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Monday, July 16, 2007

Alesse

Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel

Brand Names: Alesse, Aviane, Levlen, Levlite, Levora, Tri-Levlen, Triphasil, Triphasil-28, Trivora

What is Alesse?

Alesse contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucous and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Alesse are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Alesse may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Alesse?
Do not use Alesse if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby. Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Taking hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Alesse?
This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding). Do not use this medication if you have:

*a history of a stroke or blood clot;
*circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes);
*a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
*abnormal vaginal bleeding;
* liver disease or liver cancer;
*severe high blood pressure;
*severe migraine headaches;
*a heart valve disorder; or
*a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may not be able to use birth control pills, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

*high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack;
*high cholesterol or if you are overweight;
*a history of depression;
*gallbladder disease;
*diabetes;
*seizures or epilepsy;
* a history of irregular menstrual cycles;
*a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram;
*uterine fibroid tumors;
*varicose veins; or
*tuberculosis.

The hormones in birth control pills can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Alesse?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor's instructions).

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.

The 28-day birth control pack contains seven "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.
You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. You may get pregnant if you do not use this medication regularly. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.

If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using birth control pills.

Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. Do not miss any appointments.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Alesse missed dose:

Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant.

If you miss one "active" pill, take two pills on the day that you remember. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack.

If you miss two "active" pills in a row in week one or two, take two pills per day for two days in a row. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack. Use back-up birth control for at least 7 days following the missed pills.

If you miss two "active" pills in a row in week three, or if you miss three pills in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.

If you miss three "active" pills in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack on the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.
If you miss two or more pills, you may not have a period during the month. If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.

If you miss any reminder pills, throw them away and keep taking one pill per day until the pack is empty. You do not need back-up birth control if you miss a reminder pill.

Alesse overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.

What should I avoid while taking Alesse?
Do not smoke while using birth control pills, especially if you are older than 35. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack caused by birth control pills.

Birth control pills will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

Alesse side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

*sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
*sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
* chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
* a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;
* nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
*swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
*symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Continue using the medication and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

*mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
*breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
*freckles or darkening of facial skin;
*increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
*changes in weight or appetite;
*problems with contact lenses;
*vaginal itching or discharge;
*changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or
*headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Alesse?

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Before using birth control pills, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

* acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
*phenylbutazone (Azolid, Butazolidin);
*prednisolone (Orapred);
*theophylline (Respbid, Theo-Dur);
*cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf);
*St. John's wort;
*antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Augmentin), ampicillin (Omnipen), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), griseofulvin (Grisactin, Grifulvin V, Fulvicin PG), minocycline (Minocin), penicillin (Veetids, Pen Vee K, Bicillin), rifampin (Rifadin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin, Robitet), and others;
*seizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), topiramate (Topamax), or primidone (Mysoline);
*a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or
*HIV medicines such as amprenavir (Agenerase), atazanavir (Reyataz), tipranavir (Aptivus), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), or nelfinavir (Viracept).

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect birth control pills. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Alesse information:

* Your pharmacist has additional information about Alesse written for health professionals that you may read.

What does Alesse look like?

Alesse is available with a prescription under several brand names and may also be available as a generic. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Buy Alesse online, Alesse.ca, info at RxList.com

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Thursday, July 5, 2007

Yasmin

Prescription Yasmin Drug Uses

Yasmin is a birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. Yasmin differs from other birth control pills because it contains a progestin hormone called drospirenone. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Prescription Yasmin How Taken
This oral contraceptive comes in a packet of 28 tablets. The first 21 tablets are the active pills; they contain the active ingredients (hormones) ethinyl estradiol and drospirenon. The last seven tablets in a 28-tablet packet are the reminder pills; they are different in color and do not contain any hormone. Day 1 start: Take the first active pill of the first pack during the first 24 hours of your period. You will not need to use a back-up method of birth control, since you are starting the pill at the beginning of your period. Sunday start: Take the first active pill of the first pack on Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still bleeding. If your period starts on Sunday, start the pack that same day. Use another method of birth control (such as condoms or spermicides) if you have sex during 7 days after you start your first packet.

