Ovral

Other Brand Names Containing the Same Estrogen and Progestin

Cryselle 28, Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel, Lo/Ovral

Other Brands of Birth Control that Contain the Progestin Norgestrel

Mini Pill: Orvette
Monophasic: Cryselle 28, Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel, Lo/Ovral

What Makes it Different

• All brands (including Ovral) which contain the progestin norgestrel are FDA approved for use as an Emergency Contraceptive.
• Before using Ovral as Emergency Contraception, speak to a healthcare professional.
• To use Ovral 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 two white pills and, exactly 12 hours later, take another two white pills.

How it Works

Ovral (ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel) combines the female hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy in three ways. First, Ovral prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from one of the ovaries). Second, the hormones cause the cervical mucus to thicken, which blocks sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. Third, the hormones in Ovral 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. Ovral does 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. Continue to take one pill at the same time each day until the pack is gone. Use Ovral just as your healthcare provider has instructed. Do not take more often or for longer than your healthcare provider mandates.

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

Effectiveness

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

Cost

Most birth control pills cost between $15 and $50 per pack. Each pack lasts one month.

Benefits

Ovral is an effective method of birth control when used as specified. Possible benefits for all birth control pills, including Ovral:

• Menstrual cycle becomes more regular and blood flow is lightened (reduces the chances of anemia)
• Cramps or other pain during menstruation become be lessened or become less frequent
• Occurrence of noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast is less likely
• Ectopic pregnancies are less likely
• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease is less likely

Risks

All birth control pills, including Ovral, can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack, especially 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