Indications
Ovral Lo is a hormone medication is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a combination oral contraceptive that contains both Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. The combination primarily works by preventing ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovaries. It thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Ovral Lo changes the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to a fertilized egg. By employing these three mechanisms, Ovral Lo can significantly lower your risk of becoming pregnant. It is worth noting that Ovral Lo, like all birth control pills, must be taken consistently and correctly to be effective.
Use and Dosage
Ovral Lo Birth Control comes as packs of Tablet to take it orally usually once a day. It is meant to be swallowed whole with water. Chewing the tablet may affect its effectiveness and can also cause side effects such as nausea or stomach upset.
The tablet contains 21 tablets. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 21 days in a row. Take the pill at the same time every day to ensure maximum effectiveness. You can start taking the pill on the first day of your menstrual cycle (Sunday start) or on the first day of your period (Day 1 start). After the 21 days, you will take no pills at all, during which you should have your menstrual period.
Before taking Ovral Lo, you should inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of blood clots, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, gallbladder disease, or ovarian cancer. You should also inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are taking any other medications, including antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
If you miss a dose of Ovral Lo, you should follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. If you miss one active pill, take two pills the next day. If you miss two active pills in a row, take two pills for the next two days and use a backup method of contraception for the next 7 days.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Ovral Lo Birth Control 21 day (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol):
- Acne
- Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
- Breast tenderness, enlargement, or discharge
- Brown or black skin patches
- Changes in menstrual flow
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue)
- Hair growth in unusual places
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Painful or missed periods
- Stomach cramps or bloating
- Swelling, redness, irritation, burning, or itching of the vagina
- Vomiting
- Weight gain or weight loss
- White vaginal discharge
Serious Side Effects of Ovral Lo Birth Control 21 day (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol):
- Bulging eyes
- Coughing up blood
- Crushing chest pain or chest heaviness
- Dark-colored urine
- Depression, especially if you also have trouble sleeping, tiredness, loss of energy, or other mood changes
- Dizziness or faintness
- Double vision
- Extreme tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy
- Fever
- Leg pain
- Light-colored stool
- Loss of appetite
- Partial or complete loss of vision
- Rash
- Severe headache
- Severe stomach pain
- Severe vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Speech problems
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Unusual bleeding
- Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Forms and Strength
Ovral Lo Birth Control 21 day (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol) is available in the following forms and strength:
Ovral LO Birth Control 28 Day: Packs
- 15/0.03mg
Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol: Tablet
- 15/0.03mg
Cautions
- Birth control pills, including Ovral Lo, may increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially in women who smoke or have other risk factors for heart disease. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of blood clots, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol before starting Ovral Lo or other hormonal contraceptives.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Ovral Lo or other hormonal contraceptives.
- Ovral Lo may interact with other medications, including antibiotics and anticonvulsants, and decrease the effectiveness of the contraceptive. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are taking any other medications before starting Ovral Lo.
- Ovral Lo may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, breast tenderness, mood changes, and changes in menstrual bleeding.
- Ovral Lo may increase the risk of certain health conditions, including liver disease, gallbladder disease, and ovarian cancer. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of any of these conditions before starting Ovral Lo.
- Hormonal contraceptives, including Ovral Lo, may increase the risk of certain types of cancers such as breast cancer and cervical cancer.
- Ovral Lo does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so patients should use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, to reduce their risk of STIs.
- Patients who experience unexpected vaginal bleeding while taking Ovral Lo may need to undergo further evaluation to rule out serious underlying medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I start taking Ovral Lo Birth Control 21 day at any time during my menstrual cycle?
Yes, you can start taking Ovral Lo at any time during your menstrual cycle but start on the first day of your period for the most effective contraception.
How long does it take for Ovral Lo to start working?
Ovral Lo starts working as a contraceptive immediately if started on the first day of the menstrual cycle. However, if started at any other point during the cycle, it may take up to 7 days to become effective, and patients should use a backup method of contraception during this time.
Can I take Ovral Lo Birth Control 21 day if I have irregular periods?
Ovral Lo may help regulate menstrual periods but discuss any issues with irregular periods with a healthcare provider before starting the medication.
Can I start taking Ovral Lo Birth Control 21 day at any time during my menstrual cycle?
Yes, you can start taking Ovral Lo at any time during your menstrual cycle but start on the first day of your period for the most effective contraception.
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