Ovcon 35 (norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol) is an oral contraceptive used by women to prevent pregnancy. The product combines two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin.
Contents:
Indications for use
Contraceptive
Mechanism of action
Ovcon 35 works mainly by preventing ovulation during your menstrual cycle. It also makes vaginal fluid thicker, which prevents sperm from reaching an egg and changes the lining of the uterus to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. If it does not attach to the uterus, it passes out of the body.
Besides, this medicine may make your periods more regular, less abundant and painfu, decrease your risk of ovarian cysts, and also treat acne.
Dosage and mode of application
Each active tablet contains 28 tablets: 21 active tablets norethindrone 0.4mg and ethinyl estradiol 35mcg; and 7 inert tablets with no hormones.
This medicine is indicated for use in females who have started having menstrual periods.
Take 1 tablet at the same time each day at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. To reduce nausea, you can take this medicine with food. Do not skip doses. Do not take the contraceptive more often than directed. Once the pack is empty, start a new one the same day. The contraceptive is 99.9% effective if taken according to the prescribed schedule. During the first month of use, you should use an additional back-up method of birth control, such as condoms or a diaphragm.
You may get breakthrough bleeding (spotting) during initiation of therapy.
If you think you have taken too much of Ovcon 35, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away.
Side effects
- Unusual tiredness or weakness;
- Abdominal cramping, anorexia, nausea, vomiting;
- Acne (Usually makes it better);
- Cardiovascular disorders (hypertension);
- Thromboembolic disorders;
- Breast tenderness;
- Edema, weight gain.
If you have any severe and lasting side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy;
- Current or history of thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular or cardiovascular disease;
- Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding;
- Breast carcinoma or estrogen-dependent neoplasia;
- Known or suspected benign or malignant liver tumors while on oral contraceptive use.
Interactions
Do not take Ovcon 35 with the following drugs:
- ritonavir
- paritaprevir
- ritonavir
- ombitasvir
- dasabuvir
- ombitasvir
- paritaprevir
This medicine may also interact with the following drugs and foods:
- antibiotics or medicines for infections (rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, griseofulvin, penicillins or tetracyclines);
- asc cyclosporine;
- thyroid hormones;
- dantrolene orbic acid;
- atorvastatin;
- bosentan;
- carbamazepine;
- caffeine;
- clofibrate;
- doxercalciferol;
- topiramate;
- warfarin;
- barbiturate medicines, (phenobarbital);
- felbamate;
- grapefruit juice;
- aprepitant;
- tamoxifen or raloxifene;
- theophylline;
- hydrocortisone;
- acetaminophen;
- medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam;
- medicines for diabetes, including pioglitazone;
- nefazodone;
- oxcarbazepine;
- phenytoin;
- prednisolone;
- ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS;
- rosuvastatin;
- selegiline;
- mycophenolate;
- modafinil;
- soy isoflavones supplements;
- St. John’s wort;
- mineral oil.
This list does not describe all possible interactions. Consult your doctor if you are taking or going to take medicines other than Ovcon 35.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Use is contraindicated. Choose another method of birth control (non-hormonal).
What if I miss a pill?
Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills. If you miss any of the 7 inert pills, just throw them away and continue your usual schedule. If you miss an active pill, follow the instructions given below:
- 1 missed dose: Take 1 tablet as soon as possible or 2 tablets the next day and continue taking tablets as usual;
- 2 missed doses: Take 2 tablets daily for two days, then continue taking tablets as usual;
- 3 missed doses: Stop taking tablets from the current pack and begin new packet 7 days following last dose
Precautions
Using this contraceptive does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and others).
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from Ovcon 35. This risk increases with age and with the number of cigarettes you smoke. Women over 35 years of age who use these pills are strongly advised not to smoke.
If you are going to have major surgery, you may need to stop taking this contraceptive before the surgery. Consult your doctor for medical advice.
Visit your doctor for regular checks while on the pills.
If you think you are pregnant, stop taking these pills and contact your doctor.
If you are taking Ovcon 35 to treat hormone related problems, it may take several months to see improvement.
This medicine can make you fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can rise. If you have these conditions, contact your doctor.
This product can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun when using these pills. Or at least wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Avoid sunrooms.
This medicine can make you sensitive to contact lenses and cause visual changes. If this occurs, consult your doctor.
In rare cases, the medicine can cause tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums. Consult your dentist if this happens.
Keep out of the reach of pets and children.
Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.