• Prevention of pregnancy.
• Regulation of menstrual cycle.
• Emergency contraception (some products).
• Treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who choose to use intrauterine contraception as their method of contraception.
• Treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who choose to use an oral contraceptive as their method of contraception.
• Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
• Management of acne in women >14 yr who desire contraception, have no health problems, and have failed topical treatment.
• Increase folate levels in women who desire oral contraception to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in a pregnancy that occurs while taking or shortly after discontinuing the product.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity
• History of cigarette smoking and age >35 yr (↑ risk of cardiovascular or thromboembolic phenomenon)
• History of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• Inherited or acquired coagulopathies
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Thrombogenic valvular heart disease or thrombogenic heart rhythms
• Major surgery with extended periods of immobility
• Diabetes and >35 yr old; diabetes with hypertension, vascular disease, or end-organ damage; or diabetes for >20 yr
• Headache with focal neurological symptoms or migraine headaches with aura
• Women >35 yr old with migraine headaches
• Uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease
• Breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or any other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer (current or history of)
• Abnormal genital bleeding
• Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior contraceptive use
• Hepatic adenoma or carcinoma
• Hypersensitivity to and parabens (injectable only)
• Drosperinone-containing products only: Renal impairment, liver disease, or adrenal insufficiency (↑ risk of hyperkalemia)
• Intrauterine levonorgestrel only: Intrauterine anomaly, postpartum endometriosis, multiple sexual partners, pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease, genital actinomycosis, immunosuppression, IV drug abuse, untreated genitourinary infection, history of ectopic pregnancy
• Ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin transdermal patches only: Body mass index 30 kg/m² (↑ risk of venous thromboembolism)
• OB: Pregnancy
• Lactation: Avoid use; ↑ risk of uterine rupture/perforation with intrauterine levonorgestrel.

Use Cautiously in:

• Presence of other cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension)
• History or family history of hypertriglyceridemia (↑ risk of pancreatitis)
• Diabetes mellitus, bleeding disorders, concurrent anticoagulant therapy or headaches
• Hereditary angioedema
• Chloasma
• Estetrol/drospirenone: BMI >30 k g/m² (↓ effectiveness)
• Ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin transdermal patch only: Weight >90 kg (↓ effectiveness)
• Ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel transdermal patch only: Body mass index 25–<30 kg/m ^{(↓ effectiveness)}
• Pedi: Avoid use before menarche.

CV: edema, hypertension, Raynaud’s phenomenon, THROMBOEMBOLISM, thrombophlebitis.

Derm: melasma, rash.

EENT: contact lens intolerance, optic neuritis, retinal thrombosis.

Endo: hyperglycemia.

F and E: Drosperinone-containing products only: hyperkalemia.

GI: abdominal cramps, bloating, cholestatic jaundice, gallbladder disease, liver tumors, nausea, PANCREATITIS, vomiting.

GU: Intrauterine levonorgestrel only:, amenorrhea, breakthrough bleeding, dysmenorrhea, spotting, uterine imbedment/uterine rupture.

MS: Injectable medroxyprogesterone only: bone loss.

Neuro: depression, headache.

Misc: BREAST CANCER (ESPECIALLY WITH PROLONGED USE), HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA), weight change.

Drug-Drug:

• Oral contraceptive efficacy may be ↓ by penicillins, chloramphenicol, barbiturates, chronic alcohol use, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, bosentan, felbamate, systemic corticosteroids, phenytoin, topiramate, primidone, modafinil, rifampin, rifabutin, nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, tipranavir/ritonavir, nevirapine, efavirenz, colesevelam, or tetracyclines.
• CYP3A4 inducers, including barbiturates, bosentan, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, topiramate, felbamate, rifampin may ↓ effectiveness of ulipristal; avoid concomitant use.
• May ↑ effects/risk of toxicity of some benzodiazepines, beta blockers, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, tizanidine, theophylline, and voriconazole.
• ↑risk of hepatotoxicity with dantrolene (estrogen only).
• Atazanavir/ritonavir, etravirine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, rosuvastatin, and atorvastatin may ↑ effects/risk of toxicity.
• Smoking↑ risk of thromboembolic phenomena (estrogen only).
• May ↓ levels of acetaminophen, temazepam, lamotrigine, lorazepam, oxazepam, or morphine.
• Concurrent use of combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir with ethinyl estradiol-containing products may ↑ risk of elevated liver enzymes; avoid concurrent use.
• Drosperinone-containing products only: concurrent use with NSAIDs, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors, aldosterone receptor antagonists, or angiotensin II receptor antagonists may result in hyperkalemia.
• Drosperinone-containing products only: concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, protease inhibitors, or clarithromycin may ↑ risk of hyperkalemia; consider monitoring K+ concentrations.
• Ulipristal may ↑ levels of P-glycoprotein substrates, including dabigatran and digoxin.

