What is Sprintec?
Sprintec contains a combination of female hormones to prevent ovulation, or the release of an egg. Sprintec can also cause changes to your cervical mucus, uterine lining, and sperm. Fertilized eggs find it more challenging to adhere to the uterus.
Sprintec can be used to prevent pregnancy. This medicine is available in many different brands. This leaflet does not list all available brands. Sprintec can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Sprintec
Symptoms of an allergic reaction that require medical intervention: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of lips, face or throat.
Birth control pills can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:
- Signs of stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, or headache (especially one side), slurred or shaky speech, or problems with vision, balance, or coordination;
- Signs of a blood clot: sudden vision loss, stabbing pain in the chest, feeling short-of-breath, coughing blood, or pain or warmth on one or both legs.
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain or pressure; pain spreading into your jaw or shoulder; nausea and sweating.
- Liver problems: fatigue, nausea, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice.
- A severe headache that pounds in the neck or ears
- You may experience swelling of your ankles, feet, or hands.
- Changes in the pattern of migraine headaches or their severity;
- A breast lump,
- Symptoms of depression include sleep problems, fatigue, and mood changes.
Some of the common side effects associated with Sprintec include:
- Stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting;
- Breast tenderness
- Acne is a darkening of the facial skin.
- Headache, anxiety, and mood changes
- Contact lenses: problems with contact lenses
- Weight changes;
- Bleeding
- Vaginal itching, discharge,
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Avoid using birth control pills while pregnant or after having a recent baby.
Birth control pills should not be used if: you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart conditions such as coronary artery diseases or circulation issues associated with diabetes; undiagnosed vaginal bleeding; liver disease or cancer; severe headaches or migraines; major surgery is scheduled; you are over 35 and smoking; you have experienced blood clotting or jaundice; was caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, or if cancer has developed on the breast, uterus, or cervical Birth-control pills may increase your risk of blood clots or strokes.
Smoking increases your risk of blood clots and heart attacks. Birth control pills are not recommended if you smoke or if you're over 35.
Before you take this drug
Birth control pills may increase your risk of blood clots or strokes. If you are overweight, have high blood sugar, have diabetes, or have high levels of cholesterol, you are at even greater risk. The risk of stroke and blood clots is greatest during the first year you take birth control pills. You are at high risk when you start taking birth control pills again after a break of 4 weeks or more.
Smoking increases your risk of blood clots and strokes. The more you smoke, the greater the risk. If you are older than 35 and smoke, it is not recommended that you take combination birth-control pills.
Do not use it if you are pregnant. Stop using Sprintec immediately and inform your doctor if you are missing two menstrual periods in a row or if you are pregnant. Wait at least four weeks after giving birth if you've just had a child.
If you are pregnant, or if:
- Untreated or uncontrolled hypertension;
- Heart disease (chest discomfort, coronary artery diseases, stroke history, or blood clots);
- An increased risk of blood clots as a result of a heart condition or hereditary blood disorder
- Circulatory problems (especially when caused by diabetes);
- A history of cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, or vagina
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by a physician;
- Liver disease or liver cancer
- If you have severe migraine headaches, especially if your age is greater than 35,
- If you take any hepatitis C medications containing ombitasvir, paritaprevir or ritonavir (Technivie), seek advice before starting them.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- If you suffer from cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure or are susceptible to blood clots, then this product is ideal for you.
- If you have high triglycerides or cholesterol, or are overweight, taking action could help.
- Depression;
- A seizure or migraine headache;
- Thyroid hyperactivity and gallbladder diseases.
- Liver or kidney disease
- Jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills can occur.
- Menstrual irregularities;
- Fibrocystic breast disease, lumps or nodules on mammograms
This medicine may slow down the production of breast milk. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a possibility.
How to take Sprintec?
Read and follow all instructions that accompany your medication. Follow the directions on the label. When you first begin using this medication, you may need to use a backup birth control method, such as condoms containing spermicide. You should follow your doctor's advice. One pill per day is recommended, but no more than one every 24 hours. Once all the pills have been consumed, start on a new package the following day. If you don't take one pill every day, you may become pregnant.
Some birth control packages contain "reminder pills" to help you maintain your regular cycle. Usually, your period will begin when you start taking these reminder pills.
You might experience bleeding during the first three months. If the bleeding persists or becomes heavier than usual, please notify your physician. If you have severe diarrhea or vomiting, use backup birth control. You may have to temporarily stop taking this medication if you are going to be undergoing major surgery or if you will need long-term bedrest. You should let any doctor or surgeon that treats you know you're taking estradiol and levonorgestrel.
If you are taking birth control pills, it is essential that you visit with your physician regularly. Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Please read the instructions that come with your medication. You are more likely to become pregnant if you miss a pill. Take two pills the next day if you forget to take one. Take 1 pill a day for the remainder of the pack. If you missed two active pills consecutively during Weeks 1-2, take two pills a day for two days and then one pill daily thereafter to finish your pack. In case of missing any further pills, consider switching over to an alternative birth control method for at least seven days as backup protection.
If you missed two active pills consecutively in Week 3, you should throw the entire pack away and start another one the next day if you started on Day 1. If you started on Sunday, continue taking one pill each day until Sunday. On Sunday, toss out any remaining pieces and start over.
If you missed three active pills consecutively in Weeks 1, 2, and 3, you can throw away the pack. Start a new one on the same date if you started Day 1. If you started on Sunday, continue taking one pill each day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard the remainder of the package and begin a new one.
You may not get a period if you miss two or more pills. Call your doctor if you have missed a period in two consecutive months. You might be pregnant. If you forget to take a pill reminder, just throw it out and continue taking one pill reminder per day until your pack is empty.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not smoke while taking birth control pills, especially if you're older than 35. Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmissible diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The only way to prevent these diseases is by using a condom.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies, may also affect birth control pills. Birth control pills can be less effective when taking certain drugs. This may lead to pregnancy. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
