Monday, December 17, 2007

Ortho Tricyclen

There is no doubt about the convenience of being able to buy Ortho Tricyclen online. Many medications are available online today but it is wise to check out a few things first in order to find a reliable and safe supplier.

Your doctor should give you a thorough medical check before writing a prescription for you to buy Ortho Tricyclen online and may even know of a few other reputable online pharmacies -or use the one linked to from this page.

Most US pharmacies are licensed by a board of pharmacy -be wary of purchasing from non licensed companies, however cheap their products seem to be! You can find the list of state boards of pharmacy on the website of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).


NABP

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy is a professional organization that can help you to find a licensed pharmacy in your area if you are having trouble buying online medications.

Online Pharmacies should be professional and safe

Online pharmacies should have a licensed pharmacist on duty to answer any queries you may have before you buy Ortho Tricyclen online. The pharmacy will require a prescription from your doctor and may also offer you a generic alternative. A reputable pharmacy will provide a way for you to contact them online with any questions so use this service if you are at all unsure about your purchase, its shelf life or if you experience any problems after buying Ortho Tricyclen online.

Your Privacy

On any website that sells medications, check that there is a privacy policy in place that protects your details. This policy should be easy to find on the site and should be easy to understand.

Do not put the following details online unless you are absolutely guaranteed that they will be secured and totally confidential.

Never give specific information about yourself such as your social security number, medical history/records, information about your health or your credit card information.

Many purchases are safely made online using a credit card but a 'secure payment' method should be indicated - if necessary, always keep a card with a low limit for buying anything online, including Ortho Tricyclen.

source: http://www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide

Monday, December 10, 2007

Lo Ovral

Nature has designed the female reproductive system to release an egg every month, assist the male sperm in its journey to fertilise this egg then prepare a comfy nest in the womb (uterine wall) for the little 'zygote' (fertilised egg) to spend 9 months developing into a human being.
Well, if you are not ready for another little human being just yet, an efficient little contraceptive pill, Lo/Ovral can be relied upon to put a spanner in the works of Nature for you. Lo/Ovral contains a combination of ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel- female hormones that stop the release of your egg every month.

How does Lo Ovral roughen up the road for the sperm guys?

By making the mucous of your cervix, the neck of the womb, thicker, to slow down the sperm and also making the lining of your uterus thinner, to make it hard for the fertilised egg to grab a hold and nestle down to grow.

The main reason Lo Ovral is prescribed is to help women avoid pregnancy and manage their family planning responsibly.
Doctors may also prescribe Lo/Ovral birth control pill for the treatment of other conditions not discussed here.

Some Do's and Don'ts you should know about the Lo/Ovral oral contraceptive pill

If you have any of the conditions listed below do NOT use Lo Ovral:

  • a history of stroke or blood clots, a heart valve problem, problems with your circulation (especially if caused by diabetes) or very high blood pressure
  • a hormone-related cancer such as breast or cancer of the uterus
  • heavy, irregular or 'abnormal' vaginal bleeding
  • any kind of liver disease or cancer of the liver
  • migraine headaches
  • a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills

Pregnancy Alert

If you are definitely pregnant, have just had a baby or THINK you may be pregnant, do not take Lo Ovral

While there are no clear studies to prove that hormones in contraceptive pills harm nursing babies, we know that anything swallowed and absorbed by a nursing mother's body can pass into breast milk so why risk harming a nursing baby? Some women have reported a slowing down in the production of breast milk when taking oral contraceptives so the bottom line is- do not use LO Ovral if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Smoking Alert (especially for the over 35's)

Taking Lo Ovral can increase your risk of blood clotting, stroke or possibly heart attack.

Use of added protection, such as spermicides and condoms, are always recommended when you first start taking oral contraceptives. Your doctor will advise you on the best combination to suit your lifestyle.

I'm taking a daily multivitamin, will it affect Lo Ovral?

DO tell your doctor if you take any of the drugs below.

Some self medicated drugs, yes, even herbal ones like St. John's Wort, can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive pills, which, of course increases your risk of becoming pregnant. ALWAYS tell your doctor which other medications/pills you are taking if you are considering asking for Lo Ovral.

Never take a new vitamin pill or herbal remedy without telling your doctor.

