What is the Lo/Ovral?
The combination Lo/Ovral 28 contains both ethinyl esteradiol (the female hormone) and norgestrel. The female hormones ethinyl estradiol (which prevents ovulation) and norgestrel (which inhibits the release of an ovary egg) are both present in Lo/Ovral-28. Lo/Ovral 28 also affects the mucus in the cervical area and the uterine lining. This makes it more difficult for the fertilised eggs to adhere to the uterus.Use Lo/Ovral 28 as contraception in order to avoid pregnancy.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Lo/Ovral 28.
Warnings
You should not take Lo/Ovral 28 if you are pregnant or have just had a child. If you suffer from any of these conditions, you should avoid taking Lo/Ovral 28. high blood pressure that is not controlled, heart problems, blood clotting disorders, circulatory problems, diabetes-related problems in the eyes and kidneys, abnormal vaginal blood flow, liver cancer or disease, severe headaches or migraines, smoking, being over 35 years old, having had a previous heart attack or stroke, breast cancer or uterine or other cancers or jaundice due to Lo/Ovral 28, or experiencingIf you are using Lo/Ovral 28 for the first time or miss a dosage, you may want to have a backup birth control such as a condom or spermicide. Please follow your doctor's advice.You are more likely to become pregnant if you forget to take a pill. If you forgot to take Lo/Ovral 28, carefully follow the instructions for "missed dosage".Lo/Ovral 28 can be less effective at preventing pregnancy if you are taking certain drugs. These include antibiotics, hepatitis C medication, HIV/AIDS medication, seizure medications, or barbiturate sedatives. Inform your doctor of all the medications that you are taking.
Before you take this drug
Birth defects can be caused by Lo/Ovral 28. Use only if you are not pregnant. Do not use it if pregnant. Wait at least four weeks after giving birth before you take Lo/Ovral 28. Lo/Ovral 28 should not be taken if:
- Untreated high blood pressure or hypertension
- Heart disease (coronary arterial disease, heart valve disorders that are uncontrolled, a history of stroke or heart attack),
- A blood-clotting disorder or circulation problems;
- Diabetes can cause problems in the eyes, kidneys, and circulation.
- A history of cancers related to hormones, such as breast cancer or uterine carcinoma;
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by your doctor
- Liver disease, or cancer of the liver;
- Severe migraine headaches, especially in older people over 35.
- Jaundice caused by pregnancy or contraceptive pills
- If you are older than 35 and smoke, then this is for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have to ensure that you are able to safely use Lo/Ovral 28.
- High blood pressure and varicose veins
- If you have high cholesterol, triglycerides, or are overweight,
- A history of depression
- Underactive thyroid gland
- Gallbladder Disease
- Diabetes;
- Seizures or epilepsy;
- A history of irregular periods;
- Tuberculosis
- A history of breast fibrocystic disease, including lumps or nodules
Hormones from Lo/Ovral 28 can be passed into the breast milk, which may cause harm to a baby who is nursing. The hormones in Lo/Ovral 28 may slow down breast milk production. Use caution if your baby is breastfed.
How to take Lo/Ovral?
Do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your physician. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.You should follow the instructions on your prescription.Your first pill will be taken on your first period day or the first Sunday following your period. When you start taking Lo/Ovral 28, it may be necessary to take a backup birth control such as spermicide or condoms. You should follow your doctor's advice.One pill per day is recommended, but no more than one every 24 hours. Start a fresh pack of pills the next day when the old ones run out. If you don't take your daily pill, it is possible to become pregnant. Refill your prescription before the pills run out.This 28-day Lo/Ovral package contains seven pills that remind you to follow your normal cycle. Usually, your period begins when you take these pills.You might experience bleeding during your first three months. If the bleeding persists or becomes very heavy, tell your doctor.If you have severe diarrhoea or vomiting, use backup birth control.You may have to temporarily stop taking this medicine if you are going through medical testing or surgery, or you'll be in bed. You should let any doctor who treats you know you're taking Lo/Ovral 28.You will have to see your doctor frequently if you are taking Lo/Ovral 28.Keep Lo/Ovral 28 at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Please follow the instructions for patients that come with your Lo/Ovral 28. Ask your pharmacist or physician if you do not understand. You are more likely to become pregnant if you miss a pill.Take two active pills the next day if you forget. Take one pill a day until the remainder of the package is used.Take two pills a day for the next two consecutive days if you missed two active pills back to back in Week 1. Take one pill a day until the end of your pack. After missing a pill, use a backup birth control method for at least seven days.You can throw out your entire pack if you have missed two pills consecutively in the third week. If you started on Day 1, you should start another pack that day. You can continue taking the pill until Sunday if you started on Sunday. Throw out the remaining pills on Sunday and begin a brand new package that same day.You can start over if you missed three pills consecutively in the first, second, or third week. You can continue to take a tablet every day up until Sunday if you started on Sunday. Throw out the remaining pills on Sunday and begin a brand new package that same day.You may miss your period if you don't take two pills or more. Call your doctor if you have missed two periods in a month. You might be pregnant.You can throw away the missed pill and continue to take one pill every day until you run out of pills. If you forget to take a pill, there is no need for backup birth control.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care.Vomiting, nausea and bleeding vaginal are all symptoms of an overdose.
What should be avoided?
If you're older than 35, smoking can raise your chances of a stroke or a heart attack due to Lo/Ovral 28.The Lo/Ovral 28 will not provide protection against sexually transmitted illnesses, including HIV and AIDS. The only way to prevent these diseases is by using a condom.
Side effects of Lo/Ovral
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Lo/Ovral 28: If you have difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue, or hives, get emergency medical attention.
You may experience severe side effects, including:
- A sudden feeling of numbness or even weakness on one side;
- A sudden, severe headache with confusion or problems with speech, vision, or balance
- Chest pain is a heavy feeling or pain that spreads to your arm or shoulder; nausea, sweating, and a general feeling of unwellness.
- Sudden coughing, rapid breathing, and a bloody cough
- One or both legs may be affected by pain, swelling, redness, or heat
- A change in migraine headache patterns or intensity;
- Dark urine, clay-coloured stools, nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite
- You may experience swelling of your ankles or feet, hands, or even both.
- A breast lump,
- Symptoms of depression include sleep problems, fatigue, and mood changes.
Less serious Lo/Ovral-28 side effects may include:
- Mild nausea, especially when taking the medicine for the first time, vomiting, stomach pains, and bloating
- Breast tenderness, swelling, or discharge.
- Hair loss or increased hair growth on the scalp
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Contact lenses: problems with them
- Vaginal discharge or itching
- Changes in menstruation, decreased sexual drive
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Call the FDA to report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Lo/Ovral 28 can be rendered less effective by certain drugs, resulting in a pregnancy. Tell your doctor before using Lo/Ovral 28 if you use any of these drugs.
- Bosentan (Tracleer)
- An antibiotic or a tuberculosis drug;
- Drugs to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS
- Barbiturates such as phenobarbital, Solfoton, and others
- John's Wort,
- Seizure medications.
Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take, including:
- Dantrolene (Dantrium);
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex);
- Tranexamic Acid (Cyklokapron and Lysteda)
Other drugs can interact with Lo/Ovral 28.Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. Included are prescriptions, vitamins, herbal, and over-the-counter products. Never start taking a new medicine without consulting your doctor.
