What is Microgestin FE 1.5/30?
The combination pill Microgestin 1.5/30 contains female hormones to prevent ovulation. Your medication could also alter the mucus or lining of your cervical canal or uterine lining, potentially leading to changes. This makes it more difficult for fertilized eggs to adhere to the uterus and for sperm to get to the uterus.As a contraceptive, Microgestin 1.5/30 can be used to avoid pregnancy. Women who have reached the age of 15 and started menstruating can also use Microgestin 1.5/30 to treat mild acne. 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 1.5/30.
Side effects of Microgestin FE 1.5/30
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergy reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, lips, face, throat or tongue swelling and/or difficulty swallowing; it is imperative that medical help be sought 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 your lung: 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 stool, and jaundice.
- Increased blood pressure—severe head pain, blurred or distorted vision, and a pounding sensation in the neck, ears, or shoulders;
- Depression is characterized by mood changes, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, and thoughts of harming yourself.
- A breast lump or swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles;
- A change in migraine headache frequency or intensity.
Microgestin 1.5/30 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.Please report 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 pills if: you are uncontrolled; you have high blood pressure; you have heart disease; or you have coronary artery diseases. You also should avoid birth control pills if your liver is ill or if there has been liver cancer or disease.If you smoke, and especially if your age is over 35, taking birth control pills or smoking can raise the risk of stroke or heart attack.
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 a stroke or blood clot increases during the first year you take birth control pills.Resuming birth control pills after an absence of four weeks increases your risks significantly.If you're older than 35, smoking can raise your chances of experiencing a stroke or heart attack due to birth control pills.Avoid using it if pregnant.Notify your physician immediately if you suspect pregnancy or miss two menstrual cycles 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 disorders associated with diabetes may aggravate circulatory issues.
- A history of cancers of the uterus, cervix, or breast;
- 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
- If you are over 35 and currently smoke, please follow these guidelines to reduce risks of tobacco smoke exposure.
- If you take any hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir, paritaprevir or ritonavir with or without dasabuvir as part of a combination therapy plan.
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;
- Thyroid hyperactivity and gallbladder diseases.
- Liver or kidney disease
- Uneven menstrual cycle, fibrocystic breast disease, or lumps or nodules on a mammogram.
A doctor can tell you if breastfeeding is possible while taking this medication.
How to take Microgestin FE 1.5/30?
Please read and heed all instructions or guides that accompany your medication, and follow all directions listed on its prescription label. If you missed two active pills consecutively during the first or second week, take two pills daily for two consecutive days to catch up. Take 1 pill per dose thereafter until all active pills have been used up; use an alternative birth control method for at least seven days if one or both pills were missed. If your Day 1 starter pack is empty, recommence by taking one pill per day until Sunday if you started on that day; throw away any unused pills on Sunday and begin your brand new pack that day. If you miss three consecutive pills in any given week of a new package of pills, starting over is possible. Continue taking your pill until Sunday if starting on that day before throwing away and starting over on Monday morning. If you are scheduled to undergo major surgery or confinement for extended periods, Microgestin 1.5/30 should be temporarily discontinued until your care provider knows of its use. Any healthcare professional treating you should also know. You will have to see your doctor frequently if you are taking birth-control pills. Keep away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Read all instructions or guides that accompany your medication carefully, as missing a pill increases your chance of pregnancy. 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 back-to-back in the first or second week. Take 1 pill per dose 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. This is especially true if you are more than 35 years old. 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 physician of any other medications being taken, such as:
- Rifampin;
- Troglitazone;
- Atorvastatin;
- Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir;
- Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenytoin (antiepileptics).
The list below is not exhaustive. Microgestin 1.5/30 may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal products.This list does not cover all possible drug-drug interactions.
