Brevicon 21 day (Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Do's

• Before starting Brevicon and with every refill, carefully read the patient information leaflet provided by your healthcare provider.
• Take Brevicon exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once a day at the same time. This ensures consistent hormone levels for birth control effectiveness.
• Follow the pack instructions. The pills in a Brevicon pack have a specific order. Follow the instructions to find the first tablet, start with it, and take them in the correct sequence. Don't skip doses.
• If you experience stomach upset or nausea, taking Brevicon after dinner or before bed might help.
• Regardless of the chosen time, take Brevicon at the same time each day, 24 hours apart.

Don'ts

• Don't rely solely on Brevicon if you vomit or have diarrhea. These can affect Brevicon's effectiveness. Use a backup birth control method (like condoms) during such instances.
• Don't stop abruptly. Taking Brevicon for a shorter or longer duration than prescribed can decrease its effectiveness.
• Don't share Brevicon. This medication is meant for you and may not be suitable for others.

Common Side Effects:

• Unusual changes in menstrual bleeding (such as breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or missed periods)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Weight changes
• Changes in sexual desire
• Acne
• Darkening of facial skin
• Hair loss
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Serious Side Effects:

• Blood clots: Brevicon 28 Day may rarely cause serious problems from blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. 
• Sudden severe headache
• Chest/jaw/left arm pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech.
• Allergic reaction: Although rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to Brevicon 28 Day. Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Brevicon 21 days, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Brevicon is not for everyone. Disclose any allergies to estrogens, progestins, or other Brevicon ingredients to your healthcare provider.

Discuss your medical history. Inform your healthcare provider about conditions like blood clots, high blood pressure, certain cancers, high cholesterol, diabetes, migraines, heart problems, jaundice, kidney/liver disease, obesity, stroke, thyroid issues, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Smoking while using Brevicon is not recommended.

Brevicon and health conditions:

• Brevicon may affect blood sugar. Monitor and report changes to your healthcare provider.
• Increased blood clot risk. Discuss precautions with your healthcare provider.
• Report vision problems or difficulty wearing contact lenses while using Brevicon.

Do not use Brevicon if pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you become pregnant. It may take longer to get pregnant after stopping Brevicon. Brevicon may harm a nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Brevicon may cause skin darkening. Limit sun exposure and use sun protection.