Generic Ovral

Ovral is commonly distributed in its generic form, ethinyl estradiol norgestrel, and is typically used as a contraceptive in an effort to prevent pregnancy. Occasionally it is used in the treatment of hormone imbalances that inflict the loss of menses.

Ovral should never be taken by pregnant women, or by women who have had a baby within the previous 6 weeks if nursing, 4 weeks if bottle feeding. Ovral only prevents pregnancy and can not terminate an unwanted pregnancy. However, taking Ovral while pregnant will result in birth defects.

Not all patients will be able to take Ovral. Ovral presents risks of blood clots, stroke, heart attacks, and other health complications, especially in women who smoke and women who are over 35 years of age. Patients with a history of problems with circulation especially problems which are caused by diabetes, stroke, liver cancer, liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, heart valve disorder, jaundice or jaundice caused by the use of oral contraceptives, severe migraine headaches, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, or any hormone based cancer such as breast cancer or uterine cancer can not take Ovral. Patients with a medical history which includes diabetes, gall bladder diseases, high cholesterol, obesity, irregular menstruation, seizures or epilepsy, depression, angina, congestive heart failure, heart attacks, heart disease, high blood pressure, or an irregular mammogram indicating fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, or breast nodules may not be able to tolerate Ovral, or may require careful monitoring while taking Ovral, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

Missing a dose makes the contraceptive less effective and increases the risk of pregnancy. Patients who miss a dose should carefully follow missed dosage instructions provided by the pharmacist. Patients who miss one dose of the reminder pills, the dose should simply be skipped. However, if the patient misses one dose during an active week, the patient should take two pills for the following dose. If the patient misses two consecutive dose, the patient should be advised to take two pills for the following two doses. If the patient misses three consecutive doses, they should take two pills for the following three doses. If the patient misses more than three consecutive doses in any active week, the entire pack should be discarded and the dosing cycle should start over, however this greatly increases the risk of pregnancy.

Taking too much medication to make up for missed doses or in an effort to terminate an unwanted pregnancy may lead to an overdose. An overdose is likely to lead to symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. If an overdose of Ovral is suspected prompt medical attention is required.

Ovral presents a reasonable risk of side effects. Some may be severe, although a low percentage of patients experience allergic reactions or severe side effects. Allergic reactions and severe side effects require prompt medical assessment. An allergic reaction may present with symptoms including hives, facial swelling, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects are likely to include lumps in the breast, swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, or other depression related symptoms, heaviness in the chest or chest pain usually including the sensation which travels down the arm along with difficulty breathing and a general feeling of illness, sudden headache with pain behind the eye, confusion, and difficulty with speech, balance, or vision, sudden numbness or weakness that usually dominates one side of the body, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, increased thirst, jaundice, stomach pain, low fever, or changes in either the pattern or the severity of migraine headaches. Less serious side effects are much more common while taking Ovral and should simply be reported to the prescribing physician if uncomfortable. Common side effects include fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, loss of interest in sexual activity, sexual dysfunction, difficulty with contact lenses, vaginal itching or discharge, changes in the menstrual cycle, variances in weight or appetite, pain, tenderness, or swelling of the breasts, thinning scalp hair, increased facial hair growth, darkening of the skin, freckles, mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, or stomach cramps.

Other medications may cause negative interaction with Ovral or may decrease the effectiveness of medications, including Ovral. Patients should never take additional medication, whether it is prescription or over the counter, or herbal or vitamin supplements without first discussing it with the physician. Medications with known interactions include barbiturates, seizure medication, HIV medications, modafinil, acetaminophen, ascorbic acid, dexamethasone, and antibiotics.