How To Use
Ovral-G should be taken orally on a daily basis. The recommended dosage depends on the condition being treated and ranges between 1-4 tablets per day. This medication can be taken with or without food. Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the usually recommended dose.
Overdose
Potential symptoms of an Ovral-G overdose include:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Sudden or unusual vaginal bleeding
If you think you have taken too much of this medication, contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Ovral-G, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dosage, skip the missed dose and then continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dose.
The course of action to take if you have missed a dose of Ovral-G, differs depending on the condition being treated. Always contact your doctor in case of a missed dosage and follow his instructions exactly.
Notes
While taking Ovral-G, you should schedule regular laboratory tests and complete medical exams (including pap smears). Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.
Do not share this medication with others as they may have a condition that is not adequately treated with Ovral-G.
Storage
Store Ovral-G at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Important Note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.
Precautions
Before taking Ovral-G, you should inform your doctor of your medical history, especially of:
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Any allergies, especially estrogens (e.g. Ethinyl Estradiol, Mestranol) or progestins (e.g. Norethindrone, Desogestrel)
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A history of stroke or other blood clots (e.g. in the legs, eyes, lungs)
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Severe high blood pressure
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Abnormal breast exams
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Cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer)
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Diabetes that has caused a disease of the kidneys, eyes, nerves or blood vessels
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Severe headaches or migraines
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A history of heart disease (e.g. heart attack, chest pain) Heart valve diseases
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Liver problems (e.g. liver tumor, active liver disease)
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A current or suspected pregnancy
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A recent major surgery
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Long periods of sitting or lying down (e.g. immobility such as being bedridden)
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A history of yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control (e.g. pills, patch)
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Unexplained vaginal bleeding
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Heavy tobacco use (especially if 35 or over)
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol or triglyceride (blood fat) levels
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Depression
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Swelling (edema)
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Gallbladder problems
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Kidney diseases
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Obesity
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Irregular, missed or very light periods
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A recent pregnancy
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Thyroid problems
If you currently have or used to have any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take this medication or you may need a dosage adjustment.
Medication containing female hormones combined with smoking, significantly increases the risk of strokes, blood clots, heart attacks or high blood pressure, especially when you're 35 years or over. Consult your doctor about an effective smoking cessation programme.
If you have diabetes, Ovral-G may make it more difficult to control your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly. Your anti-diabetes medication and diet may have to be adjusted.
Ovral-G may cause blotchy, dark areas on your skin (melasma). This effect may be worsened by exposure to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, sunlamps and tanning booths. Use an effective sunscreen or protective clothing when going outside into the sun.
Ovral-G is classed as Pregnancy Category X by the FDA. This means it is not safe to use during pregnancy and could be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, stop taking Ovral-G and contact your doctor immediately. If you have just given birth within the last 3 months or suffered a miscarriage or abortion, you should consult your doctor about reliable forms of birth control and find out when it is safe to start using birth control containing estrogen.
Ovral-G passes into breast milk. This may affect milk production and may be harmful for a nursing infant. It is not recommended to take this medication while breastfeeding a baby.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines may interact with Ovral-G or decrease its effectiveness. Inform your doctor of all other medication you use, especially of:
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Aromatase inhibitors (e.g. Anastrazole, Exemestane)
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Raloxifene
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Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate
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Tamoxifen
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Medication for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
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Medicines that may increase blood levels of this drug (e.g. Acetaminophen, Ascorbic Acid/vitamin C, Atorvastatin, Azole antifungals such as Itraconazole, Ketoconazole or vaginal Miconazole)
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Certain antibiotics (e.g. Cephalosporins, Chloramphenicol, macrolides such as Erythromycin, Penicillins, Sulfas)
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Aprepitant
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Bexarotene
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Bosentan
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Dapsone
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Felbamate
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Griseofulvin
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Certain HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. Amprenavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir)
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Modafinil
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Nevirapine
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Phenylbutazone
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Rifamycins (e.g. Rifampin)
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Many seizure medications (e.g. barbiturates, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Lamotrigine, Topiramate)
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St. John's wort
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Acetaminophen
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Aspirin
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Certain beta blockers (e.g. Metoprolol)
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Clofibrate
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Cyclosporine
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Morphine
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Corticosteroids such as Prednisolone
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Certain benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam or Temazepam
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Theophylline
This is only a partial list and there may be other medication that interacts with Ovral-G. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop using a new medication without telling your doctor first.
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