Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that you use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If you are using Ortho Micronor®:

  • This medicine is available in a blister card with a tablet dispenser. Each blister card contains 28 tablets.
  • Take this medicine at the same time each day. You may take it with or without food.
  • Start the next pack the day after the last pack is finished. There is no break between packs.
  • Your doctor may ask you to begin your dose on the first day of your menstrual period (called Day 1 Start). When you begin on another day, you need to use another form of birth control (eg, condom, spermicide) for the first 48 hours. If you have a miscarriage or an abortion, you may start the taking the pill on the next day.
  • You may have light bleeding or spotting when you first take the pill.

If you are switching from combined pills to using Ortho Micronor®, take the medicine the day after you finish the last active combined pill. Do not take any 7 inactive pills from your previous birth control pack.

If you are switching from a progestin-only pill to using combined pills, take the medicine on the first day of your period, even if your progestin-only pill pack is not finished.

If you are switching to another brand, you may start taking it anytime.

If you are breastfeeding, you may switch to another birth control method any time, except do not switch to the combined pills until you stop breastfeeding or at least 6 months after delivery.

If you are fully breastfeeding (no formula), you may start your pills 6 weeks after delivery. If you are partially breastfeeding (with some formula), you may start taking your pills 3 weeks after delivery.

If you have a miscarriage or abortion, you may take the pills the next day.

Take this medicine at least 5 days after using ulipristal acetate. Use another form of birth control (eg, condom, spermicide) until your next menstrual period.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For contraception (to prevent pregnancy):
      • Adults and teenagers—One tablet taken at the same time each day for 28 days.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For treatment of secondary amenorrhea or abnormal vaginal bleeding:
      • Adults—2.5 to 10 milligrams (mg) once a day for 5 to 10 days.
      • Children—Use is not recommended.
    • For treatment of endometriosis:
      • Adults—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) once a day for 2 weeks. Your doctor may increase your dose by 2.5 mg per day every 2 weeks up to 15 mg per day for 6 to 9 months.
      • Children—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

This medicine has specific patient instructions on what to do if you miss a dose. Read and follow these instructions carefully, and call your doctor if you have any questions.

If you miss a dose, and it is more than 3 hours from your scheduled dose, take the pill as soon as you can, then take your next pill at the next regular time. Use a second form of birth control (eg, condom, spermicide) for the next 48 hours.

If you vomit after taking the pills, use another form of birth control for the next 48 hours.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.