be used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or abnormal vaginal bleeds caused by hormone imbalance.Heather is not all the same. Some brands can only be used for contraception. Some brands are used to treat endometriosis and vaginal bleeding disorders. Use only the form and strength prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication mistakes.Heather can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Heather
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Heather can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Sudden vision loss, bulging eyes, or severe headache;
- Rapid weight gain and swelling
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Missed menstrual cycles
- Pelvic pain (especially one side);
- Breast lumps;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Increased thirst leads to increased urination.
- If you have liver problems, such as dark urine, abdominal pain, or jaundice (yellowing on the skin or in the eyes),
- Signs of a blood clot include sudden numbness, weakness, difficulty with speech or vision, chest pain, shortness of breath and swelling or redness on an arm or leg.
Heather can cause the following side effects:
- Unusually heavy vaginal bleeding
- Headache;
- Breast pain or swelling
- Stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting;
- Hair loss;
- Sleep problems can be an indication of depression.
- Weight gain or weight gain.
- Vaginal itching or discharge
There may be other side effects.For medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician. You can also reach the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report them.
Similar/related drugs
Norethindrone, Levonorgestrel, Medroxyprogesterone, Depo-Provera, Provera, and Nexplanon
Warnings
Heather should not be used if you have: vaginal bleeding that hasn't been diagnosed; cancer of the breast; or liver tumors. Heather may not work for you if your medical history includes a stroke or a blood clot.Do not use this product if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.You should avoid taking Heather in some situations if you're nursing.
Before you take this drug
Heather should not be used if:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by a physician;
- A liver tumor or liver disease;
- Breast cancer
- A history of blood clots on your brain, in your eyes, lungs, or legs
Do not use Heather if pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant.You should ask your doctor if you can use this medication while breastfeeding. You should consult your doctor before taking Heather while you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor immediately if you suspect being pregnant.
- High blood pressure, heart disease
- Liver disease
- Depression;
- Migraine headaches
- Diabetes;
- High cholesterol (or triglycerides);
- Fibroid tumors of the uterus;
- Epilepsy;
- Kidney disease
- Asthma
- If you smoke.
Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.
How to take Heather?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Follow your doctor's instructions on when to begin taking Heather as contraception if you have been using a combination pill that contains both estrogen and progesterone.If you are taking Heather as contraception, take one pill per day. The interval between pills should not exceed 24 hours. If you don't take one pill every day, you may become pregnant.If you have diarrhea or vomiting, you may need to take a backup form of birth control.Heather is usually taken for 5–10 days for women with menstrual problems or abnormal vaginal bleeds. You may experience vaginal bleeding 3–7 days after taking your last dose.Heather is taken long-term, daily, for several months. You may need to change your dosage from time to time.Regularly, your doctor should monitor your progress. Monthly, self-examine breasts to look for lumps. Also, have mammograms.Report any abnormal vaginal bleeding immediately.Heather can interfere with certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of this medication.Store this medication away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Follow the instructions on your medication or call your doctor.If you miss a dose of birth control, your chances of getting pregnant increase. If you miss your dose by more than three hours, take it as soon as possible and continue to use the backup birth control method for at least 48 hours. Continue to take your pills at regular intervals.If you have missed two periods in a row, contact your physician as soon as possible. You might be pregnant.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out for poison help immediately or call 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not take estrogen medication without first consulting with a healthcare provider.Do not smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots and heart attacks while using Heather as contraception.Heather is not a protection against sexually transmissible diseases, including HIV and AIDS. The only way to prevent these diseases is by using a condom.
Interaction with other drug
Certain drugs can reduce the effectiveness of Heather, which could lead to an unintended pregnancy when you are using Heather as contraception. Be sure to inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking, such as:
- John's wort;
- Medicine to treat an infection (antifungal medicine or antibacterial medicine);
- Medicine to treat tuberculosis
- Medicine to treat hiv or aids
- Seizure medication.
This list is incomplete. Heather may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