Here are some other brand names of common drugs that contain active ingredients that reduce the effectiveness of Lo/Ovral -

· Tylenol or ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
· Azolid, Butazolidin
· Provigil
· Decadron, Hexadrol

also some antibiotics such as:
Augmentin, Omnipen, Doryx, Vibramycin, Grisactin, Grifulvin V, Fulvicin PG, Minocin, Veetids, Pen Vee K, Bicillin, Rifadin, Mycobutin,Sumycin, Achromycin, Robitet
also some seizure medicines such as:
Dilantin, Tegretol, Felbatol, Trileptal, Topamax and Mysoline
also barbiturate such as:
Amytal, Butisol, Mebaral or Luminal, Solfoton
also HIV medicines such as:
Agenerase, Reyataz, Aptivus, Crixivan, Invirase, Kaletra, Lexiva, Norvir, Viracept

This is by no means a finite list, so please check your personal medications with your doctor, even if you are taking drugs prescribed by another
doctor, homeopath/naturopath.

If you wish to read the information supplied to health professionals about Lo Ovral, your pharmacist will be able to supply this.

If you have any of the following conditions you should discuss them with your doctor before taking Lo Ovral

You may still be able to take Lo Ovral, with frequent tests during treatment but the dosage may need adjusting for you:
gallbladder disease, diabetes, a history of depression, seizures or epilepsy, irregular menstrual cycles, high blood pressure, heart problems of any kind, high cholesterol or if you are overweight, an 'abnormal' mammogram report, breast cysts, lumps or 'mysterious' nodules!

How to take your first course of Lo/Ovral contraceptive pill

Follow orders! Exactly as your doctor told you- it's fine to order Lo Ovral online but do not increase or lessen the dose as advised on the leaflet inside the pack. If you find this particular oral contraceptive suits your body, make sure you get regular annual check ups and discuss a 'break' from the medication with your doctor or 'time out' after a while to give your body a rest.
On the first day of your period (or on the first Sunday after your period begins) take the first pill in the pack, unless your doctor has advised you to the contrary.

You take one pill each day, usually at the same time, making sure that the gap between pills is no more than 24 hours.
When the first course of pills runs out, begin the next course the following day so make sure you fill your next prescription BEFORE your current pack runs out completely!

When you start a course of Lo Ovral it is advisable to take extra precautions and use condoms or a spermicide for the first couple of months. Your doctor may indicate 3 months.

The contraceptive pack contains 21 'active' pills and 7 'inactive' or 'reminder' pills, making 28 pills per course. The 7 'reminder' pills are just to keep your daily pill taking habit going.
It is when you are taking the 'inactive' pills that you will get your period.

See your doctor regularly while you are using Lo Ovral and re schedule any appointments you may miss.

Breakthrough Bleeding

This is quite 'normal' especially during the first 3 months but let your doctor know if bleeding continues or gets heavier after this time.

Are you scheduled for surgery?

If you are due to have an operation, will be on bed rest for a while or are going for some medical tests, let the treating surgeon or physician know that you are taking Lo Ovral. You may need to stop using oral contraceptives for a short time.

Lo Ovral should be stored away from direct heat, kept dry and at room temperature.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Mircette

Mircette is an oral contraceptive pill which contains the synthetic female hormones, Ethinyl Estradiol and Desogestrel. These two compounds are commonly used in birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. In a woman's body, Mircette does 3 things to help prevent that eager little sperm from reaching his destination- your egg:
  • prevents ovulation
  • alters the cervical mucous
  • alters the uterine lining


Further information about Ethinyl Estradiol and Desogestrel in Mircette

These two active drugs in the Mircette oral contraceptive pill should NOT be used if:

  • you are, or think you may be, pregnant or you have recently had a baby. Mircette may be linked to birth defects in an unborn child and can pass through breast milk
  • you have previously been diagnosed with a heart condition, have experienced blood clotting, circulation problems or have had a stroke. The hormones in Mircette, like other contraceptive pills, can increase the risk of stroke, especially if you smoke and even more so if you smoke and are 35 or over
  • you have liver cancer or a type of hormonal cancer such as breast or uterine cancer
  • you have been jaundiced or suffered any type of liver disease

As with any new course of oral contraceptive pill, it is wise to take extra birth control precautions with Mircette initially, until your hormone levels settle down. Condoms and spermicides are popular but consult your doctor if these do not suit you.

Other important factors to discuss with your doctor when taking the oral contraceptive Mircette

Many women take extra vitamin and mineral pills as part of their daily routine without thinking that ingredients in them (eg St. John's Wort) could affect their contraceptive pill.

Some common 'over the counter' pills CAN affect Mircette's effectiveness overnight so please tell your doctor about 'all things swallowed'!

Are you suffering from epilepsy, angina, high cholesterol or irregular menstrual cycles?

If so, please discuss the dosage of Mircette that you may still be able to take. If your doctor prescribes Mircette, you will probably be required to have regular check ups.

