Select 28 day (Ethinyl estradiol/ norethindrone)

Do’s

• Take 1 tablet daily for the first 21 days, followed by 1 "reminder" pill daily for the next 7 days.
• Start a new pack once you finish all the tablets.
• Discuss with your healthcare provider the best time to begin your first pack, considering your menstrual cycle.
• Take the pills at approximately the same time each day.
• Use a backup method of birth control (like condoms) for the first 7 days of your first cycle.
• Continue taking the pills even if you experience side effects like spotting, light bleeding, or nausea during the first 3 months. These usually subside.
• Consult your healthcare provider if nausea or other side effects persist.

Don'ts

• Don't stop taking the pills without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't change the way you take the pills (dosage or timing) without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't expect immediate effectiveness. It can take up to 3 months for your body to fully adjust to the hormones.
• Don't take the pills with certain medications (like antibiotics) that may reduce their effectiveness. Discuss any new medications with your healthcare provider.
• Don't have unprotected sex if you miss pills. Use a backup method like condoms until you can check with your healthcare provider about catching up on missed pills.

Common side effects of Select 28 Day may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods
• Changes in menstrual flow
• Weight changes
• Mood changes
• Decreased libido

Serious side effects of Select 28 Day are rare but may include:

• Blood clots
• Severe leg pain
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden severe headache.
• High blood pressure
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Dark urine
• Persistent abdominal pain.
• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling
• Severe dizziness
• 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 Select 28 days, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Disclose any medical conditions, allergies, medications you take, pregnancy status, breastfeeding, and other relevant health details before starting this medication.

Discuss your risk with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of clotting. Be aware of symptoms like leg pain, swelling, chest pain, vision problems, or difficulty speaking, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience them. This medication may increase blood clot formation.

If you have a history of depression, discuss it with your healthcare provider as this medication may worsen symptoms. Be aware of and report symptoms like changes in mood, weight, sleep, or activity level.

Monitor your blood sugar closely if you have diabetes or a family history, as this medication may affect blood sugar control.

Women with epilepsy should discuss the possibility of increased seizures with their healthcare provider.

Fluid build-up in the cornea may occur, causing vision problems and affecting contact lens wear. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience these issues.

If you have fibroids, your healthcare provider should monitor your condition closely.

If you have migraines, discuss the potential for worsening with your healthcare provider.

Smoking and birth control pills combined increase the risk of heart disease, especially in women over 35. Discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider.

If you have liver problems, discuss them with your healthcare provider as this medication may affect your liver. Be aware of and report symptoms like fatigue, nausea, yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or abdominal pain/itching.

Use an alternative birth control method for at least one menstrual cycle after stopping this medication. Consult your healthcare provider if you don't menstruate for 6 months after stopping.

This medication does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms for protection.

Be aware of symptoms like confusion, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, sudden headache, or vision changes, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience them. This medication increases the risk of stroke.

Discuss the risks and benefits of temporarily stopping this medication with your healthcare provider before surgery. Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care that you are taking this medication.

Stop taking this medication immediately if you become pregnant.

Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication.