Indications
Select 28-day is combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) that are indicated for 28 days to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, taking these pills can help regulate periods and alleviate menstrual symptoms.
These pills typically contain a combination of Ethinyl estradiol and Norethindrone, which work to prevent ovulation. The hormones in the pills work to prevent ovulation, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg for fertilization. The placebo pills trigger a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a period.
Use and Dosage
Select 28-day tablets should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food. Begin taking the pills on either the first day of your menstrual cycle, or on the first Sunday after the start of your menstrual cycle. Take one active pill at the same time every day for 21 days, followed by one inert (reminder) pill at the same time every day for 7 days. After taking the 28th pill (the last inert pill), begin a new pack of Select 28-day pills on the next day.
To avoid nausea, take oral contraceptives with food or milk. Take your oral contraceptive at the same time every day. Take your oral contraceptive exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. This means that you might take 2 pills in one day. If you miss 2 pills in a row during the first 2 weeks of your cycle, take 2 pills the day you remember and 2 pills the next day, then take one pill a day until you finish the pack. Use a second method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills.
If you miss 2 pills in a row during the third week of your cycle or 3 or more pills at any time during your cycle and you start your pills on Day 1, safely dispose of the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day. Use another method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Select 28-day (Ethinyl estradiol/Norethindrone):
- 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 Select 28-day (Ethinyl estradiol/Norethindrone):
- 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
- Menstrual bleeding that is unusually heavy or that lasts for longer than 7 days in a row
- 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
Select 28-day (Ethinyl estradiol/Norethindrone) is available in the following forms and strength:
Select 28 day: Tablet
- 1/35mcg
Cautions
- Like other hormonal contraceptives, the tablets carry an increased risk of blood clots, especially in women who are older than 35, overweight, or smoke cigarettes.
- Select 28 may cause other serious side effects, such as heart attack, stroke, liver problems, and high blood pressure. Talk to your healthcare provider about any medical conditions or history that increase your risk for these conditions.
- Some medications, supplements, and herbs may interact with Select 28, reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
- These tablets increase your risk for certain types of cancer, including breast and cervical cancer.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Select 28.
- Select 28 does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Take Select 28 consistently and at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking the pills, you should contact your healthcare provider.
- Women with a history of migraines may experience more severe headaches while taking Select 28 day.
- Smoking cigarettes while taking Select 28-day increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
- These tablets may cause changes in vaginal bleeding patterns, such as breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or missed periods.
- Select 28-day may also cause changes in breast tissue, such as breast tenderness and enlargement.
- Women who have a history of liver disease or conditions that affect liver function should be closely monitored while taking the pills.
- Like other hormonal contraceptives, Select 28-day may reduce the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients, such as folic acid and vitamin B12.
- Some women may experience allergic reactions or other severe side effects while taking the pills. If you experience any of these, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for Select 28-day to become effective?
Select 28-day becomes effective immediately if started on the first day of menstrual bleeding. If started at another time during the menstrual cycle, it may take up to 7 days to become effective.
Can Select 28-day protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No, Select 28-day does not protect against STIs. Use additional protection, such as condoms, to protect against STIs.
Do I need a prescription to take Select 28-day contraceptive pills?
Yes, you will need a prescription from a healthcare provider to obtain Select 28-day contraceptive pills.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-pills
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601050.html
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/select
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ethinyl-estradiol-and-norethindrone-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20061319
- https://www.drugs.com/pro/norethindrone-ethinyl-estradiol-and-ferrous-fumarate.html
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=054917fa-573b-4b16-a719-ece6c0909656&type=display
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