LEVONORGESTREL/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE
KIT
(lee-voh-nor-JEST-rell/ETH-in-ill ess-truh-DYE-ohl)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Preven
USES:
This medication is used to help prevent pregnancy in women who have had unprotected
sex (intercourse) or suspect a failure in their current form of birth control
(e.g., broken condom).
HOW TO USE:
A pregnancy test is in your kit to determine if you are already pregnant from
sex earlier in the month or from previous months. Follow all instructions about
the proper use of this test before taking any medication. If you get a positive
result, do not take any of the medication contained in your kit. If your pregnancy
test results are negative, take 2 tablets by mouth as soon as possible, but
within 72 hours, of unprotected sex. Take the second dose (2 tablets) 12 hours
after the first dose, or as directed by your doctor. This medication may be
taken with food to help prevent stomach upset. While taking this medication,
do not take any extra birth control medicine other than what is provided in
your kit unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Read all usage instructions
in the product package and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions
about any of the information.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, menstrual changes, breast tenderness, headache, stomach pain,
cramps, rash, or dizziness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify
your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side
effects: chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, pain in the groin
or calf, chest pain, sudden severe headache, one-sided weakness, vision problems,
slurred speech, confusion, numbness, pain or tenderness in the stomach, lumps
in the breast, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood clots, heart problems
(e.g., heart disease or heart attacks), stroke, liver disease, high blood pressure,
diabetes, severe headaches, cancer, unusual vaginal bleeding. Cigarette smoking
increases the risk of stroke, cancer, and heart problems. This risk increases
with age (women over 35) and heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day).
Avoid smoking and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This
medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you think you are pregnant,
inform your doctor immediately. This medication passes into breast milk and
has had undesirable effects on nursing infants. Consult your doctor before breast-
feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may
use, especially of: ascorbic acid (vitamin C), seizure medication (e.g., phenytoin,
primidone, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, ethosuximide, methosuximide), anti-
tuberculosis agents (e.g., rifampin), antifungals (e.g., griseofulvin), antibiotics
(e.g., ampicillin, tetracycline, penicillin), HIV medication (e.g., protease
inhibitors such as indinavir, amprenavir, ritonavir), benzodiazepines (e.g.,
triazolam, alprazolam), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol) analgesic
anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., antipyrine, ibuprofen), antidepressant agents
(e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, nefazodone), cyclosporine, theophylline, cisapride.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal
bleeding.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others. If you do not start your menstrual
cycle within 21 days of taking this medication, contact your doctor. As with
other oral contraceptives, this medication does not protect, or prevent, against
HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing
schedule.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 to 30 degrees C) away
from light and moisture.