Don't forget to mention to your doctor any existing medical ailments you have/have had if you are considering using an oral contraceptive like Mircette.

How to take Mircette

Mircette is similar to most oral contraceptives
ie. you take one pill each day, no more than 24 hours apart. Do not take more than one pill for regular use or for longer periods than prescribed.

On the first day of your period take the first pill of the pack (or if you forget, on the first Sunday after your period starts)

Each pack per cycle contains 28 pills but only 21 are 'active'- the other 7 are 'reminder' pills (non active) to keep you in the habit of taking one pill per day.

You should get your period when you are taking the 'reminder' pills- if 2 months pass without you getting a period- see your doctor.

For maximum effectiveness, take Mircette regularly (not less than 24 hrs. between pills) or you may fall pregnant.

Breakthrough Bleeding

Breakthrough bleeding within the first 3 months of taking Mircette is quite common and nothing to be alarmed about. Of course, if bleeding becomes heavy or does not disappear, go to the doctor.

Remember- everyone's BODY is unique- just because a drug may not carry a warning on its leaflet does not mean that it is safe, effective or appropriate for YOUR body- so monitor yourself carefully when you start taking any new drug, including Mircette.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Desogen - a simple fact sheet



Desogen is one of the more popular hormonal contraceptives which you swallow once day in tablet form. Desogen contains active ingredients, synthetic hormones, which in a female body stop a woman's egg from emerging from her ovary (ovulation). Desogen not only stops ovulation but also prevents the 'boys' (sperm) from actually getting to the 'gal' (egg) to do their 'thing' (fertilise the egg)

So What exactly IS Desogen?

Desogen is a prescribed medicine that prevents pegnancy in a woman. Desogen is prescribed by doctors for treating other medical conditions but is is used by a large number of women as a convenient method of birth control.

Is there anyone who cannot use Desogen for birth control?

Yes, sorry but Desogen is not for you if:

  • you are already expecting a baby or have just given birth to one
  • you have had a stroke or your circulation is not in good shape
  • you have breast cancer or uterine cancer (these are hormone related cancers)
  • you have previously tried other hormonal contraceptives and found them to cause you rto be jaundiced
Before you get disheartened and think that no contraceptive 'pill' will be suitable for you because you have depression or high blood pressure, for instance, just check with your doctor first to see if he can prescribe Desogen for you. Usually though it is not advisable to take an oral contraceptive like Desogne if you do suffer from diabetes, epilepsy or high cholesterol. If your periods are always irregular Desogen may be prescribed to regulate them but only your doctor or medical practitioner can decide this for you so be sure to give as much information to them as you can beforehand.

Call your GP if....

  • you miss two periods in a row (you may be pregnant) or you know that you are definitely pregnant
  • you wish to go BACK on the 'pill' after having a baby
  • you are still breastfeeding and want to go back to taking Desogen (what you swallow can be passed through your milk to your baby). It is unlikely that you will be prescribed Desogen while you are still breastfeeding as some women report a slowing down in milk production.

If I'm taking Desogen for the first time, is there anything I should know?

Yes. 6 things:

1. Use back up! Until your hormone levels adjust to Desogen use added protection against pregnancy. Maybe condoms or spermicides, if you don't mind these methods for a short while.

2. You will place yourself at a higher risk from heart disease if you smoke, especially if you are 35 or older

3. Other medications, when taken alongside Desogen, may mix up a 'cocktail' of drugs that renders Desogen less effective, hence you may not be as 'protected' from pregnancy as you think you are! Your doctor will tell you
what is safe and what to avoid (even some vitamins and mineral supplements should be mentioned to him)

4. Please discuss with your doctor HOW LONG you can take Desogen for, as in years and also in what dose. There is a leaflet in each pack that has the usual dose explained clearly and what to do if you miss a dose.
Always take Desogen as prescribed and do not take this hormonal drug at a higher dose 'just to be sure'!

5. A normal reaction during the first 10-12 weeks may be a little bleeding- no need to be alarmed with this but if the bleeding doesn't stop or becomes heavier, you know what to do ( see your doctor)

6. You may become pregnant if you do not take Desogen regularly.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Alesse

Is Alesse an effective contraceptive for YOU, ladies?

An effective method of contraception- isn't that what we all want ladies? What a trial and error journey it is though eh? There isn't any shortcut either as all our bods are unique and until we swallow a pill, even Vitamin B3 (which brings me out in an embarassing itchy red rash all over!) we just cannot predict what reaction we shall have.

