Brand Names:
Generic Names:
- Oral contraceptive: demulen (21-day regimen)
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Oral contraceptive tablets are used to prevent pregnancy. They may also be
used to treat painful or heavy menstruation.
Carefully read the patient information pamphlet included with your
prescription container before using this product.
In order to prevent pregnancy this medication must be taken on schedule
once every 24 hours as prescribed. Taking your tablet at the same time each
day such as at bedtime or first thing in the morning may help you remember.
Never let your supply of tablets run out; always keep an extra month's
supply on hand.
It is generally recommended that an additional method of birth control be
used during the first week of the first month that you are taking oral
contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.
Always have another form of birth control available in case you miss doses
of this medication. Do not skip tablets even if you do not have sexual
intercourse very frequently.
Take one tablet daily beginning on the first Sunday after the onset of
menstruation. If your period begins on a Sunday take your first tablet that
day (on the day you start your period). You will take one white tablet
daily for 21 days then no tablets for 7 days according to package
instructions (3 weeks on, 1 week off). Then start a new cycle.
MISSED ONE DOSE - Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do
not remember until the next day, take the missed dose plus the regular dose
for that day (two tablets on the same day). Then continue with the regular
schedule.
MISSED TWO DOSES - Take two tablets a day for each of the next two days,
then continue with the regular schedule unless package instructions state
otherwise. You must also use another birth control method for the remainder
of the cycle in order to prevent pregnancy.
MISSED THREE DOSES or more - Stop taking the oral contraceptive and use
another method of birth control until you have a period (may vary according
to package directions) or until your physician confirms that you are not
pregnant. A new cycle of tablets can then be started according to package
directions but continue using another method of birth control until you
have taken one tablet daily for 7 days.
Continue taking the oral contraceptive tablets according to your schedule
even though spotting or breakthrough bleeding (light bleeding midcycle) may
occur in the first few cycles. If irregular bleeding persists discuss this
with your physician.
CHECK UPS - It is important to have regular check ups by your physician
while you are taking oral contraceptives. Your physician may wish to
examine you once or twice a year or more frequently according to your own
medical history and response to this medication. Blood pressure should be
measured and a cervical smear should be taken. You should perform breast
self examination each month.
SIDE EFFECTS caused by a blood clot occur rarely but can be very serious;
these include stroke and heart attack. If any of the following occur, get
emergency help immediately: chest pain, coughing blood, sudden shortness of
breath; pain in groin or leg (especially in calf); severe or sudden
headache; sudden changes in vision or speech; unexplained weakness or
numbness in arm or leg; severe abdominal pain.
Contact your physician if these rare side effects occur: changes in vision
or bulging eyes, major changes in vaginal bleeding, frequent or painful
urination, breast lumps or secretions, mental depression, fainting,
yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and lumps or persistent pain in
the abdomen.
Some side effects are more common and less serious and may decrease after
the first three months of using this medication. These include acne,
abdominal bloating or cramping, nausea, mood changes, changes in appetite,
weight gain, swelling of feet and ankles, breast tenderness, skin or hair
changes and unusual tiredness. Discuss any persistent or bothersome side
effects with your physician so that treatment can be adjusted to your needs
if necessary.
SMOKING - Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects
on the heart and blood vessels from oral contraceptive use; oral
contraceptive users should not smoke.
If you have vomiting or diarrhea the effectiveness of the oral
contraceptive tablets may be decreased. Use an additional method of birth
control as well until you can discuss this with your physician.
INTERACTIONS - Some other medications such as certain antibiotics and
anticonvulsants may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives or
produce an increase in side effects. Laboratory test results may also be
affected. Tell your physician, pharmacist and dentist that you are taking
an oral contraceptive.
Do not take this medication if you think you are pregnant. It will not stop
the pregnancy from continuing. If you miss a period, consult your
physician. If you have not been following your regular dosing schedule or
if doses have been missed, a pregnancy test may be necessary before
continuing treatment.
If you wish to become pregnant it is usually recommended that you stop
taking the oral contraceptive and delay pregnancy until at least one
spontaneous menstrual period has occurred. Discuss this with your
physician. Another method of contraception should be used in the meantime.
If you wish to take oral contraceptives while breast-feeding, discuss this
with your physician.
SURGERY - It is usually recommended that you stop taking oral
contraceptives four weeks before elective surgery as this medication
increases the risks of blood clots, stroke and heart attacks. Another form
of contraception should be used.
Oral contraceptives do not protect you against sexually transmitted
diseases including AIDS. Use of latex condoms will help reduce risk of
infection.
