levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol extended cycle (cont.)
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, and unusual vaginal bleeding or irregular menstrual periods.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination that includes blood pressure measurements and breast/pelvic examinations at regular intervals (e.g., once a year) or as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to examine your own breasts and report any lumps immediately. You should also be regularly screened for cervical cancer (e.g., Pap test). Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Take the next dose at your regular time. This may mean taking 2 doses on the same day. If you miss 2 active pills in a row, take 2 pills on the day you remember and 2 pills the next day. Then return to 1 pill per day dosing. You must use another form of birth control (e.g., condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for 7 days after you restart your pills. If you miss 3 or more active pills in a row, leave the missed pills in the pack. Keep taking 1 pill every day as indicated on the pack until you complete the pack. You must use another form of birth control as a back-up for 7 days after you restart your pills. If you miss any of the 7 inactive pills, throw away the missed inactive pill and finish the rest of the pills in the pack on schedule. You do not need to use back-up birth control if you miss taking an inactive pill. If you have any questions about what to do if you miss a pill, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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