Contra-Indications: History of/or actual thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders. History of/or actual cerebrovascular disorders. History of/or actual myocardial infarction or coronary arterial disease. Active liver disease or history of/or actual benign or malignant liver tumors. Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast. Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia. Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding. Any ocular lesion arising from ophthalmic vascular disease, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields. When pregnancy is suspected or diagnosed.  

E. Severe headache of unknown etiology or worsening of pre-existing migraine headache. 

Precautions: Physical Examination and Follow-up: Before oral contraceptives are used, a thorough history and physical examination should be performed, including a blood pressure determination. Breasts, liver, extremities and pelvic organs should be examined. A Papanicolaou smear should be taken if the patient has been sexually active. 

The first follow-up visit should be done 3 months after oral contraceptives are prescribed. Thereafter, examinations should be performed at least once a year, or more frequently if indicated. At each annual visit, examination should include those procedures that were done at the initial visit as outlined above. 

Pregnancy: Oral contraceptives should not be taken by pregnant women. However, if conception accidentally occurs while taking the pill, there is no conclusive evidence that the estrogen and progestin contained in the oral contraceptive will damage the developing child. 

Lactation: In breast-feeding women, the use of oral contraceptives results in the hormonal components being excreted in breast milk and may reduce its quantity and quality. If the use of oral contraceptives is initiated after the establishment of lactation, there does not appear to be any effect on the quantity and quality of the milk. There is no evidence that low dose oral contraceptives are harmful to the nursing infant. 

Hepatic Function: Patients who have had jaundice including a history of cholestatic jaundice during pregnancy should be given oral contraceptives with great care and under close observation. 

The development of severe generalized pruritus or icterus requires that the medication be withdrawn until the problem is resolved. 

If the jaundice should prove to be cholestatic in type, the use of oral contraceptives should not be resumed. In patients taking oral contraceptives, changes in the composition of the bile may occur and an increased incidence of gallstones has been reported. Hepatic nodules (adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia) have been reported, particularly in long-term users of oral contraceptives. Although these lesions are extremely rare they have caused fatal intra-abdominal hemorrhage and should be considered in women presenting with an abdominal mass, acute abdominal pain or evidence of intra-abdominal bleeding. 

Hypertension: Patients with essential hypertension whose blood pressure is well controlled may be given oral contraceptives but only under close supervision. If a significant elevation of blood pressure in previously normotensive or hypertensive subjects occurs at any time during the administration of the drug, cessation of medication is necessary. 

Migraine and Headache: The onset or exacerbation of migraine or the development of headache of a new pattern which is recurrent, persistent or severe requires discontinuation of oral contraceptives and evaluation of the cause. 

Diabetes: Current low dose oral contraceptives exert minimal impact on glucose metabolism. Diabetic patients, or those with a family history of diabetes, should be observed closely to detect worsening of carbohydrate metabolism. Patients predisposed to diabetes who can be kept under close supervision may be given oral contraceptives. Young diabetic patients whose disease is of recent origin, well-controlled and not associated with hypertension or other signs of vascular disease such as ocular fundal changes should be monitored more frequently while using oral contraceptives. 

Ocular Disease: Patients who are pregnant or are taking oral contraceptives may experience corneal edema that may cause visual disturbances and changes in tolerance to contact lenses, especially of the rigid type. Soft contact lenses usually do not cause disturbances. If visual changes or alterations in tolerance to contact lenses occur, temporary or permanent cessation of wear may be advised. 

Breasts: Increasing age and a strong family history are the most significant risk factors for the development of breast cancer. Other established risk factors include obesity, nulliparity and late age at first full-term pregnancy. The identified groups of women that may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer before menopause are long-term users of oral contraceptives (more than 8 years) and starters at early age. In a few women, the use of oral contraceptives may accelerate the growth of an existing but undiagnosed breast cancer. Since any potential increased risk related to oral contraceptive use is small, there is no reason to change prescribing habits at present. 

Women receiving oral contraceptives should be instructed in self-examination of their breasts. Their physicians should be notified whenever any masses are detected. A yearly clinical breast examination is also recommended because, if a breast cancer should develop, estrogen-containing drugs may cause a rapid progression. 

Vaginal Bleeding: Persistent irregular vaginal bleeding requires assessment to exclude underlying pathology. 

Fibroids: Patients with fibroids (leiomyomata) should be carefully observed. Sudden enlargement, pain or tenderness requires discontinuation of the use of oral contraceptives. 

