Ovral 28

Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel
Brand Names: Cryselle 28, Lo/Ovral-28, Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel-28

What is Ovral 28?
Ovral 28 contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Lo Ovral also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ovral 28 is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Ovral 28 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Ovral 28
Do not use Ovral 28 if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby. Do not use Ovral 28 if you have a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, severe migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Some drugs can make Ovral 28 less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.

Before taking Ovral 28
Ovral 28 can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding).

The hormones in Ovral 28 can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Lo Ovral may also slow breast milk production. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Lo Ovral.

How should I take Ovral 28?
Take Ovral 28 exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor's instructions).

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using Ovral 28. Follow your doctor's instructions.

The 28-day Ovral 28 pack contains seven "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period should begin while you are using these reminder pills.

You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.

If you need medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using Lo Ovral for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using Ovral 28.