What is Microgestin 1/20?
The combination pill Microgestin 1/20 contains female hormones to prevent ovulation. Your medication could also alter the cervical mucus or uterine lining, potentially altering its structure or function. This makes it more difficult for fertilized eggs to adhere to the uterus. As a contraceptive, Microgestin 1/20 can be used to avoid pregnancy. Microgestin 1/20 can also be used for moderate acne by women over 15 who have begun menstruating and wish to take birth-control pills. There are several brands available of ethinyl esteradiol and norethindrone. This leaflet does not list all the available brands. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Microgestin 1/20.
Side effects of Microgestin 1/20
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergy reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, lips, faces, throats or tongue swelling and difficulty swallowing; seek medical assistance immediately.
The side effects of this medicine can be serious. If you experience:
- Signs of stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, headaches, difficulty with speech or vision, and balance problems;
- Signs of a blood clot in the lungs: chest pain, sudden cough, shortness of breath, or dizziness;
- Signs of a deep blood clot—pain or swelling in one leg.
- Heart attack symptoms include chest pain, pressure or pain that spreads to the jaw or shoulders, nausea, and sweating.
- Liver problems: swelling around the midsection of your body, upper right stomach pain, lack of appetite, dark-colored urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice.
- Increased blood pressure—severe headaches, blurred or distorted vision, and pounding of the neck, ears, or head;
- Depression is characterized by mood changes, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, and thoughts of harming yourself.
- A lump in the breast, hands, feet, or ankles;
- Change in migraine headache patterns or intensities.
Microgestin 1/20 can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Breast tenderness or bleeding.
- Headache or contact lens problems
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Submit side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Norethindrone, Provera, Levonorgestrel, Depo-Provera, Medroxyprogesterone, and Yaz
Warnings
Avoid using birth control pills while pregnant or after having a recent baby. Do not take birth control if: you are uncontrolled; you have high blood pressure; you have heart disease; you have coronary artery diseases. You should also avoid birth control if your liver is ill or if there has been liver cancer. If you smoke, and especially if your age is over 35, taking birth control pills or smoking can raise the risk of heart attacks, blood clots, or stroke.
Before you take this drug
Birth control pills may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. If you suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes, have high cholesterol, or are overweight, you're at an even greater risk. The risk of blood clots or stroke is greatest during the first year you take birth control pills. Returning to birth control after an absence of four weeks puts you at a high risk. If you're older than 35, smoking can raise your chances of a stroke or heart attack due to birth control pills. Avoid using it if pregnant.Inform your doctor immediately if you suspect pregnancy, or miss two periods within a single month. Wait at least four weeks after giving birth if you've just had your baby.
If you are pregnant, or if:
- Untreated or uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease.
- An increased risk for blood clots as a result of a blood disorder or heart disease;
- Circulatory problems caused by diabetes should not be overlooked as potential issues that require immediate medical attention.
- Cancer of the breast, uterus or cervix; vaginal or ovarian origin is known;
- Unusual vaginal bleeding was not checked by your doctor.
- Liver disease, or cancer of the liver;
- Severe migraine headaches, especially in older people over 35.
- A history of jaundice due to pregnancy or birth-control pills
- Are You Over 35 and Smoke?
- You should inform your physician immediately if taking any hepatitis C medication that contains ombitasvir, paritaprevir or ritonavir with or without dasabuvir.
If you've ever:
- If you have heart disease, blood clots, or high blood pressure,
- If you have high cholesterol, triglycerides, or are overweight,.
- Depression;
- A seizure or migraine headache;
- Gallbladder disease and underactive thyroid.
- Liver or kidney disease
- Uneven menstrual cycle, or fibrocystic breast Lumps, nodules, or abnormal mammograms.
A doctor can tell you if breastfeeding is possible while taking this medication.
How to take Microgestin 1/20?
Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication, such as those found on its prescription label.Once you begin taking this medication, it may be necessary for you to use an additional method of birth control - for instance condoms with spermicide. Please follow your physician's advice regarding this matter.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 one daily pill, it is possible to become pregnant.A number of birth control packages contain pills that remind you to follow your normal cycle. Usually, your period begins when you use these pills.If you have severe diarrhea or vomiting, use backup birth control.It is possible that you are bleeding through the skin. If it persists or becomes very heavy, tell your doctor.If you are about to undergo major surgery or will be bedridden for extended periods, Microgestin 1/20 should be temporarily discontinued until post-surgery care has begun. Inform any physician treating you of your use.You will have to see your doctor frequently if you are taking birth-control pills.Stay away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication. You are more likely to become pregnant if you miss a pill.Take two active pills the next day if you forget. Take 1 pill a day until the remainder of the package.Take two pills a day for two consecutive days if you missed two active pills in a week in either Week 1 or 2. Take 1 pill daily for the remainder of your pack. After missing a pill, use a backup birth control method for at least seven days.You can start fresh the next day if your Day 1 starter pack is empty. You can continue to take a pill each 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 can start over if you missed three pills consecutively in the first, second, or third week. 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 may miss your period if you don't take two active pills or more. Call your doctor if you have missed a period in two consecutive months. You might be pregnant. You can throw away the missed pill and continue taking one reminder per day until you run out of pills.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An overdose can cause vomiting or bleeding.
What should be avoided?
Don't smoke when taking birth-control pills, especially if your age is over 35.The use of birth control pills does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The only way to prevent these diseases is by using a condom.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:
- Rifampin;
- Troglitazone;
- Atorvastatin;
- Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir;
- Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital.
The list below is not exhaustive. Microgestin FE 1/20 may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