Emotional Disorders: Patients with a history of emotional disturbances, especially the depressive type, may be more prone to have a recurrence of depression while taking oral contraceptives. In cases of a serious recurrence, a trial of an alternate method of contraception should be made which may help to clarify the possible relationship. Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may have a varied response to oral contraceptives, ranging from symptomatic improvement to worsening of the condition. 
Return to Fertility: After discontinuing oral contraceptive therapy, the patient should delay pregnancy until at least 1 normal spontaneous menstrual cycle has occurred in order to date the pregnancy. An alternative contraceptive method should be used during this time. 
Amenorrhea: Women having a history of oligomenorrhea, secondary amenorrhea or irregular cycles may remain anovulatory or become amenorrheic following discontinuation of estrogren-progestin combination therapy. Amenorrhea, especially if associated with breast secretion, that continues for 6 months or more after withdrawal warrants a careful assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary function. 
Thromboembolic Complications - Post-surgery: There is an increased risk of post-surgery thromboembolic complications in oral contraceptive users, after major surgery. If feasible, oral contraceptives should be discontinued and an alternative method substituted at least 1 month prior to major elective surgery. Oral contraceptives should not be resumed until the first menstrual period after hospital discharge following surgery. 

Drug Interactions: The concurrent administration of oral contraceptives with other drugs may result in an altered response to either agent (see Tables I and II). Reduced effectiveness of the oral contraceptive, should it occur, is more likely with the low-dose formulations. It is important to ascertain all drugs that a patient is taking, both prescription and nonprescription, before oral contraceptives are prescribed. 
Non-contraceptive Benefits of Oral Contraceptives: Several health advantages other than contraception have been reported. 
1. Combination oral contraceptives reduce the incidence of cancer of the endometrium and ovaries. 2. Oral contraceptives reduce the likelihood of developing benign breast disease and, as a result, decrease the incidence of breast biopsies. 3. Oral contraceptives reduce the likelihood of development of functional ovarian cysts. 4. Pill-users have less menstrual blood loss and have more regular cycles, thereby reducing the chance of developing iron-deficiency anemia. 5. The use of oral contraceptives may decrease the severity of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome, and may improve acne vulgaris, hirsutism and other androgen-mediated disorders. 6. Oral contraceptives decrease the incidence of acute pelvic inflammatory disease and, thereby, reduce as well the incidence of ectopic pregnancy. 7. Oral contraceptives have potential beneficial effects on endometriosis. 
Oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS. For protection against STDs, it is advisable to use latex condoms in combination with oral contraceptives.  Adverse Reactions: An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives: thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, mesenteric thrombosis, neuro-ocular lesions, e.g., retinal thrombosis, myocardial infarction, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral hemorrhage, hypertension, benign hepatic tumors, gallbladder disease, congenital anomalies. 
The following adverse reactions also have been reported in patients receiving oral contraceptives: Nausea and vomiting, usually the most common adverse reaction, occurs in approximately 10% or less of patients during the first cycle. Other reactions, as a general rule, are seen less frequently or only occasionally, as follows: gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating), breakthrough bleeding, spotting, change in menstrual flow, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea during and after treatment, temporary infertility after discontinuance of treatment, edema, chloasma or melasma which may persist, breast changes (tenderness, enlargement and secretion), change in weight (increase or decrease), endocervical hyperplasias, possible diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum, cholestatic jaundice, migraine, increase in size of uterine leiomyomata, rash (allergic), mental depression, reduced tolerance to carbohydrates, vaginal candidiasis, premenstrual-like syndrome, intolerance to contact lenses, change in corneal curvature (steepening), cataracts, optic neuritis, retinal thrombosis, changes in libido, chorea, changes in appetite, cystitis-like syndrome, rhinitis, headache, nervousness, dizziness, hirsutism, loss of scalp hair, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, hemorrhagic eruption, vaginitis, porphyria, impaired renal function, Raynaud's phenomenon, auditory disturbances, hemolytic uremic syndrome, pancreatitis. 
Symptoms And Treatment Of Overdose: Symptoms and Treatment: Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute ingestion of large doses of oral contraceptives by young children. Overdosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. 
Dosage And Administration: Information for the Patient on How to Take the Birth Control Pill: 
1. Read these directions: 
• before you start taking your pills, and 
• any time you are not sure what to do. 
2. Look at your pill pack to see if it has 21 or 28 pills: 
• 21-Pill Pack: 21 active pills (with hormones) taken daily for 3 weeks, and then take no pills for 1 week or 
• 28-Pill Pack: 21 active pills (with hormones) taken daily for 3 weeks, and then 7 "reminder" pills (no hormones) taken daily for 1 week. 
Also check the pill pack for instructions on (1) where to start and (2) directions to take pills (see package insert for illustrations). 
3. You may wish to use a second method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) for the first 7 days of the first cycle of pill use. This will provide a back-up in case pills are forgotten while you are getting used to taking them. 
4. When receiving any medical treatment, be sure to tell your doctor that you are using birth control pills. 
5. Many women have spotting or light bleeding or may feel sick to their stomach during the first 3 months on the pill. If you do feel sick, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If it does not go away, check with your doctor or clinic. 
6. Missing pills also can cause some spotting or light bleeding, even if you make up the missed pills. You also could feel a little sick to your stomach on the days you take 2 pills to make up for missed pills. 
