Contraceptive Pills

SCI-LEVO is one of the most effective methods for birth control (99% effective when taken as directed). SCI-LEVO or female contraceptive pills contains natural hormones that stop the ovary from releasing an egg and prevent a man's sperm from entering the uterus. So with SCI-LEVO you can put your mind at ease and enjoy intimate moments with your partner.

Take the first pill in a package on the first Sunday after your period begins (unless otherwise directed by your doctor). Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours after your last dose. Try to take the pills at a time that you will remember every day--for example just before bed, with a meal, or first thing in the morning. Taking your pill at night may help to reduce any nausea or headache that you may experience because of the hormones. If you are on a 28-day cycle, take one pill every day. When the pack runs out, throw it away. Begin a new pack the following day. The 28-day cycle contains seven pills that are either placebos (with no active ingredients) or iron supplements. These are "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. They are taken while you are menstruating. If you are on a 21-day cycle, take one pill every day for 21 days, then do not take any pills for 7 days. You should have your period during the 7 days with no pills. Resume your pills on the 8th day with a new package. Follow your doctor's instructions about using a second form of birth control when you first start taking birth control pills, when you are taking antibiotics, or if you miss a pill. If you are unsure what to do in any of these cases, talk to your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor about how to ensure that you will not become pregnant.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease; have had a stroke; have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; have breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer; have liver disease or a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) caused by use of birth control in the past; have undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; have migraines; have asthma; or have seizures or epilepsy. You may not be able to take birth control pills, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Birth control pills are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that birth control pills will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have very serious negative effects on a developing baby. Do not take birth control pills if you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant. The hormones in birth control pills pass into breast milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take birth control pills without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you miss pills you could get pregnant. This includes starting the pack late. The more pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant in the 7 days after you miss pills. The pill may not be as effective if you miss pink active pills, and particularly if you miss the first few or the last few pink active pills in a pack. MISSING PILLS CAN ALSO CAUSE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING, even when you make up these missed pills. On the days you take 2 pills to make up for missed pills, you could also feel a little sick to your stomach.

- Vaginal bleeding
- Fluid retention
- Melasma.
Other side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, change in appetite, headache, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, vaginal infections, inflammation of the pancreas, and allergic reactions. If any of these side effects bother you, call your health-care provider.

Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Keep this medication in the container it came in, and out of reach of children.

Symptoms of oral contraceptive over dosage in adults and children may include nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness/fatigue; withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. There is no specific antidote and further treatment of overdose, if necessary, is directed to the symptoms.

Your health-care provider will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. The physical examination may be delayed to another time if you request it and the health-care provider believes that it is appropriate to postpone it. You should be reexamined at least once a year. Be sure to inform your health-care provider if there is a family history of any of the conditions listed previously in this leaflet. Be sure to keep all appointments with your health-care provider, because this is a time to determine if there are early signs of side effects of oral-contraceptive use. Do not use the drug for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. This drug has been prescribed specifically for you; do not give it to others who may want birth-control pills. Avoid smoking. Smoking greatly increases your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

SCI-NONE is a birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. SCI-NONE differs from other birth control pills because it contains a progestin hormone called drospirenone. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

This oral contraceptive comes in a packet of 28 tablets. The first 21 tablets are the active pills; they contain the active ingredients (hormones) ethinyl estradiol and drospirenon. The last seven tablets in a 28-tablet packet are the reminder pills; they are different in color and do not contain any hormone. Day 1 start: Take the first active pill of the first pack during the first 24 hours of your period. You will not need to use a back-up method of birth control, since you are starting the pill at the beginning of your period. Sunday start: Take the first active pill of the first pack on Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still bleeding. If your period starts on Sunday, start the pack that same day. Use another method of birth control (such as condoms or spermicides) if you have sex during 7 days after you start your first packet.

Do not take SCI-NONE without first talking to your doctor if you have had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot; high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease; a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer; or undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Before taking SCI-NONE, also tell your doctor if you have diabetes; high cholesterol; gallbladder disease; migraines or other headaches; epilepsy; a history of depression; a history of scanty or irregular menstrual periods; smoke cigarettes; or need an extended period of bed rest due to surgery or illness. SCI-NONE is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it has been reported to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have very serious negative effects on a developing baby. Do not take drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol if you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant. SCI-NONE passes into breast milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take SCI-NONE without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Avoid smoking. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.

If you MISS 1 yellow active pill: -Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at your regular time.
This means you may take two pills in one day.
-You do not need to use a back-up birth control method if you have sex.
If you MISS 2 yellow active pills in a row in WEEK 1 OR WEEK 2 of your pack:
-Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day.
-Then take one pill a day until you finish the pack.
-You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.
If you MISS 2 yellow active pills in a row in the 3RD WEEK:
-If you are a Day 1 Starter:
THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking one pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, THROW OUT the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same day.
-You may not have your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period two months in a row, call your doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant.
-You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.
If you MISS 3 OR MORE yellow active pills in a row (during the first 3 weeks).
- If you are a Day 1 Starter:
THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking 1 pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, THROW OUT the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same day.
-You may not have your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period two months in a row, call your doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant.
-You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.

