Drospirenone And Ethinyl Estradiol: What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Drospirenone And Ethinyl Estradiol

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to drospirenone or ethinyl estradiol, or if you have:

• uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a heart valve disorder;
• a history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems of diabetes;
• kidney or liver disease;
• adrenal gland disorder;
• migraine headaches;
• unusual vaginal bleeding;
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer;
• a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills; or
• if you have not yet started having menstrual periods.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may not be able to use drosperinone and ethinyl estradiol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

• high blood pressure or heart disease;
• high cholesterol or if you are overweight;
• liver cancer;
• a history of depression;
• gallbladder disease;
• diabetes;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• a history of irregular menstrual cycles; or
• a history of breast or uterine cancer.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

The hormones in this medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Drospirenone may raise potassium levels in your blood. Other medical conditions can also affect potassium levels, including liver disease, kidney disease, and adrenal gland disorders. Before using drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions.

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Last updated:	October 13, 2006