Drug-Natural Products:

• Concomitant use with St. John’s wort may ↓ contraceptive efficacy and cause breakthrough bleeding and irregular menses.

Drug-Food:

• Grapefruit juice may ↑ effects/risk of toxicity.

Combination Estrogen/Progestin Oral Contraceptives

(generic available)

• Oral contraceptive tablets: Usually in monthly packs with enough (21) active tablets to complete a 28-day cycle. Some contain 7 inert tablets to complete the cycle with or without supplemental iron; Beyaz and Safyral — contain 0.451 mg of levomefolate calcium/tablet;

Extended-Cycle Contraceptive

• Tablets: LoSeasonique: active tablets containing 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol, 0.1 mg levonorgestrel, and 7 tablets containing 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol;; Quartette: 42 tablets containing 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel, 21 tablets containing 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel, 21 tablets containing 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel, and 7 tablets containing 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol;; Daysee and Seasonique: active tablets containing 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol, 0.15 mg levonorgestrel, and 7 tablets containing 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol;

Levonorgestrel

(generic available)

• Emergency contraceptive: 1.5 mg ^OTC;
• Intrauterine system (Kyleena): contains 19.5 mg levonorgestrel (releases 9 mcg/day);
• Intrauterine system (Liletta): contains 52 mg levonorgestrel (releases 14.7 mcg/day);
• Intrauterine system (Mirena): contains 52 mg levonorgestrel (releases 20 mcg/day);
• Intrauterine system (Skyla): contains 13.5 mg levonorgestrel (releases 14 mcg/day);

Etonorgestrel

• Implant: Rod contains 68 mg etonogestrel;

Ulipristal

• Tablets: 30 mg;

Medroxyprogesterone

(generic available)

• Injectable IM: 150 mg/mL;
• Injectable SUBQ: 104 mg/0.65 mL (in prefilled syringes);

Vaginal Ring Contraceptive

• Ring: delivers 0.015 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.120 mg etonogestrel/day;

Transdermal Patch

• Patch (Xulane or Onsura): contains 0.53 mg ethinyl estradiol and 4.86 mg of norelgestromin; releases 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol/150 mcg norelgestromin per 24 hr;
• Patch (Twirla): contains 2.3 mg ethinyl estradiol and 2.6 mg of levonorgestrel; releases 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol/120 mcg levonorgestrel per 24 hr;

Monophasic Oral Contraceptives

• PO (Adults): On 21-day regimen, take first tablet on first Sunday after menses begins (take on Sunday if menses begins on Sunday) for 21 days, then skip 7 days and begin again. Regimen may also be started on first day of menses, continue for 21 days, then skip 7 days and begin again. Some regimens contain 7 placebo tablets, so that 1 tablet is taken every day for 28 days.

Biphasic Oral Contraceptives

• PO (Adults): Given in 2 phases. First phase is 10 days of smaller amount of progestin. Second phase is larger amount of progestin. Amount of estrogen remains constant for same length of time (total of 21 days), then skip 7 days and begin again. Some regimens contain 7 placebo tablets for 28-day regimen.

Triphasic Oral Contraceptives

• PO (Adults): Progestin amount varies throughout 21-day cycle. Estrogen component stays the same or may vary. Some regimens contain 7 placebo tablets for 28-day regimen.

Fourphasic Oral Contraceptives

• PO (Adults): Given in 4 phases. First phase contains higher amount of estrogen and no progestin. Second and third phases contain lower amount of estrogen, and increasing amounts of progestin. Fourth phase contains low dose of estrogen only. Also contains 2 placebo tablets to complete 28-day regimen.

Extended-Cycle Contraceptive

• PO (Adults): Daysee, LoSeasonique, Quartette, and Seasonique. Start taking first active pill on first Sunday after menses begins (if first day is Sunday, begin then), continue for 84 days of active pill, followed by 7 days of placebo tablets (low-dose estrogen tablets for Daysee, LoSeasonique, Quartette, and Seasonique), then resume 84/7 cycle again.

Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives

• PO (Adults): Start on first day of menses. Taken daily and continuously.

Progressive Estrogen Oral Contraceptives

• PO (Adults): Estrogen amount increases every 7 days throughout 21-day cycle. Progestin component stays the same. Some regimens contain 7 placebo tablets for 28-day regimen.

Emergency Contraceptive

• PO (Adults and Adolescents): Levonorgestrel: 1 tablet within 72 hr of unprotected intercourse; Lo/Ovral: 4 white tablets within 72 hr of unprotected intercourse followed by 4 more white tablets 12 hr later; Ulipristal: 1 tablet as soon as possible within 120 hr (5 days) after unprotected intercourse or known/suspected contraceptive failure.

Injectable Contraceptive

• IM (Adults): 150 mg within first 5 days of menses or within 5 days postpartum, if not breastfeeding. If breastfeeding, give 6 wk postpartum; repeat every 3 mo.
Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Sub Q Provera 104)
• SC (Adults): 104 mg within first 5 days of menses or within 5 days postpartum, if not breastfeeding. If breastfeeding, give 6 wk postpartum; repeat every 12–14 wk.

Intrauterine Contraceptive

• Intrauterine (Adults): Insert one device into uterine cavity within 7 days of menses or immediately after 1st trimester abortion. Skyla should be removed or replaced after 3 yr. Kyleena, should be removed or replaced after 5 yr. Mirena and Liletta should be removed or replaced after 5 yr (for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding) or 8 yr (contraception).

Vaginal Ring Contraceptive

• Vag (Adults): One ring inserted on or prior to day 5 of menstrual cycle. Ring is left in place for 3 wk, then removed for 1 wk, then a new ring is inserted.

Transdermal Patch

• Transdermal (Adults): Ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin transdermal patch: Patch is applied on day 1 of menstrual cycle (or convenient day in first wk), changed weekly thereafter for 3 wk. Wk 4 is patch-free. Cycle is then repeated. Ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel transdermal patch: Patch is applied during first 24 hr of menstruation and then changed weekly thereafter for 3 wk. Wk 4 is patch-free. Cycle is then repeated.

Acne

• PO (Adults): Take daily for 21 days, off for 7 days.

Estetrol/Drospirenone: Nextstellis

ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel: Apri-28, Cyred EQ, Enskyce, Isibloom, Juleber, Kalliga, Reclipsen

ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone: Beyaz, Jasmiel, Lo-Zumandimine, Loryna, Nikki, Ocella, Safyral, Syeda, Tydemy, Vestura, Yasmin, Yaz, Zumandimine

ethinyl estradiol/ethynodiol: Kelnor 1/35, Kelnor 1/50, Zovia 1/35

ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel: Afirmelle, Altavera, Aubra EQ, Aviane, Ayuna, Balcoltra, Chateal EQ, Falmina, Joyeaux, Kurvelo, Lessina, Levora-28, Lutera, Marlissa, Portia-28, Sronyx, Tyblume, Vienva

ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone: Alyacen 1/35, Aurovela 1/20, Aurovela 1.5/30, Aurovela 24 Fe, Aurovela Fe 1/20, Aurovela Fe 1.5/30, Balziva, Blisovi 24 Fe, Blisovi Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1.5/30, Briellyn, Charlotte 24 Fe, Cyonanz, Dasetta 1/35, Finzala, Fyavolv, Gemmily, Generess Fe, Hailey 1.5/30, Hailey 24 Fe, Hailey Fe 1/20, Hailey Fe 1.5/30, Jinteli, Junel 1/20, Junel 1.5/30, Junel Fe 1/20, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Junel Fe 24, Kaitlib Fe, Larin 1/20, Larin 1.5/30, Larin 24 Fe, Larin Fe 1/20, Larin Fe 1.5/30, Layolis Fe, Loestrin 1/20, Loestrin 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe 1/20, Loestrin Fe 1.5/30, Merzee, Mibelas 24 Fe, Microgestin 1/20, Microgestin 1.5/30, Microgestin 24 Fe, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Minastrin 24 Fe, Necon 0.5/35, Nexesta Fe, Nortrel 0.5/35, Nortrel 1/35, Nylia 1/35, Philith, Tarina 24 Fe, Tarina Fe 1/20 EQ, Taysofy, Taytulla, Tilia Fe, Vyfemla, Wera, Wymzya Fe, Zenchent Fe

ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate: Estarylla, Mili, Mono-Linyah, Nymyo, Previfem, Sprintec-28, VyLibra

ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel: Cryselle-28, Elinest, Low-Ogestrel

ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel: Azurette, Bekyree, Kariva, Mircette, Pimtrea, Simliya, Viorele, Volnea

ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone: Lo Loestrin Fe

ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel: Velivet

ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel: Enpresse-28, Levonest, Trivora-28

ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone: Alyacen 7/7/7, Aranelle, Dasetta 7/7/7, Leena, Nortrel 7/7/7, Nylia 7/7/7, Tri-Legest Fe

ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate: Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Linyah, Tri-Lo-Estarylla, Tri-Lo-Marzia, Tri-Lo-Mili, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, Tri-Mili, Tri-Nymyo, Tri-Sprintec, Tri-VyLibra, Tri-VyLibra Lo

estradiol valerate/dienogest: Natazia

ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel: Amethia, Amethyst, Ashlyna, Camrese, Camrese Lo, Daysee, Dolishale, Iclevia, Introvale, Jaimiess, Jolessa, LoJaimiess, LoSeasonique, Quartette, Rivelsa, Seasonique, Setlakin, Simpesse

norethindrone: Aygestin, Camila, Deblitane, Emzahh, Errin, Heather, Incassia, Jencycla, Lyleq, Nora-BE, Sharobel

Drospirenone: Slynd

etonogestrel: Nexplanon

levonorgestrel: Aftera, Athentia Next, Curae, EContra One-Step, Her Style, My Choice, My Way, New Day, Opcicon One-Step, Plan B One-Step, Take Action

ulipristal: Ella

medroxyprogesterone: Depo-Provera, Depo-subQ Provera 104

levonorgestrel: Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena, Skyla

ethinyl estradiol/etonogestrel: EluRyng, Enilloring, Haloette, NuvaRing

ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel: Twirla

ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin: Xulane, Zafemy

• Monophasic Oral Contraceptives: Provide a fixed dosage of estrogen/progestin over a 21-day cycle. Ovulation is inhibited by suppression of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). May alter cervical mucus and the endometrial environment, preventing penetration by sperm and implantation of the egg.
• Biphasic Oral Contraceptives: Ovulation is inhibited by suppression of FSH and LH. May alter cervical mucus and the endometrial environment, preventing penetration by sperm and implantation of the egg. In addition, smaller dose of progestin in phase 1 allows for proliferation of endometrium. Larger amount in phase 2 allows for adequate secretory development.
• Triphasic Oral Contraceptives: Ovulation is inhibited by suppression of FSH and LH. May alter cervical mucus and the endometrial environment, preventing penetration by sperm and implantation of the egg. Varying doses of estrogen/progestin may more closely mimic natural hormonal fluctuations.
• Fourphasic Oral Contraceptives: Ovulation is inhibited by suppression of FSH and LH. May alter cervical mucus and the endometrial environment, preventing penetration by sperm and implantation of the egg. Doses of estrogen decrease while doses of progestin increase over the 28-day cycle.
• Extended-cycle: Provides continuous estrogen/progestin for 84 days, then off for 7 days (low-dose estrogen-only tablet taken during these 7 days with LoSeasonique and Seasonique), resulting in 4 menstrual periods/yr.
• Progressive Estrogen: Contains constant amount of progestin with 3 progressive doses of estrogen.
• Progestin-Only Contraceptives/Contraceptive Implant/Intrauterine Levonorgestrel/Medroxyprogesterone Injection: Mechanism not clearly known. May alter cervical mucus and the endometrial environment, preventing penetration by sperm and implantation of the egg. Ovulation may also be suppressed.
• Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Inhibit ovulation/fertilization; may also alter tubal transport of sperm/egg and prevent implantation.
• Vaginal Ring, Transdermal Patch: Inhibits ovulation, decreases sperm entry into uterus, decreases likelihood of implantation.
• Anti-acne effect: Combination of estrogen/progestin may increase sex hormone binding globulin resulting in decreased unbound testosterone, which may be a cause of acne.

• Prevention of pregnancy.
• Decreased severity of acne.
• Decrease in menstrual blood loss.
• Decrease in premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
• Decrease in vasomotor symptoms or symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause.
• Increase in folate levels and prevention of neural tube defects.

