Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives)

Alesse; Apri; Aviane; Brevicon; Demulen; Desogen; Estrostep; Genora; Jenest; Levlen; Levlite; Levora; Lo/Ovral; Loestrin; Low-Ogestrel; Microgestin; Mircette; Modicon; Necon; Norinyl; Nordette; Nortrel; Ogestrel; Ortho-Cept; Ortho-Cyclen; Ortho-Novum; Ortho Tri-Cyclen; Ovcon; Ovral; Tri-Levlen; Tri-Norinyl; Triphasil; Trivora; Yasmin; Zovia
Other name(s): Birth-control pills; ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel; ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol and ethynodiol; ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel; ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone; ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate; ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel; mestranol and norethindrone Logo

Brand name(s): Alesse; Apri; Aviane; Brevicon; Demulen; Desogen; Estrostep; Genora; Jenest; Levlen; Levlite; Levora; Lo/Ovral; Loestrin; Low-Ogestrel; Microgestin; Mircette; Modicon; Necon; Norinyl; Nordette; Nortrel; Ogestrel; Ortho-Cept; Ortho-Cyclen; Ortho-Novum; Ortho Tri-Cyclen; Ovcon; Ovral; Tri-Levlen; Tri-Norinyl; Triphasil; Trivora; Yasmin; Zovia
Other name(s): Birth-control pills; ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel; ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol and ethynodiol; ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel; ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone; ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate; ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel; mestranol and norethindrone

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking oral contraceptives,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to estrogen, progestin, or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: acetaminophen (APAP, Tylenol); antibiotics; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); atorvastatin (Lipitor); clofibrate (Atromid-S); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Grisactin); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir); medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), phenytoin (Dilantin), and topiramate (Topamax); morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, MSIR, others); oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone), and prednisolone (Prelone); phenylbutazone; rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); temazepam (Restoril); theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur); and thyroid medication such as levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid). Before taking Yasmin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); angiotensin II antagonists such as irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and valsartan (Diovan); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); diuretics ('water pills') such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyrenium); or heparin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had breast lumps or cancer; endometrial cancer; high blood pressure; high blood cholesterol and fats; diabetes (high blood sugar); asthma; stroke; blood clots; toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy); heart attack; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches; depression; liver, heart, gallbladder, or kidney disease; adrenal insufficiency (for Yasmin); jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods; and excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle.
• do not take oral contraceptives if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking oral contraceptives, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking oral contraceptives.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you wear contact lenses. If you notice changes in vision or ability to wear your lenses while taking hormone replacement therapy, see an eye doctor.

Last Revised: 04/01/2003

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