Brevicon 28 day (Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Do’s

• Take Brevicon exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This includes taking it at the same time each day, even on weekends and holidays.
• Follow the instructions for starting the pack. If this is your first time using Brevicon, start the pack on the first Sunday after your period begins. If your period starts on a Sunday, you can begin taking the pills that day.
• Take your pills continuously. The pack may contain 21 active pills with hormones and 7 inactive pills without hormones (28-day pack) or only 21 active pills (21-day pack). Take one pill every day, regardless of whether it's an active or inactive pill.
• Use a backup birth control method (like condoms) for the first 7 days of your first pill pack. This ensures effectiveness while your body adjusts to the medication.
• Take Brevicon with or without food.
• See your healthcare provider for regular checkups.

Don'ts

• Missing pills increases your risk of pregnancy. If you miss a pill, follow the instructions in the package leaflet or contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Take more pills than prescribed.
• Stop taking Brevicon without talking to your healthcare provider first.
• Take Brevicon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Share your Brevicon pills with 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 28 days, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to any estrogens or progestins used in birth control pills.

Discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with your healthcare provider, especially:

• Blood clots or clotting disorders
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal breast exam or history of cancer (especially breast or endometrial cancer)
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Family history of angioedema (swelling disorder)
• Gallbladder problems
• Severe headaches/migraines
• Heart problems (valve disease, irregular heartbeat, heart attack history)
• Liver or kidney disease
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Brevicon may affect blood sugar. Monitor blood sugar regularly and report changes to your healthcare provider.

If you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or require limiting sugar/aspartame intake, discuss the chewable tablet option with your healthcare provider.

If you smoke and are over 35, Brevicon is not recommended due to increased risks of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

Brevicon may increase blood clot risk. Inform your healthcare provider if you have upcoming surgery or will be immobile for extended periods.

Brevicon may cause skin discoloration. Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing.

Smoking significantly increases the health risks associated with Brevicon. Quitting smoking is highly recommended.