|
Page 3 of 3 What If I Forget to Take a Pill? continued... Any time you forget to take a pill, you must use another form of birth control until you finish the pill pack. When you forget to take a pill, you increase the chance of releasing an egg from your ovary. However, if you forget to take any of the last 7 out of the 28 day pills you will not raise your chance of pregnancy since these pills contain only inactive ingredients. If you miss your period and have forgotten to take one or more active pills, get a pregnancy test. If you miss 2 periods even though you have taken all your pills on schedule, you should get a pregnancy test. It is very important to take the mini pills (progestin only) at the exact same time each day. If you miss a pill or are more than 3 hours late for a pill you should take the pill as soon as you remember and use a backup method (such as a condom or spermicide) for the next 48 hours. Are There Side Effects Associated HC? Yes, although the majority are not serious. They include: - Nausea
- Weight gain
- Sore or swollen breasts
- Small amount of blood, or spotting, between periods
- Lighter periods
- Mood changes
The following side effects, easily remembered by the word "ACHES," are less common but more serious. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor immediately. If you cannot reach your doctor, go to an emergency room or urgent care center for evaluation. These symptoms may indicate a serious disorder, such as liver disease, gallbladder disease, stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, or heart disease. They include: - Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Chest pain
- Headaches (severe)
- Eye problems (blurred vision)
- Swelling and/or aching in the legs and thighs
Can Any Woman Take HC? HC can be taken safely by most women, but is not recommended for women who are over the age of 35 and smoke. If you don't smoke, you can use HC until menopause. In addition, you should not take HC if you have had: - Blood clots
- Serious heart or liver disease
- Cancer of the breast or uterus
If you are not sure if you are affected by one of these conditions, ask your doctor. Also, inform your doctor if you have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, child) who has had blood clots in the legs or lungs. Is it OK to Take Other Drugs While Taking HC? Some drugs can reduce HC effectiveness. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines and over-the-counter agents (including herbs) that you are taking. Points to Keep in Mind When Taking HC - Keep another form of birth control, like spermicidal foam and condoms, on hand in case you forget to take a pill.
- Carry your pills with you if you don't always sleep at the same place.
- Take your pill at the same time every day. If you are using the patch, replace your patch weekly on the same day. If you are using the vaginal ring, remove it after 3 weeks of use.
- Get your HC refills soon after you start the last prescription. Don't wait until the last minute to request refills.
- Birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings are all medications. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist you are on the pill, patch, or vaginal ring if you see him or her for any reason.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Women's Health Center.
SOURCE: The National Women's Health Information Center. ContraceptionNet. Seasonale.
Trackback(0)
|
Tags
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed