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Side Effects & Drug Interactions
SIDE EFFECTS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
1. Vaginal bleeding Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur while you are taking the pills. Irregular bleeding may vary from slight staining between menstrual periods to breakthrough bleeding which is a flow much like a regular period. Irregular bleeding occurs most often during the first few months of oral contraceptive use, but may also occur after you have been taking the pill for some time. Such bleeding may be temporary and usually does not indicate any serious problems. It is important to continue taking your pills on schedule. If the bleeding occurs in more than one cycle or lasts for more than a few days, talk to your doctor or health care provider. 2. Contact lenses If you wear contact lenses and notice a change in vision or an inability to wear your lenses, contact your doctor or health care provider. Text Continues Below
3. Fluid retention Oral contraceptives may cause edema (fluid retention) with swelling of the fingers or ankles and may raise your blood pressure. If you experience fluid retention, contact your doctor or health care provider. 4. Melasma A spotty darkening of the skin is possible, particularly of the face, which may persist. 5. Other side effects Other side effects may include nausea and vomiting, change in appetite, headache, nervousness, depres-sion, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections.
If any of these side effects bother you, call your doctor or health care provider. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES Tell your health care provider if you have or have had: ° Breast nodules, fibrocystic disease of the breast, an abnormal breast x-ray or mammogram ° Diabetes ° Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides ° High blood pressure ° Migraine or other headaches or epilepsy ° Mental depression ° Gallbladder, liver, heart or kidney disease ° History of scanty or irregular menstrual periods Women with any of these conditions should be checked often by their health care provider if they choose to use oral contraceptives. Also, be sure to inform your doctor or health care provider if you smoke or are on any medications.
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