Sprintec

Contraceptive pills or birth control pills are rampantly used nowadays. But is every user really knows of what they are using? Do they know its pros and cons? Have they consulted with their doctors? These are just few of the questions women in general must ask themselves before taking any pill especially those that hinders pregnancy.

“Pill” is the most common name or term for oral contraceptives. It has two types: the progestin-only pills and the combination pills. Both type contain the same hormones produced by the woman’s ovaries. Both pills need medical evaluation first and prescription and both prevent pregnancy.

The combination pills prevent ovulation or the releasing of eggs. They keep the sperm and egg from interacting by thickening the cervical mucus. The progestin-only pills on the other hand, work too in preventing ovulation and condense the cervical mucus. Both type also interferes with the implantation of the fertilized egg in such way that these pills can possibly result to the thinning of the uterus lining. But no scientific proofs yet were established.

In addition to these birth control pills, Barr Laboratories, Inc. manufactured Sprintec. This comes in other names too like Mononessa, Tri-Sprintec, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, TriNessa, Tri-Previfem and Ortho-Cyclen. With active ingredients as ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, Sprintec combines both progestin and synthetic estrogens, similar sex hormones that are produced in the woman’s body. Ethinyl estradiol is the estrogen while norgestimate is the progestin. These elements prevent pregnancy and ovulation.

Sprintec does not only prevent pregnancy from happening but it can treat different problems as well such as acne, menstrual flow irregularities and other hormonal problems among women. Before taking the pill, your healthcare provided should know if you are suffering or experiencing any of these: liver disease, stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, migraine, jaundice, diabetes, fibroids, unusual allergic reaction to any hormonal medicines, cancer of the cervix, uterus, ovary, vagina or the breast, or if you have a gallbladder disease or heart problems, or even pregnant and breastfeeding. Any related information that may be of help should not be withheld from your doctor.

Sprintec is an oral prescription. Before taking any of this, you must decide the best time of the day to take it. Always take the pill the same hour or time each day and in the same manner as directed. For most products, they contain pills good for 21 days with active ingredients. While for some of these products have seven pills in addition containing inactive ingredients or iron. Ask your obstetricians or healthcare providers on how to administer these pills and when you should start taking them. As much as possible, never miss a dose. If this happens, go to your doctor.

There are some medications and substances that may react when used with Sprintec. Examples of these include carbamazepine, dantrolene, anastrozole, barbiturate medicines, antibiotics for infections, doxercalciferol, cyclosporine, bosentan, mineral oil, grapefruit juices, nefazodone, letrozole, phenytoin, modafinil, testolactone, warfarin, theophylline, topiramate and selegeline.

Sprintec side effects must be watched out for. If you feel any of these, seek medical help right away: severe stomach pain, chest pains, fainting spells, groin pain, swelling of hands, ankles or feet, severe headaches, vision or speech problems, vomiting, tenderness in upper abdomen, breast tissue discharge, migraines, and vaginal infections. These symptoms might be due to blood clots. For women who do not smoke and are fairly healthy and are taking this pill, it is rare for them to suffer from serious effects.

Stop taking contraceptive pills if you are scheduled for an elective surgery. Discontinue use one month prior to the operation schedule. You should discuss this with your doctor beforehand. Using contraceptives does not save you from acquiring any sexually transmitted diseases or HIV virus.