Therapeutic Classification: contraceptive hormones

Absorption: Ethinyl estradiol: rapidly absorbed; Norethindrone: 65% absorbed; Desogestrel and levonorgestrel: 100% absorbed; Dienogest: 91% absorbed. Others are well absorbed after oral administration. Slowly absorbed from implant, SUBQ or IM injection. Some absorption follows intrauterine implantation.

Distribution: Unknown.

Protein Binding: Ethinyl estradiol: 97–98%; Drospirenone: 97%; Dienogest: 90%; Ulipristal: >94%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone: undergo extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism. Desogestrel: is rapidly metabolized to 3-keto-desogestrel, the active metabolite. Most agents are metabolized by the liver.

Half-life: Ethinyl estradiol: 6–20 hr; Levonorgestrel: 45 hr; Norethindrone: 5–14 hr; Desogestrel (metabolite): 38 ± 20 hr; Drospirenone: 30 hr; Norgestimate (metabolite): 12–20 hr; Dienogest: 11 hr; others: unknown; Ulipristal: 32 hr.

(prevention of pregnancy)

†Only during mo of taking contraceptive.

• Instruct patient to take oral medication as directed at the same time each day. Pills should be taken in proper sequence and kept in the original container. Advise patient not to skip pills even if not having sex very often. Advise patient to read Patient Guide before starting and with each Rx refill in case of changes
• If single daily dose is missed: Take as soon as remembered; if not until next day, take 2 tablets and continue on regular dosing schedule. If 2 days in a row are missed: Take 2 tablets a day for the next 2 days and continue on regular dosing schedule, using a 2nd method of birth control for the remaining cycle. If 3 days in a row are missed: Discontinue medication and use another form of birth control until period begins or pregnancy is ruled out; then begin a new cycle of tablets. For 28-day dosing schedule: If schedule is followed for first 21 days and 1 dose is missed of the last 7 tablets, it is important to take the 1st tablet of next month’s cycle on the regularly scheduled day. Advise patient taking Natazia to follow Patient Guide for what to do if a pill is missed.
  • Advise patient taking Jolessa, Quartette, Seasonique, or LoSeasonique that withdrawal bleeding should occur during the 7 days following discontinuation of the active tablets. If withdrawal bleeding does not occur, notify health care professional. Advise patient taking Lybrel that no withdrawal bleeding should occur.
  • For initial use of Jolessa, Quartette, Seasonique, or LoSeasonique, caution patient to use a nonhormonal method of contraception until she has taken the first 7 days of active tablets. Each 91-day cycle should start on the same day of the wk. If started later than the proper day or 2 or more days are missed, a 2nd nonhormonal method of contraception should be used until she has taken the pink tablet for 7 days. Transient spotting or bleeding may occur. If bleeding is persistent or prolonged, notify health care professional.
• Advise patient taking extended cycle tablets that spotting or light bleeding may occur, especially during first 3 mo. Continue medication; notify health care professional if bleeding lasts >70 days.
• Advise patient of the need to use another form of contraception for the first 3 wk when beginning to use oral contraceptives.
• Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and consult health care professional before taking any new medications.
• Advise patient that a 2nd method of birth control should also be used during each cycle in which any of the following are used: Oral contraceptives: ampicillin, corticosteroids, antiretroviral protease inhibitors, barbiturates, carbamazepine, chloramphenicol, dihydroergotamine, corticosteroids (systemic), mineral oil, oral neomycin, oxcarbazapine, penicillin VK, primidone, rifampin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, topiramate, bosentan, or valproic acid.
• Explain dose schedule and maintenance routine. Discontinuing medication suddenly may cause withdrawal bleeding.
• If nausea becomes a problem, advise patient that eating solid food often provides relief. If nausea persists or vomiting or diarrhea occurs, use a nonhormonal method of contraception and notify health care professional.
• Advise patient to report signs and symptoms of fluid retention (swelling of ankles and feet, weight gain), thromboembolic disorders (pain, swelling, tenderness in extremities, headache, chest pain, blurred vision), mental depression, hepatic dysfunction (yellowed skin or eyes, pruritus, dark urine, light-colored stools), or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, abnormal mammograms, or cervical dysplasia should be monitored for breast cancer at least yearly. Risk of thromboembolism is highest in 1st yr of use and increased when a combination hormonal contraceptive is restarted after a break in use of at least 4 wk.
• Caution patient that cigarette smoking during estrogen therapy may increase risk of serious side effects, especially for women over age 35.
• Caution patients to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent increased pigmentation.
• Caution patient that hormonal contraceptives do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery.
• Rep: Instruct patient to stop taking medication and notify health care professional if pregnancy is suspected.
• Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up physical exams including BP; breast, abdomen, and pelvic examinations; and Papanicolaou smears every 6–12 mo.
• Emergency Contraception: Instruct patient to take emergency contraceptive as directed. Advise patient that they should not take emergency contraceptives if they know or suspect they are pregnant; emergency contraceptives are not for use to end an existing pregnancy. Advise patient to contact health care professional if they vomit within 3 hr after taking ulipristal.
  • Inform patient that ulipristal may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Advise patient to use a nonhormonal contraceptive during that menstrual cycle. Advise patient to wait at least 5 days after taking ulipristal to resume taking hormonal contraceptives.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional and consider the possibility of pregnancy if their period is delayed by more than 1 wk beyond the expected date after taking ulipristal.
  • Inform patient that emergency contraceptives are not to be used as a routine form of contraception or to be used repeatedly within the same menstrual cycle.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if severe lower abdominal pain occurs 3–5 wk after taking ulipristal to be evaluated for an ectopic pregnancy.
  • Advise female patients to avoid breastfeeding if taking ulipristal.
• IM, SC: Advise patient to maintain adequate amounts of dietary calcium and vitamin D to help prevent bone loss.
