Drug Information - Loestrin

Smoking cigarettes while using this medicine increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using this medicine. The risk of heart problems increases with age (in women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater). Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking nevirapine or rifampin. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking barbiturates, carvedilol, corticosteroids, felbamate, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors, modafinil, metoprolol, pioglitazone, penicillin or tetracycline antibiotics, theophylline, topiramate, troglitazone, troleandomycin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of cancer, heart or liver conditions, pulmonary embolism, blood clots, stroke, cerebrovascular disease, or smoking. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience calf/leg pain or swelling, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, lumps in the breast, sudden severe headache, sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, yellowing skin or eyes, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.