OVRAL G TABLET 20'S

How OVRAL G TABLET 20'S Works

• The two hormones suppress the release of gonadotropins, the pituitary hormones that trigger ovulation each month. This prevents the natural rise and fall of hormones that drives the menstrual cycle.
• Because the hormones in the tablet keep the womb lining stable, the period can be postponed while tablets are taken, and a withdrawal bleed follows a few days after stopping. In endometriosis, continuous hormone treatment suppresses the growth of womb-lining tissue outside the womb, which reduces pain. In dysfunctional uterine bleeding, the hormones stabilise the lining and stop heavy bleeding.

The most common effects are headache, including migraine, and breakthrough bleeding or spotting, especially in the first three months. Other common effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, breast pain, tenderness or enlargement, and fluid retention. Mood changes including depression, changes in sex drive, nervousness, dizziness, acne, weight change, vaginal thrush and missed periods also occur. Chloasma, dark patches on the face, can occur and may persist. Serious risks include blood clots in the legs or lungs, heart attack and stroke. These risks are higher with 50 microgram oestrogen pills and higher still in smokers, in women over 35, and in women who are overweight or immobile. Seek emergency care for any of the following: pain or swelling in one leg, sudden breathlessness or chest pain, coughing blood, a sudden severe headache or one-sided weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, sudden changes or loss of vision, severe abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

• Headache
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Fluid retention
• Mood changes
• Acne
• Weight change

• If you miss one tablet, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next tablet. In that case, skip the missed tablet and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Missing a dose increases the risk of pregnancy. Use a non-hormonal method of contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) for the next 7 days. If you miss two or more tablets in a row, use a non-hormonal method of contraception until you have taken tablets for 7 consecutive days.

• Store below 30°C and protect from light, as stated in Pfizer's prescribing information. Keep it out of the reach of children, and do not use it after the expiry date.

• Do not smoke while taking Ovral G
• Take it at the same time every day
• Tell the doctor about any past blood clot, migraine with aura or heart problem
• Have blood pressure checked regularly
• Tell the surgeon about Ovral G before any planned operation
• Seek emergency care for leg swelling, chest pain or sudden breathlessness

• Pfizer's prescribing information does not list a food interaction. Vitamin C supplements can raise oestrogen levels, as noted under interactions.