Prescription Yasmin Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Yasmin without first talking to your doctor if you have had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot; high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease; a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer; or undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Before taking Yasmin, also tell your doctor if you have diabetes; high cholesterol; gallbladder disease; migraines or other headaches; epilepsy; a history of depression; a history of scanty or irregular menstrual periods; smoke cigarettes; or need an extended period of bed rest due to surgery or illness. Yasmin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it has been reported to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have very serious negative effects on a developing baby. Do not take drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol if you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant. Yasmin passes into breast milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take Yasmin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Avoid smoking. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.

Prescription Yasmin Missed Dose
If you MISS 1 yellow active pill:
-Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at your regular time.
This means you may take two pills in one day.
-You do not need to use a back-up birth control method if you have sex.
If you MISS 2 yellow active pills in a row in WEEK 1 OR WEEK 2 of your pack:
-Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day.
-Then take one pill a day until you finish the pack.
-You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.
If you MISS 2 yellow active pills in a row in the 3RD WEEK:
-If you are a Day 1 Starter:
THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking one pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, THROW OUT the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same day.
-You may not have your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period two months in a row, call your doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant.
-You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.
If you MISS 3 OR MORE yellow active pills in a row (during the first 3 weeks).
- If you are a Day 1 Starter:
THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking 1 pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, THROW OUT the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same day.
-You may not have your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period two months in a row, call your doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant.
-You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.

Prescription Yasmin Possible Side Effects

VAGINAL BLEEDING
Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur while you are taking the pills. Irregular bleeding may vary from slight staining between menstrual periods to breakthrough bleeding, which is a flow much like a regular period. Irregular bleeding occurs most often during the first few months of oral contraceptive use, but may also occur after you have been taking the pill for some time. Such bleeding may be temporary and usually does not indicate any serious problems. It is important to continue taking your pills on schedule. If the bleeding occurs in more than one cycle or lasts for more than a few days, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
CONTACT LENSES
If you wear contact lenses and notice a change in vision or an inability to wear your lenses, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
FLUID RETENTION
Oral contraceptives may cause edema (fluid retention) with swelling of the fingers or ankles and may raise your blood pressure. If you experience fluid retention, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
MELASMA
A spotty darkening of the skin is possible, particularly of the face.
OTHER SIDE EFFECTS
Other side effects may include change in appetite, headache, nervousness, and depression, and dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections. If any of these side effects bother you, call your doctor or healthcare provider.

Prescription Yasmin Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).

Prescription Yasmin Overdose

Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute ingestion of large doses of other oral contraceptives by young children. Over dosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. Drospirenone, however, is a spironolactone analogue, which has antimineralocorticoid properties. Serum concentration of potassium and sodium, and evidence of metabolic acidosis, should be monitored in cases of overdose.

Prescription Yasmin More Information
Your healthcare provider will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. The physical examination may be delayed to another time if you request it and the healthcare provider believes that it is appropriate to postpone it. You should be re-examined at least once a year. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if there is a family history of any of the conditions listed previously in this leaflet. Be sure to keep all appointments with your healthcare provider, because this is a time to determine if there are early signs of side effects of oral contraceptive use. Do not use the drug for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. This drug has been prescribed specifically for you; do not give it to others who may want birth-control pills.

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Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Triphasil

Prescription Triphasil Drug Uses
Triphasil is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy, also to regulate your menstrual cycle. Some brands of birth control pills can be used for treating acne or as a pill for emergency contraception ("morning after"). Please consult your doctor or pharmacist. By using of this medication you or your partner are not protected against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, gonorrhea etc.

Prescription Triphasil How Taken
This medication is to be taken with food or immediately after a meal (to prevent stomach upset). If it is possible, try to take this medication at the same time each day, this makes easier for you to remember to take it. You should learn the proper use of your particular medication brand. Follow carefully your dosing schedule and always ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. During the first week of taking this medication you should use a supplemental form of birth control since it takes a while to be effective. If used as a "morning after" pill, please follow the directions from your doctor.

Prescription Triphasil Warning
Chances of having heart problems increase if you smoke cigarettes while using this medication. Do not smoke while using this medication. The risk of heart problems is growing with frequent smoking (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and with age (in women greater than 35 years of age).