• Transdermal: Instruct patient on application of patch. First patch should be applied within 24 hr of menstrual period. If applied after Day 1 of menstrual period, a nonhormonal method of contraception should be used for the next 7 days. Day of application becomes Patch Change Day. Patches are worn for 1 wk and changed on the same day of each wk for 3 wk. Wk 4 is patch-free. Withdrawal bleeding is expected during this time.
  • Apply patch to clean, dry, intact, healthy skin on buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso in a place where it won’t be rubbed by tight clothing. Do not place on skin that is red, irritated, or cut, and do not place on breasts. Do not apply make-up, creams, lotions, powders, or other topical products to area of patch application.
  • To apply patch, open foil pouch by tearing along edge using fingers. Peel pouch apart and open flat. Grasp a corner of the patch firmly and remove gently from foil pouch. Use fingernail to lift one corner of the patch and peel patch and the plastic liner off the foil liner. Do not remove clear liner as patch is removed. Peel away half of the clear liner without touching sticky surface. Apply the sticky surface and remove the rest of the liner. Press down firmly with palm of hand for 10 sec; make sure the edges stick well.
  • On Patch Change Day remove patch and apply new one immediately. Used patch still contains some active hormones; fold in half so it sticks to itself and throw away. Apply new patches to a new spot to prevent skin irritation; may be applied in same anatomic area.
  • Following patch-free wk, apply a new patch on Patch Change Day, the day after Day 28, no matter when the menstrual cycle begins.
  • If patch becomes partially or completely detached for less than 1 day, reapply patch or apply new patch. If patch is detached for more than 1 day, apply a new patch immediately and use a nonhormonal form of contraception for the next 7 days. Cycle will now start over with a new Patch Change Day. If patch is no longer sticky, apply a new patch; do not use tape or wraps to keep patch in place.
  • If patch is not changed on Patch Change Day in the first wk of the cycle, apply new patch immediately upon remembering and use a nonhormonal method of contraception for next 7 days. If patch change is missed for 1 or 2 days during Wk 2 or 3, apply new patch immediately and apply next patch on usual Patch Change Day. No backup contraception is needed. If patch change is missed for more than 2 days during Wk 2 or 3, stop the cycle and start a new 4-wk contraceptive cycle by applying new patch immediately and using a nonhormonal method of contraception for the next 7 days. If patch is not removed on Patch Change Day in Wk 4, remove as soon as remembered and start next cycle on usual Patch Change Day. No additional contraception is needed.
  • Advise patient referred for MRI test to discuss patch with referring health care professional and MRI facility to determine if removal of patch is necessary prior to test and for directions for replacing patch.
• NuvaRing: If a hormonal contraceptive was not used in the past mo, insert NuvaRing between Days 1 and 5 of the menstrual cycle (Day 1 = first day of menstrual period), even if bleeding has not finished. Use a nonhormonal method of birth control other than a diaphragm during the first 7 days of ring use. If switching from a combination estrogen/progesterone oral contraceptive, insert NuvaRing any time during first 7 days after last tablet and no later than the day a new pill cycle would have started. No extra birth control is needed. If switching from a mini-pill, start using NuvaRing on any day of the mo; do not skip days between last pill and first day of NuvaRing use. If switching from an implant, start using NuvaRing on same day implant is removed. If switching from an injectable contraceptive, start using NuvaRing on the day when next injection is due. If switching from a progestin-containing IUD, start using NuvaRing on the same day as IUD is removed. A nonhormonal method of contraception, other than the diaphragm, should be used for the first 7 days of NuvaRing use when switching from the mini-pill, implant, injectable contraceptive, or IUD.
  • NuvaRing comes in a reclosable foil pouch. Instruct patient to wash hands, then remove NuvaRing from pouch; keep pouch for ring disposal. Using a position of comfort (lying down, squatting, or standing with one leg up), hold NuvaRing between thumb and index finger and press opposite sides of the ring together. Gently push folded ring into vagina. Exact position is not important for function of NuvaRing. Most women do not feel NuvaRing once it is in place. If discomfort is felt, NuvaRing may not be inserted far enough into vagina; use finger to push further into vagina. There is no danger of NuvaRing being pushed in too far or getting lost. Once inserted, leave NuvaRing in place for 3 wk.
  • Remove ring 3 wk after insertion on same day and time of insertion. Remove by hooking finger under forward rim or by holding ring between index and middle finger and pulling out. Place ring in foil pouch and dispose; do not throw in toilet. Menstrual period will usually start 2–3 days after ring is removed and may not have finished before next ring is inserted. To continue contraceptive protection, new ring must be inserted 1 wk after last one was removed, even if menstrual period has not stopped.
  • If NuvaRing slips out of vagina and has been out less than 3 hr, contraceptive protection is still in place. NuvaRing can be rinsed in cool to tepid water and should be reinserted as soon as possible. If ring is lost, insert a new ring and continue same schedule as lost ring. If NuvaRing has been out of vagina for more than 3 hr, a nonhormonal method of contraception, other than a diaphragm, should be used for the next 7 days.
  • If NuvaRing has been left in for an extra wk or less (4 wk total or less), remove and insert a new ring after a 1-wk ring-free break. If NuvaRing has been left in place for more than 4 wk, woman should check to be sure she is not pregnant. A nonhormonal method of contraception, other than a diaphragm, must be used for the next 7 days.
  • Advise patient to avoid using other female barrier contraceptives (diaphragm, cervical cap, female condom) with NuvaRing.
• Intrauterine system: Advise patient to notify health care professional if pelvic pain or pain during sex, unusual vaginal discharge or genital sores, unexplained fever, exposure to sexually transmitted infections, very severe or migraine headaches, yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes, very severe vaginal bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time occurs, if a menstrual period is missed, or if Mirena's threads cannot be felt.

