Other Brand Names Containing the Same Estrogen and Progestin

Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel, Ovral, Lo/Ovral

Other Brands of Birth Control that Contain the Progestin Norgestrel

Mini Pill: Orvette
Monophasic: Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel, Ovral, Lo/Ovral

What Makes it Different

• All brands, including Cryselle 28, containing the progestin norgestrel have been FDA approved for use as an Emergency Contraceptive.
• Before using Cryselle 28 as Emergency Contraception, speak to a healthcare professional.
• To use Cryselle 28 as an Emergency Contraceptive, take all pills no more than 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours (three days).
• Dosage for emergency contraception: take four white pills and, exactly 12 hours later, take another four white pills.

How it Works

Cryselle 28 (ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel) utilizes a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin, to prevent pregnancy in three ways. Cryselle 28 prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from one of the ovaries). The hormones also cause the cervical mucus to thicken, which blocks sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. Finally, the hormones in Cryselle 28 prevent the uterine lining from thickening, which makes it less hospitable to implantation.

Oral contraceptives are to be utilized only as a form of birth control. They do not protect against the transmission of HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How to Use

Take your first pill on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period has begun. Use Cryselle 28 just as your healthcare provider has instructed and not more often or for longer than your healthcare provider mandates.

Missing a dose of Cryselle 28 increases the risk of pregnancy. There are ways to make up for missing a pill that will maintain the effectiveness of the birth control. If you have missed one or more pills, contact your healthcare provider for more information.

Effectiveness

Cryselle 28 has been shown to prevent pregnancy in over 99% of situations when it is the only birth control method utilized and when Cryselle 28 is used exactly as directed.

Cost

Most birth control pills cost between $15 and $50 per month.

Benefits

Cryselle 28 is an effective method of birth control when used as specified. All birth control pills, Cryselle 28 included, have also been shown to have the following possible benefits:

• Menstrual cycle regularity and a lightened blood flow (reduces the chances of anemia)
• Milder and less frequent cramps or other pain during menstruation
• Less frequent occurrence of noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast
• Less likelihood of ectopic pregnancies
• Less likelihood of acute pelvic inflammatory disease

Risks

All birth control pills, including Cryselle 28, can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack. Women who smoke and/or are older than 35 are especially susceptible to these risks.

Possible side effects include

• Stomach cramps, mild nausea, vomiting, bloating
• Headache, nervousness, dizziness or tired feeling
• Changes in menstrual period, decreased sex drive
• Freckles or darkening of facial skin
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Breast pain, swelling or tenderness
• Problems with contact lenses
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Increased hair growth or loss of scalp hair