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One of the safest, effective and less side effects birth control methods is the daily use of birth control pills. In which the drug Balcoltra contains a combination of two forms of hormones, which are commonly used drugs. Let's learn about the uses, dosage and notes when using Balcoltra through the article below.
1. Uses of Balcoltra
“What is Balcoltra? Balcoltra contains active ingredients Ethinyl Estradiol (an Estrogen) and Levonorgestrel (a Progestin), which act by the following mechanism:
Inhibition of ovulation; Thickening the vaginal fluid layer, thereby preventing sperm from reaching the egg (also known as preventing fertilization); Changes the lining of the uterus, preventing a fertilized egg from implanting. In addition to the contraceptive effect, Balcoltra is also used to regulate menstruation in patients with menstrual disorders, relieve menstrual pain, reduce blood loss and reduce the risk of ovarian cysts.
Balcoltra is only effective in preventing pregnancy and does not protect users from sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV... To reduce the risk of infection, users need to use it. Use birth control methods such as condoms... during sexual activity.
Balcoltra is contraindicated in people who are allergic to Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonogestrel, iron preparations or any of its ingredients.
2. Dosage of the drug Balcoltra
The dose of Balcoltra is prescribed by the treating doctor, usually 1 tablet / time / day taken at a fixed time each day.
Balcoltra is prepared in the form of tablets, 1 blister contains 28 tablets of which the first 21 contain the active ingredient and the last 7 tablets contain only a placebo, iron. Users start taking 1 pill containing the active ingredient per day for the first 21 days. Then take 1 inactive pill for 7 consecutive days after finishing the last 21 tablet dose. Menstruation will begin in the fourth week of the cycle.
Users need to carefully read the instructions for use of the drug and start the first dose in the correct order, the contraceptive effectiveness of Balcoltra will be reduced in the following cases:
The patient misses a dose; Starting a new pack later; The dose should not be taken at the same time each day. To be effective at preventing pregnancy, users need to take the pill at the same time every day. The first dose of the drug should be taken on the first day of the menstrual cycle, if the dose is not started on the first day of the menstrual cycle, the user needs to use another method of contraception (diaphragm). , condoms...) for 7 consecutive days to ensure the drug has enough time to work.
Start a new pack as soon as the last placebo pill of the old pack is used up, even if you haven't had a period or when your period is in progress. In case the user has vomiting or diarrhea within 4 hours after taking the drug, it is necessary to consult a doctor or pharmacist, an additional backup method of contraception (such as condoms, diaphragms) may be required. contraception) because vomiting and diarrhea reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
3. Side effects of the drug Balcoltra
Balcoltra medicine can cause some unwanted effects as follows:
Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, tightness in the chest, bloating, swelling of the feet, weight change; Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, irregular periods, missed periods ... especially during the first time taking the drug. In case the user misses their period for 2 consecutive cycles, they need to contact their doctor to get appropriate advice; Balcoltra can cause an increase in blood pressure, so users need to check their blood pressure periodically and notify the treating doctor in case of abnormally high blood pressure; Serious side effects caused by Balcoltra birth control pills that should be reported to your doctor include mood swings, breast lumps, severe abdominal pain, stomach pain, and unusual vaginal bleeding (bleeding). sudden bleeding, continuous bleeding), polyuria, increased thirst, jaundice, yellow eyes, dark urine.
4. Notes when using Balcoltra
Before using Balcoltra, patients should inform their treating doctor if they have the following medical conditions: Blood clotting disorders, blood clots (lungs, legs, eyes), breast examination shows abnormal results. common, hypertension, cancer (especially breast cancer, endometrial cancer), hypercholesterolemia, depression, diabetes, personal or family history of angioedema disorder, severe migraine or headache, history of yellowing of the eyes, skin, liver or kidney problems; stroke, unexplained vaginal bleeding, thyroid problems.
Users need to inform the treating doctor in the event that surgery is required because Balcoltra will increase the risk of blood clots forming.
Balcoltra can make the skin melasma, the sun makes this condition worse. Therefore, users need to limit direct exposure to the sun, use sunscreen regularly.
Do not use Balcoltra in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should notify your doctor immediately.
For women who are breastfeeding: Small amounts of Balcoltra are excreted in breast milk and cause unwanted side effects. The drug also reduces the secretion of breast milk, so Balcoltra is not recommended in lactating women.
5. Drug interactions
Balcoltra may interact with the following drugs: Ospemifene, Aromatase inhibitors (such as Exemestane, Anastrozole), Tamoxifen, Tizanidine, Tranexamic Acid, drugs for chronic hepatitis C such as Paritaprevir, Ombitasvir, Ritonavir, Dasabuvir. Some drugs reduce the effectiveness of Balcoltra's birth control such as Modafinil, Griseofulvin, Rifamycins, epilepsy drugs (such as Felbamate, Barbiturat, Primidone, Phenytoine Topiramate), HIV drugs (such as Ritonavir, Nelfinavir, Nevirapine).
Drug interactions occur that affect the treatment of Balcoltra, increasing the risk of unwanted effects. Patients need to inform the treating doctor of all medicines they are using including over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs and dietary supplements before being treated with Balcoltra to ensure safety and effectiveness. treatment.
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