What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Take birth control pills exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take the first pill in a package on the first Sunday after your period begins, unless otherwise directed.
Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours after the last dose. Try to take the pills at a time that you will remember every day - for example, just before bed, with a meal, or first thing in the morning.
Taking the pill at night may help to reduce nausea or headache experienced because of the hormones.
If you are on a 28-day cycle, take one pill every day. When the pack runs out, throw it away. Begin a new pack the following day. The 28-day cycle contains seven pills that are either placebos (with no active ingredients) or iron supplements. These are "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. They are taken during your period.
However, if you are on a 21-day cycle, take one pill every day for 21 days, then do not take any pills for 7 days. You should have your period during the 7 days with no pills. Resume taking a pill on the 8th day with a new package.
It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions about using a second form of birth control when you first start taking birth control pills, when you are taking antibiotics, or if you miss a pill. If you are unsure what to do in any of these cases, talk to your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor about how to ensure that you will not become pregnant.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?