Prescription Triphasil Precautions
This drug must not be used during pregnancy. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. This medication passes into breast milk and may affect milk production (may have harmful effects on a nursing infant). Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Before taking this medication, you should tell your doctor your entire medical history, including your family medical history, with special focus on: high blood pressure, asthma, stroke, kidney disease, liver heart disease, blood clots, heart attack, history of jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes) or high blood pressure during pregnancy, excessive weight gain or fluid retention during menstrual cycle, seizures, migraine headaches, breast cancer, high blood level of cholesterol or lipids (fats), diabetes, depression. This drug may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma), depending on strength (higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma). This darkening could be intensified by sunlight, you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing. After you stop taking birth control pills, it may take a long time for you to become pregnant. Consult your doctor. Do not smoke cigarettes. Birth-control pills slightly increase your risk of strokes, heart attacks, gallbladder disease, blood clots, high blood pressure, vision problems, and liver tumors. The risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure and heart attacks further increases with cigarette smoking (especially 15 or more cigarettes daily) and age (women older than 35/smokers or 40/nonsmokers years of age). Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the patient labeling which explains these risks in more detail. If you have any questions please consult your doctor, including questions regarding possible use in nonsmokers over 40 years of age. You may develop vision problems if you are near-sighted or wear contact lenses and your tolerance of the lenses may decrease. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur. Tell the doctor that you take birth control pills before having surgery, including dental surgery.

Prescription Triphasil Interactions
Tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Drugs such as Griseofulvin, many antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, sulfas, cephalosporins), chloramphenicol, many seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine), dapsone, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), modafinil, nevirapine, nelfinavir, ritonavir, St John's wort, troglitazone may decrease the effectiveness of the pill. Ask your doctor if you should use additional birth control methods while taking any of the drugs mentioned above while taking birth control pills. Also tell your doctor if you use: thyroid hormone drugs, certain benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide), prednisone-like drugs, certain antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), "blood thinners" (anticoagulants such as warfarin), insulin. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., thyroid). Inform all laboratory personnel that you use this drug. Birth control pills may significantly intensify the effects of alcohol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about this. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Prescription Triphasil Over Dose
Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately if you suspect an overdose. The symptoms of overdose could be nausea and vomiting. Females may experience vaginal bleeding.

Prescription Triphasil Missed Dose
Missed dose advice depends on the brand used, the number of doses missed. Product package information should include advice on missed doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Prescription Triphasil Possible Side Effects
This medication may cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or worsen or if you experience: groin or calf pain, sudden severe headache, severe depression, chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Prescription Triphasil Storage
This medication should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Prescription Triphasil Notes
You should keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. At least once a year you should have a complete physical examination (blood pressure, breast and pelvic examinations, PAP test for vaginal cancer). Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. A manufacturer's fact sheet about this drug should be dispensed with each prescription. Read the information carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have.

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Sunday, June 10, 2007

Seasonale

Prescription Seasonale: Drug Uses

Seasonale is used to prevent pregnancy. This medication does not protect against transmission of HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis.

Prescription Seasonale: How Taken
Take one pill at the same time every day until you have taken the last pill in the tablet dispenser. Do not skip pills even if you are spotting or bleeding or feel sick to your stomach. Do not skip pills even if you do not have sex very often.

Prescription Seasonale: Warnings/Precautions

If you are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before starting oral contraceptives. Some of the drug will be passed on to the child in the milk.

Prescription Seasonale: Missed Dose
If you miss pills you could get pregnant. This includes starting the pack late. The more pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant. Try not to exceed 24 hours between pills.

Prescription Seasonale: Possible Side Effects

Seasonale may cause your blood pressure to rise. A spotty darkening of the skin is possible, particularly of the face. Other, less serious side effects you may experience include nausea and vomiting, change in appetite, breast tenderness, headache, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, vaginal infections, and allergic reactions.

Prescription Seasonale: Storage
Store at controlled room temperature 20°-25° C (68°-77° F). Keep out of the reach of children.

Prescription Seasonale: Overdose

Overdosage may cause nausea and withdrawal bleeding in females. In case of overdosage, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Prescription Seasonale: More Information
Your healthcare provider will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. You should be reexamined at least once a year.

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