What is Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol used for?
Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. This birth control pill is a combination of female hormones that prevent the release of an egg from an ovary. Also, by changing the cervical mucus and uterine lining, the drug makes it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and also harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the lining of the uterus.
Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol is also used to treat moderate acne in those women who are over 14 years of age, as well as wish to use birth control pills and have achieved menarche. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
What is the recommended dosage of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol?
The dosage of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol prescribed to each patient will vary. Always follow your physician’s instructions and/or the directions on the prescription drug label.
Take Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol by mouth.
What if you miss a dose of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol?
If your physician has instructed or directed you to take Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol medication in a regular schedule and you have missed a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. Thus, the last missed pill should be taken as soon as it is remembered, even if this means taking two pills in one day.
What if you overdose on Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol?
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol, seek medical attention immediately.
What other drugs could interact with Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol?
- Acetaminophen
- Candesartan
- Erythromycin
- Metronidazole
- Penicillin
- Ramipril
It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol.
Usually drug interactions occur when it is taken with another drug or with food. Before you take a medication for a particular ailment, you should inform the health expert about intake of any other medications including non-prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines that may increase the effect of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol, and dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals and herbal, so that the doctor can warn you of any possible drug interactions.
Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol can interact with antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and antihistamines.
Do let your doctor know if you smoke, consume alcohol or caffeinated drinks, or use illegal drugs as these may interfere with the action of your medication. Make sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have, or any family history of medical problems. Do not start or stop using any medicine without consulting your doctor.
What are the side effects of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol?
Like other medicines, Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.
It is pertinent to note that side effects of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.
Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, back pain, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, weight gain, and stomach cramps. This is not a complete list of all side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol.
What are the questions to ask your doctor before taking Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol?
Is it possible for me to take Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol with other drugs?
Should certain beverages, foods and other products be avoided when I take Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol?
What are the possible drug interactions of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol?
How will Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol work in my body?
How should Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol be taken?
How to reduce the risk of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol drug interactions and side effects?
Note
The health and medical information provided here is intended to supplement and not substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacists or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of Drospirenone–Ethinyl Estradiol is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.