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 healthcare provider.

CONTACT LENSES
If you wear contact lenses and notice a change in vision or an inability to wear your lenses, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.

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 healthcare provider. MELASMA

A spotty darkening of the skin is possible, particularly of the face. OTHER SIDE EFFECTS

Other side effects may include change in appetite, headache, nervousness, and depression, and dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections. If any of these side effects bother you, call your doctor or healthcare provider.

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).

Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute ingestion of large doses of other oral contraceptives by young children. Over dosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. Drospirenone, however, is a spironolactone analogue, which has antimineralocorticoid properties. Serum concentration of potassium and sodium, and evidence of metabolic acidosis, should be monitored in cases of overdose.

Your healthcare provider will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. The physical examination may be delayed to another time if you request it and the healthcare provider believes that it is appropriate to postpone it. You should be re-examined at least once a year. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if there is a family history of any of the conditions listed previously in this leaflet. Be sure to keep all appointments with your healthcare provider, because this is a time to determine if there are early signs of side effects of oral contraceptive use. Do not use the drug for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. This drug has been prescribed specifically for you; do not give it to others who may want birth-control pills.

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin that is derived from the naturally occurring female hormone, progesterone. Progestins and estrogens comprise the two major classes of female hormones. Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding, promote menstrual cycles, and to treat symptoms of the menopause. Progestins are responsible for changes in the mucus and inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) during the second half (secretory phase) of the menstrual cycle. Progestins prepare the endometrium for implantation of the embryo, and once an embryo implants in the endometrium, i.e., pregnancy occurs, progestins help maintain the pregnancy. At high doses, progestins also prevent ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary). Progestins were first isolated in 1933, and progesterone itself was synthesized in the 1940s.

Tablets: 2.5, 5, and 10 mg. Sterile aqueous suspension for intramuscular injection: 400mg/mL in 2.5 mL vials.

Medroxyprogesterone should be stored at room temperature, between 15-30°C (59-8677°F).

Medroxyprogesterone is used to promote menstruation when women do not begin naturally to menstruate at puberty (called primary amenorrhea) or if they stop menstruating before menopause (called secondary amenorrhea). Medroxyprogesterone also is used for treating abnormal bleeding from the uterus in many situations, though only after attempts to determine the cause of bleeding have been made. It is not used to treat bleeding due to fibroids, tumors, or other correctable causes of bleeding. Medroxyprogesterone is used in combination with estrogens for treating symptoms of menopause in order to prevent unchecked growth of the endometrium that may lead to endometrial cancer. It also is used for treating the pain of endometriosis.

The usual dose of medroxyprogesterone is 2.5 to 5 mg daily for 5 to 10 days for abnormal uterine bleeding and primary and secondary amenorrhea. When used to induce menstruation, therapy can be started at any time. When treating abnormal uterine bleeding, therapy should be started on the 16th or 21st day of the menstrual cycle. When used in combination with estrogens, for example, for treating postmenopausal symptoms, the dose of medroxyprogesterone is 1.5 to 5 mg daily. Although medroxyprogesterone is approved for cyclic therapy (during only a portion of each 21 day cycle), it usually is prescribed daily.

Aminoglutethimide may increase the breakdown of medroxyprogesterone by the liver leading to a decrease in the concentration of medroxyprogesterone in blood and a possible reduction in effectiveness.

Medroxyprogesterone inhibits fertility at high doses. Medroxyprogesterone should not be given during the first 4 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to the fetus.

Medroxyprogesterone is secreted in breast milk. The effect on the infant has not been determined.

Breast tenderness and leakage of liquid from the nipple occur rarely. Various skin reactions, including hives, acne, hair growth and hair loss , also have been reported occasionally. Break-through bleeding (menstrual-like bleeding in the middle of the menstrual cycle), vaginal spotting of blood, changes in menstrual flow, increased or decreased weight, nausea, fever, insomnia, and jaundice have all been reported.

Blood clots are an occasional, serious side effect of progestin therapy, and cigarette smokers are at a higher risk for them. Therefore, patients requiring progestin therapy are strongly encouraged to quit smoking .

Diabetic patients may experience difficulty in controlling blood glucose when taking medroxyprogesterone, so monitoring of blood sugar and adjustment of medications for diabetes is recommended. The reason for this is not well understood.

The Women's Health Initiative study found an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, and blood clots in the veins in postmenopausal women (50-79 years old) who took medroxyprogesterone in combination with estrogens for 5 years, as well as an increased risk of dementia in the participants over age 65. Although medroxyprogesterone alone has not been demonstrated to promote breast cancer, since breast cancer has progesterone receptors, physicians usually avoid using progestins in women who have had breast cancer. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used for the prevention of heart disease.