Estetrol/Drospirenone: ES-te-trol/droe-SPY-re-nown

ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/dess-oh-JESS-trel

ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/droe-SPY-re-nown

ethinyl estradiol/ethynodiol: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/e-thye-noe-DYE-ole

ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/lee-voe-nor-JESS-trel

ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/nor-eth-IN-drone

ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/nor-JES-ti-mate

ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/nor-JESS-trel

ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/dess-oh-JESS-trel

ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/nor-eth-IN-drone

ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/dess-oh-JESS-trel

ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel: ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole/lee-voe-nor-JESS-trel

ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/nor-eth-IN-drone

ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate: ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole/nor-JESS-ti-mate

estradiol valerate/dienogest: es-tra-DYE-ole VAL-er-ate/dye-EN-oh-jest

ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel: ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole/lee-voe-nor-JESS-trel

norethindrone: nor-eth-IN-drone

etonogestrel: e-toe-no-JESS-trel

levonorgestrel: LEE-voe-nor-JESS-trel

ulipristal: u-li-PRISS-tal

medroxyprogesterone: me-DROX-ee-proe-JESS-te-rone

levonorgestrel: LEE-voe-nor-JESS-trel

ethinyl estradiol/etonogestrel: ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole/e-toe-noe-JESS-trel

ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel: ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole/LEE-voe-nor-JESS-trel

ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin: ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole/nor-el-JESS-troe-min