| drug details | | 1 | | name | Oral Contraceptives (Combined) | | classification | Hormonal Contraceptive | | pharmacokinetics | Synthetic estrogen and progestin are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations vary depending on formulation. Metabolism primarily occurs in the liver. | | suggested dosage | Dosage varies significantly; always follow the prescription instructions provided by your doctor. Consult the package insert for specific details. | | indications | Prevention of pregnancy, menstrual regulation, treatment of acne, hirsutism, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). | | safety in pregnancy | Absolutely contraindicated. These drugs are for pregnancy *prevention*, not treatment. | | safety in breastfeeding | Generally considered safe; consult your healthcare provider. | | side effects | | 1 | Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, weight changes, bloating, abdominal pain, blood clots (venous thromboembolism - VTE), stroke, heart attack, hypertension, liver problems, rarely fatal. | | 2 | Some formulations might cause spotting or breakthrough bleeding in the early stages. |
| | alternatives | | | contraindications | | 1 | History of VTE, stroke, or heart attack, significant cardiovascular risk factors, uncontrolled hypertension, liver disease, certain types of cancers, severe migraines with aura, smoking in women over a certain age, or undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding. | | 2 | Consult a doctor for any pre-existing conditions. |
| | interactions | May interact with certain medications, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and some antifungals; inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. | | warnings and precautions | Regular checkups are essential, especially for blood pressure and possible side effects. Smoking significantly increases the risk of blood clots. Follow the prescribed schedule diligently to maximize effectiveness and minimize risks. | | additional information | Different formulations have slight variations in efficacy and individual responses may vary. Always consult a physician before using any oral contraceptives, especially if you are on other medications. Refer to the product insert for complete details. |
| | 2 | | name | Hormonal Contraceptive Patch | | classification | Hormonal Contraceptive | | pharmacokinetics | Transdermal delivery; absorption rate is affected by skin characteristics. Metabolism primarily in the liver. Peak concentrations and duration of action vary. | | suggested dosage | Follow the prescribed schedule and instructions provided by your healthcare provider. See package insert. | | indications | Prevention of pregnancy, menstrual regulation, treatment of acne, hirsutism, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). | | safety in pregnancy | Absolutely contraindicated. These drugs are for pregnancy *prevention*, not treatment. | | safety in breastfeeding | Generally considered safe, consult your healthcare provider. | | side effects | | 1 | Possible skin irritation at the patch site, nausea, headache, mood changes, weight changes, bleeding irregularities, blood clots (venous thromboembolism - VTE), stroke, heart attack, hypertension, liver problems, rarely fatal |
| | alternatives | | | contraindications | | 1 | History of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, significant cardiovascular risk factors, uncontrolled hypertension, liver disease, certain types of cancers, severe migraines with aura, smoking in women over a certain age, or undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding. | | 2 | Consult a doctor for any pre-existing conditions. |
| | interactions | May interact with certain medications; inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. | | warnings and precautions | Regular checkups, especially for blood pressure and possible side effects. Smoking significantly increases the risk of blood clots. Follow the prescribed schedule diligently. | | additional information | Different formulations have slight variations in efficacy and individual responses may vary. Always consult a physician before using any hormonal contraceptive, especially if you are on other medications. Refer to the product insert for complete details. |
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