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What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin?

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby. Do not use this medication if you have a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills. Using hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products.

What is ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin?

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin?

This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before using this medication (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding). Do not use this medication if you have:

• a history of a stroke or blood clot;

• circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes);

• a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;

• abnormal vaginal bleeding;

• liver disease or liver cancer;

• severe high blood pressure;

• severe migraine headaches;

• a heart valve disorder; or

• a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

• high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack;

• high cholesterol or if you are overweight;

• kidney disease;

• a history of depression;

• gallbladder disease;

• diabetes;

• seizures or epilepsy; or

• a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.

The hormones in this medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby. Your risk of serious blood clot may be higher with the use of birth control skin patches than with the use of birth control pills.

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