7. If you miss pills at any time, you could get pregnant. The greatest risks for pregnancy are:  • when you start a pack late, and  • when you miss pills at the beginning or at the very end of the pack. 
8. Always be sure you have ready: • another kind of birth control (such as latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) to use as a back-up in case you miss pills, and 
• an extra, full pack of pills. 
9. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take some medicines, such as antibiotics, your pills may not work as well. Use a back-up method, such as latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel, until you can check with your doctor or clinic. 
10. If you forget more than 1 pill 2 months in a row, talk to your doctor or clinic about how to make pill-taking easier or about using another method of birth control. 
11. If your questions are not answered here, call your doctor or clinic. 
When to start the first pack of pills: Be sure to read these instructions: 
• before you start taking your pills, and 
• any time you are not sure what to do. 
Decide with your doctor or clinic what is the best day for you to start taking your first pack of pills. Your pills may be either a 21-day or a 28-day type. 
A. 21-Day Combination: With this type of birth control pill, you are 21 days on pills with 7 days off pills. You must not be off the pills for more than 7 days in a row. 
1. The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is Day 1 of your cycle. Your doctor may advise you to start taking the pills on Day 1 or on the first Sunday after your period begins. If your period starts on Sunday, start that same day. 
2. Take 1 pill at approximately the same time every day for 21 days; then take no pills for 7 days. Start a new pack on the eighth day. You will probably have a period during the 7 days off the pill. (This bleeding may be lighter and shorter than your usual period.) 
B. 28-Day Combination: With this type of birth control pill, you take 21 pills which contain hormones and 7 pills which contain no hormones. 
1. The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is Day 1 of your cycle. Your doctor may advise you to start taking the pills on Day 1 or on the first Sunday after your period begins. If your period starts on Sunday, start that same day. For Day 1 start: Label the dispenser by selecting the appropriate day label strip that starts with Day 1 of your menstrual period (first day of menstruation is Day 1). or For Sunday start: Label the dispenser by selecting the day label strip that starts with Sunday. Place the day label strip in the space where you see the words "Place Day Label Here". Having the dispenser labelled with the days of the week will help remind you to take your pill every day. 
2. Take 1 pill at approximately the same time every day for 28 days. Begin a new pack the next day, not missing any days on the pills. Your period should occur during the last 7 days of using that pill pack. 
What to do during the month: 
1. Take a pill at approximately the same time every day until the pack is empty.  • Try to associate taking your pill with some regular activity like eating a meal or going to bed. 
• Do not skip pills even if you have bleeding between monthly periods or feel sick to your stomach (nausea). 
• Do not skip pills even if you do not have sex very often. 
2. When you finish a pack: 
• 21 pills: Wait 7 days to start the next pack. You will have your period during that week. 
• 28 pills: Start the next pack on the next day. Take 1 pill every day. Do not wait any days between packs. 
What to do if you miss pills: Table III outlines the actions you should take if you miss 1 or more of your birth control pills. Match the number of pills missed with the appropriate starting time for your type of pill pack. 
What To Do If You Miss Pills 
Sunday Start Miss 1 pill Take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. This means that you might take 2 pills in one day. Miss 2 pills in a row First 2 Weeks: 1. Take 2 pills the day you remember and 2 pills the next day. 2. Then take 1 pill a day until you finish the pack. 3. Use a back-up method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. Third Week: 1. Keep taking 1 pill a day until Sunday. 2. On Sunday, safely discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack that day. 3. Use a back-up method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. 4. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic. Miss 3 or more pills in a row Anytime in the Cycle: 1. Keep taking 1 pill a day until Sunday. 2. On Sunday, safely discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack that day. 3. Use a back-up method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. 4. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic. 
Day 1 Start Miss 1 pill Take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. This means that you might take 2 pills in one day. Miss 2 pills in a row First 2 Weeks: 1. Take 2 pills the day you remember and 2 pills the next day. 2. Then take 1 pill a day until you finish the pack. 3. Use a back-up method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. Third Week: 1. Safely dispose of the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day. 2. Use a back-up method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. 3. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic. Miss 3 or more pills in a row Anytime in the Cycle: 1. Safely dispose of the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day. 2. Use a back-up method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. 3. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic. 
Note: 28-Day Pack: If you forget any of the 7 "reminder" pills (without hormones) in Week 4, just safely dispose of the pills you missed. Then keep taking 1 pill each day until the pack is empty. You do not need to use a back-up method. 
Always be sure you have on hand: 
• a back-up method of birth control (such as latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) in case you miss pills, and 
• an extra, full pack of pills. 
If you forget more than 1 pill 2 months in a row, talk to your doctor or clinic. Talk about ways to make pill-taking easier or about using another method of birth control. 
Availability And Storage: Marvelon 21: Each white, round tablet contains: desogestrel 0.15 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, starch, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide and vitamin E. Blister dispensers of 21. 
Marvelon 28: Each white, round tablet contains: desogestrel 0.15 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, starch, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide and vitamin E. Each green, round tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, indigotine blue, iron oxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, starch, titanium dioxide and talc. Blister dispensers of 21 white tablets and 7 green tablets.