This combination oral contraceptive contains synthetic hormones similar to
the female hormones estrogen and progestin. It works primarily by preventing the
release of eggs from the ovary.
Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 may be prescribed in
either 21 or 28-pill packets. Make sure you discuss the regimen with your health
care provider so you understand exactly how to take it.
The proportions
of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol vary each week to simulate the natural
fluctuations of hormones during a woman's cycle.
Unexpected vaginal bleeding may occur during
the first cycle or two on Ortho-Novum. Notify your physician if you continue to
experience bleeding between periods after the second month on this medication.
Serious side effects are rare, but they may include high blood pressure,
heart attacks, stroke, blood clots, visual changes, problems with liver or
gallbladder, and birth defects.
In the unlikely event you become
pregnant, do not continue taking Ortho-Novum.
Less dangerous reactions
include headache, nausea, fluid retention, spotty darkening of the skin, changes
in menstrual flow, depression, nervousness, breast tenderness, rash, vaginal
infections and inability to wear contact lenses. Report any symptoms or
suspected side effects promptly.
Ortho-Novum interacts with many other
medications, especially antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline, rifampin
and related drugs that may reduce its contraceptive protection.
This is
also a potential hazard with barbiturates like phenobarbital or Mysoline, the
antifungal medicine griseofulvin, and seizure medications such as
Dilantin.
Antianxiety drugs such as Halcion, Valium or Xanax, asthma
drugs containing theophylline or aminophylline, oral corticosteroids like
hydrocortisone or prednisone, and caffeine, an ingredient common in many
beverages and over-the-counter drugs, may all have more serious adverse effects
if they are taken together with birth control pills.
Until the
estrogenic activity of hops is further studied, taking this herb in combination
with medicines such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy is an
experiment best avoided.
The herb St. John's wort can speed elimination
of birth control pills from the body, which could reduce their effectiveness.
In general, the herb chaste tree berry should not be combined with
exogenous hormones such as oral contraceptives or menopausal hormone replacement
therapies.
Saw palmetto berries, which have both estrogenic and
antiestrogenic activity, are not recommended for women using female hormones for
contraception.
Check with your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
other medicine or herbs in combination with Ortho-Novum 7/7/7.
Birth
control pills can alter results on a number of laboratory tests, so be sure the
laboratory and the doctor are aware that you are taking Ortho-Novum before any
tests are interpreted.
Ortho-Novum, like other oral contraceptives, is quite effective. Some women are at greater risk of negative consequences, however.
Tell your doctor if you smoke cigarettes, have had phlebitis or other clotting problems, or if you or someone in your family has had uterine or breast cancer.
You will also be asked about asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, migraine, depression and certain other conditions that could be aggravated by oral contraceptives.
Ortho-Novum should be swallowed at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in the
body.
If you forget one dose, take it as soon as you remember it, and take the next one at
the usual time.
If you miss more than one dose, start taking your pills again at the usual
time as soon as you remember and use additional contraceptive protection such as spermicidal foam or condoms for the rest of that cycle.