The contraceptive pills I write about are approved by the FDA so that's a start I guess but today I want to give a basic overview of one in particular, Alesse.

Regardless of which 'pill' suits you, for all of them to be most effective, you must use them correctly.

All hormonal contraceptive pills can cause some side effects, in varying intensities, in some women. After all, we are swallowing chemicals that affect our natural hormone levels each month, just like being pregnant does!

Many women who wish to manage their birth control in a convenient way find that Alesse suits them very well (Alesse is also sold under the brand names Aviane, Levlite, Levlen, Levota, Tri-leven, Triphasil, Trivora and Triphasil-28 -the active ingredients in these pills are levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)

The synthetic female hormones in Alesse do 3 things in your body:

  • stop your egg from escaping from your ovary. This event, which happens once a month (per cycle) is called 'ovulation'. No egg to fertilize boys? No heir this month!
  • alter the consistency of the mucous around your cervix (neck of the womb)- now this REALLY makes it tough swimming for those eager little spermies. Alesse makes the mucous much thicker than normal so it stops the 'boys' from reaching an egg even if one does manage to escape
  • change the nature of the lining layers of your uterus (womb)- this lining becomes much thinner than normal so that a fertilised egg, called a 'zygote' at this stage, does not find ' a comfortable room at the inn' to bed down in, no attachment to the uterus means no 'baby grows' to buy yet darling



If you take Alesse make sure that.....

You follow the instructions on the packet or your doctor's orders. The pills are laid out in a sequence you must follow on each day of your menstrual cycle. Take a pill daily and at the same time if you can for maximum effectiveness and protection. If you miss a pill, there are options to keep you protected, which may mean taking a double dose the next day but check with the doctor first because missing an 'inactive pill' (one of the dummy 7) is no cause for concern.

Some warnings to heed

Are you pregnant now or have you just had a child? If so, do not take Alesse.

Do you fall into one of these groups below ? If you do, you should also avoid taking Alesse or any other type of oral contraceptive pill:

  • women who have problems with blood clotting, abnormal bleeding every month, circulation or high blood pressure
  • women with diabetes
  • women who have cancer of the uterus or breast (these are related to hormone problems)
  • women with liver problems

Extra precautions to take when you first start taking Alesse


As the Irish say 'To be sure, to be sure' and I'm not telling you to use 2 condoms at the same time but even one and maybe a spermicide is good 'insurance' against pregnancy during the first few weeks until your body adjusts to the changing levels of hormones caused by Alesse.

We are told that if we take an oral contraceptive, we increase our chances of developing 'plaque' in our arteries and subsequently developing a heart disease. This is specially true for smokers and women over 35 years of age. While this does not suddenly appear overnight, it is wise to heed this warning if you plan to take Alesse for years and years without a break and I would be looking for an alternative method of birth control if I smoked.

Are you taking other medicines besides 'the pill'?

As with all 'cocktails' of mixed medications, your doctor MUST be told if you are taking 'over the counter medicines' (yes, I know it sounds silly but even vitamins and mineral supplements) or any other prescribed medication as well as Alesse, since they could reduce the effectiveness of this contraceptive and you would unknowingly be putting yourself at a higher risk of getting pregnant.


And last but not least - those side effects!

It would be irresponsible of me not to mention the main side effects that some women have reported when using Alesse. Every BODY is unique remember, so while you should not tempt fate by expecting to have side effects yourself, you should monitor your reactions carefully when taking Alesse and try to distinguish between monthly changes that you usually have with your period and any different ones you get with Alesse.

Mild nausea is not uncommon but often fades after the first couple of months. Unfortunately, (well, I suppose that depends on the way you look at it too!) some women seem to have less interest in sex altogether when on 'the pill'.

Birth defects have been linked to hormonal contraceptives though no studies have proved this.
The production of breast milk in some women has slowed down but I, for one, do not recommend that you use a hormonal contraceptive, including Alesse, while you are breastfeeding because you don't know what it will do to your baby.

Some other women have found that they feel depressed, have a little swelling or numbness, notice an increase in hair growth or a darkening of their skin and some women even find that their contraceptive 'pill' affects the wearing of their contact lenses. It's possible that you may have a side effect not listed here too.

Common Sense is the key, trials and careful monitoring will hopefully reward you with an effective contraceptive pill, either Alesse or one of the other popular ones, that you will find convenient, comfortable and compatible with your body's metabolism.

Carole Pemberton is committed to researching and presenting the latest information on contraceptives, including Alesse, to empower women to enjoy their sexuality and knowledgeably manage their birth control. For up to date free tips, lighthearted videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is,
visit: http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com