How to use
Ovral should be taken orally, once a day at approximately the same time. You can take this medication after your evening meal or just before bedtime to prevent nausea and stomach upsets. Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly and read the label thoroughly. Ovral is only effective if it is taken properly.
Do not miss any doses of Ovral. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late or take your pill at a different time than usual.
One strip of Ovral contains 21 tablets with hormones. Take one tablet per day for a duration of 3 weeks. Do not take any tablets during the 4th week of your menstrual cycle. You should get your period within that week. After 7 pill-free days, you should start with a new pack, regardless of whether you got your period or not. If you did not get your period, you should consult your doctor straightaway.
Overdose
Potential symptoms of an Ovral overdose include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
If you suspect you have taken too much of this medication, you should contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.
Missed dose
If you miss a dosage of Ovral, you increase your chances of getting pregnant.
If you miss one dosage, you should take two pills on the day you remember. Then go back to one pill per day for the rest of the pack.
If you miss a pill in week one of your cycle and you had sexual intercourse in the week before, there is a chance you may be pregnant. Contact your doctor immediately for a pregnancy test and use back-up birth control for the next 7 days following the missed dosage. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two pills together. Then continue to take one pill per day for the remainder of the pack.
If you miss a pill in week 2, take the missed dosage as soon as you remember, even if you have to take 2 pills together. Then keep taking 1 pill per day for the rest of the pack. You are still adequately protected against pregnancy.
If you miss a pill in week 3, take it as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two pills at the same time. Then continue to take one pill per day for the remainder of the pack. Once the pack has finished, start a new pack immediately. Do not take seven pill-free days. You will not have a period, but this doesn't mean you are pregnant as the bleeding generated by Ovral is only artificial.
If you miss two pills in a row, take them as soon as you remember. You will need to use an additional method of birth control for the remainder of your cycle. If you miss your period, you should contact your doctor for a pregnancy test.
If you miss three or more pills in a row, ask your healthcare provider for instructions straightaway.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others as they may have a condition that is not effectively treated by Ovral.
If you vomit or suffer from diarrhea within four hours of taking a pill, the effectiveness of your birth control may be affected. Take a replacement pill from a spare strip as soon as possible.
Storage
Store Ovral at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.
Precautions
Before taking Ovral, you should inform your doctor of your medical history, especially of:
- Any allergies, especially estrogens (e.g. Ethinyl Estradiol, Mestranol) or progestins (e.g. Norethindrone, Desogestrel)
- A history of stroke or other blood clots (e.g. in the legs, eyes, lungs)
- Severe high blood pressure
- Abnormal breast exams
- Cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer)
- Diabetes that has caused a disease of the kidneys, eyes, nerves or blood vessels
- Severe headaches or migraines
- A history of heart disease (e.g. heart attack, chest pain)
- Heart valve diseases
- Liver problems (e.g. liver tumor, active liver disease)
- A current or suspected pregnancy
- A recent major surgery
- Long periods of sitting or lying down (e.g. immobility such as being bedridden)
- A history of yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control (e.g. pills, patch)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Heavy tobacco use (especially if 35 or over)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol or triglyceride (blood fat) levels
- Depression
- Swelling (edema)
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney diseases
- Obesity
- Irregular, missed or very light periods
- A recent pregnancy
- Thyroid problems
If you currently have or used to have any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take this medication.
Hormonal birth control combined with smoking, significantly increases the risk of strokes, blood clots, heart attacks or high blood pressure, especially when you're 35 years or over. Consult your doctor about an effective smoking cessation programme.
If you have diabetes, Ovral may make it more difficult to control your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly. Your anti-diabetes medication and diet may have to be adjusted.
Ovral may cause blotchy, dark areas on your skin (melasma). This effect may be worsened by exposure to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, sunlamps and tanning booths. Use an effective sunscreen or protective clothing when going outside into the sun.
Ovral is classed as Pregnancy Category X by the FDA. This means it is not safe to use during pregnancy and could be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, stop taking Ovral and contact your doctor immediately. If you have just given birth within the last 3 months or suffered a miscarriage or abortion, you should consult your doctor about reliable forms of birth control and find out when it is safe to start using birth control containing estrogen.
Ovral passes into breast milk. This may affect milk production and may be harmful for a nursing infant. It is not recommended to take this medication while breastfeeding a baby.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines may interact with Ovral or may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control. Inform your doctor of all other medication you use, especially of:
- Aromatase inhibitors (e.g. Anastrazole, Exemestane)
- Raloxifene
- Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate
- Tamoxifen
- Medication for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Medicines that may increase blood levels of this drug (e.g. Acetaminophen, Ascorbic Acid/vitamin C, Atorvastatin, Azole antifungals such as Itraconazole, Ketoconazole or vaginal Miconazole)
- Certain antibiotics (e.g. Cephalosporins, Chloramphenicol, macrolides such as Erythromycin, Penicillins, Sulfas)
- Aprepitant
- Bexarotene
- Bosentan
- Dapsone
- Felbamate
- Griseofulvin
- Certain HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. Amprenavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir)
- Modafinil
- Nevirapine
- Phenylbutazone
- Rifamycins (e.g. Rifampin)
- Many seizure medications (e.g. barbiturates, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Lamotrigine, Topiramate)
- St. John's wort
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Certain beta blockers (e.g. Metoprolol)
- Clofibrate
- Cyclosporine
- Morphine
- Corticosteroids such as Prednisolone
- Certain benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam or Temazepam
- Theophylline
Consult your doctor if you are currently taking any of the above medication. He may suggest an alternative form of birth control.
This list is not complete and there may be other medication that interacts with Ovral. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop using a new medication without telling your doctor first.
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