USES: This medication is a combination of 2 hormones: an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (drospirenone). This product is used to prevent pregnancy. It works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. It also makes vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and changes the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus, it passes out of the body. This medication also may be used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or moderate acne if you have chosen to use birth control pills as your method of pregnancy prevention. Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills may make your periods more regular, decrease blood loss and painful periods, and decrease your risk of ovarian cysts. Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).

How to use ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/DROSPIRENONE 24/4 - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information on when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, with or without food, usually once daily. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill at the same time each day, 24 hours apart. Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help decrease stomach upset and nausea. Follow the package instructions to find the first tablet, start with the first tablet in the pack, and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of the day than usual. Your pill pack contains 24 pills with active medication (with hormones). It also contains 4 reminder pills (without hormones) at the end of the pack. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 24 days in a row. After you have taken the last active pill, take a reminder pill (without hormones) once daily for 4 days in a row unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You should have your period within 3 days after you take the last active tablet in the cycle during the fourth week of the pack. After you have taken the last inactive tablet in the pack, start a new pack the next day whether or not you have your period. If you do not get your period, consult your doctor. If this is the first time you are using this medication and you are not switching from another form of hormonal birth control (such as the patch, other birth control pills), take the first tablet in the pack on the first Sunday following the beginning of your menstrual period or on the first day of your period. If your period begins on a Sunday, begin taking this medication on that day. For the first cycle of use only, use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy until the medication has enough time to work. If you start on the first day of your period, you do not need to use back-up birth control the first week. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about how to switch from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as the patch, other birth control pills) to this product.