Ovral G Tablet (Ethinyl Estradiol + Norgestrel)

Ovral G General Information

This combination hormone medication is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains 2 hormones: progestin and estrogen. It works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. It also makes vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and changes the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent the attachment of a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus, it passes out of the body.
Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills may make your periods more regular, decrease blood loss and painful periods, decrease your risk of ovarian cysts, and also treat acne.
Using Ovral G does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia).

What are Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel?

Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel is a combination birth control pill having two active ingredients namely Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel. It works by preventing ovulation or the release of a female egg from the ovaries. It also causes changes in the cervical and uterine lining making the cervical mucus more viscous thereby making it harder for male sperms to reach the uterus and also for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus wall.
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel pill is used as contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. It is sold under various trade names, some of which are Ogestrel and Ovral-G (made by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals). This pill may also be given for treatments besides those listed above.

Important Information about Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel

Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel pill (Ogestrel and Ovral-G) is not recommended if you are pregnant or if you have recently delivered a baby. You must also not take this pill if you are suffering from any of these conditions: heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting disorder, problems with circulation, problems in eyes or kidneys due to diabetes, unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or liver cancer, migraine, if you are a smoker and above 35, breast or uterine cancer, jaundice due to birth control pills, or a heart attack or a stroke in the recent past.
You may need to employ an alternate birth control method such as condoms or spermicide in the initial few days of starting the pills or if you happen to miss a dose. Consult your doctor for more details.
Always store Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel pills in a cool and dry place, away from heat, light, moisture, children, and pets.

Before taking Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel

Prior to taking Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel pill (Ogestrel and Ovral-G), illuminate your PCP about your whole clinical history. Inform that person likewise as to whether you are hypersensitive to any drugs or any fixings in Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel. You should not accept this drug in the event that you have any of the circumstances referenced previously.
To securely utilize this pill, let your PCP know if you have any of these circumstances: hypertension, elevated cholesterol, heftiness, misery previously, hypothyroidism, nerve bladder illness, diabetes, seizures, unpredictable periods, tuberculosis, or a background marked by fibrocystic sickness in bosoms, or an unusual mammogram.

How should I take Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel?

Strictly follow the directions of your doctor or the instructions on the medication label while taking Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel (Ogestrel and Ovral-G). Any departure from the amount of prescribed dosage can cause harmful health effects and render the medication ineffective resulting in pregnancy.
Start with the first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after that. You may need an alternate birth control measure for the initial days of using these pills. You may use condoms or spermicide as backup contraception. You may need frequent doctor visits while taking these pills.
Take one pill every day orally and ensure that you don’t go more than 24 hours without a pill. Make a habit to take the pill at the same time every day. When the pills get over, start a new pack. Get a refill before the previous pack gets over as missing on a single dose can result in pregnancy.
You may get breakthrough bleeding during the first 3 months of starting this medication. See your doctor if it is persistent and turns heavy. Stop taking the pills if you experience severe vomiting and diarrhea and employ a backup birth control method.
If you are scheduled for surgery or any medical test or advised bed rest, you may need to discontinue this pill for some time. Any healthcare provider who treats you must know if you take the pills.

What if I miss a dose?

Missing even a single Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel pill increases the risk of your pregnancy. So don’t skip a dose as far as possible.
If you happen to skip one active Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel pill, take two on the day that you remember. Then have one pill each day for the rest of the pack.
If you happen to skip two active pills consecutively in the first and second week, have two pills each day for two consecutive days. Then have one pill each day for the rest of the pack. Adopt backup contraception for at least one full week following the missed doses.
If you happen to skip two active pills consecutively in the third week, discard the rest of the pills and start a new pack the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you start on Sunday, continue taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard the rest of the pack and open a new pack that day.
If you happen to skip three active pills consecutively in weeks 1, 2, or 3, discard the rest of the pack and open a new pack on the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you start on Sunday, continue taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard away rest of the pack and start a new pack that day.

What if I Overdose?

If you overdose on Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel pills, you may experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. Get emergency medical attention or contact the Doctor immediately if you get serious overdose effects.

Things to avoid while taking Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel

If you are a smoker and over 35 years of age, taking Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel pills can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. These pills may be more likely to cause blood clots than other types of contraceptive pills.
This pill will not protect you from STDs so it is wise to stay away from unsafe sexual practices.

Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel Side Effects

Many people may not experience any side effects due to Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel pills (Ogestrel and Ovral-G). However, that might not be the case with you. Some of the less serious side effects of pills are vomiting, nausea, headache, bloating, breast tenderness, swelling in limbs (fluid retention), unexpected weight changes, vaginal spotting, and missed or irregular periods. If any of these symptoms continue for a longer period or deteriorate, get urgent medical help.
Some of the rare and serious side effects of this medication are blood clotting disorders like deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, stroke, or embolism; sudden breath shortness; pain in the chest, jaw, or left arm; unexpected sweating; confusion bloody cough; sudden giddiness or fainting; migraines; vision or speech problems. Contact your doctor right away if you get these serious conditions.
The list of conditions mentioned above is nonexhaustive and you may experience other nonserious or life-threatening conditions. Get immediate and urgent medical in such cases.

Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel Dosing Information

Follow the dosing instructions given by your doctor or that which comes along with the medication for the best results.

FAQs

Q: How does Ovral G Tablet work as a contraceptive?

A: Ovral G Tablet works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It also makes the cervical mucus thicker, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Additionally, it alters the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Q: Can Ovral G Tablet be used to regulate irregular periods?

A: Yes, Ovral G Tablet can be used to regulate irregular periods. The hormonal components in the tablet help to regulate the menstrual cycle by providing a regular hormonal pattern. It can help in cases of irregular or unpredictable menstrual cycles.

Q: Is Ovral G Tablet available over the counter or do I need a prescription?

A: Ovral G Tablet is a prescription medication and cannot be obtained over the counter. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a gynecologist to assess your suitability for this contraceptive and to obtain a prescription.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Some of the drugs which can interact with Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel and reduce their effectiveness are bosentan, an antibiotic or tuberculosis medication, drugs in the treatment of hepatitis C, HIV, or AIDS,
The drugs mentioned above are not the only ones that can interact with Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel. There may be others. Don’t forget to inform your doctor about all existing medications which you may be using. Never start a new medication without proper medical screening and advice.