any lainak's List: Birth Control

Alesse is used for:
Preventing pregnancy. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Alesse is a combination birth control pill. It works by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus, and changing the lining of the uterus.

How to use Alesse:
Use Alesse as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Alesse . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* Take Alesse by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
* Begin taking Alesse on the first Sunday following the start of your period, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If your period begins on a Sunday, begin taking Alesse on that day. Try to take Alesse at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart. After taking the last pill in the pack, start taking the first pill from a new pack the very next day.
* For Alesse to be effective it must be taken every day. Do not skip doses.
* If you miss a dose of Alesse and remember it on the same day, take it as soon as possible and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you do not remember until the next day or if you miss more than 1 dose of Alesse , see the additional patient information leaflet that comes with Alesse or contact your doctor for further instructions. You may need to use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms). If you are not sure about how to handle missed doses of Alesse , use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) until you talk with your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Alesse.

Possible side effects of Alesse:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Acne; breast tenderness or enlargement; changes in appetite; changes in sexual interest; changes in weight; d

Estrace is used for:
Treating conditions due to menopause (eg, hot flashes; vaginal itching, burning, or dryness), treating vulval or vaginal atrophy, and preventing osteoporosis (brittle bones). It is also used for estrogen replacement therapy after failure of the ovaries and to relieve the symptoms of breast cancer.Treating advanced prostate cancer. It is also used to relieve symptoms of breast cancer.Estrace is a female estrogen hormone. It works by replacing natural estrogens in a woman who can no longer produce enough estrogen.It works for advanced prostate cancer by antagonizing male hormones.

How to use Estrace:
Use Estrace as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Estrace . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* Take Estrace by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
* Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of Estrace "s side effects. Talk to your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking Estrace.
* If you miss a dose of Estrace , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Estrace.

Possible side effects of Estrace:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Breast pain or tenderness; headache; hair loss; mild nausea or vomiting; spotting or breakthrough bleeding; stomach cramps or bloating.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tong

Common uses
This medicine is a progestogen structurally related to progesterone that has been given in threatened and habitual abortion, and to prevent premature labour. However, with the exception of proven progesterone deficiency, such use is no longer recommended.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Dosage: one tablet three times a day and maximum up to 4 tablets a day until symptoms improve.

Cautions
Check with your doctor if you have cardiac or renal dysfunction, migraine, epilepsy, and asthma.

Possible side effects
Gastrointestinal complaints like nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort have been reported.

Levlen is used for:
Preventing pregnancy. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Levlen is a combination birth control pill. It works by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus, and changing the lining of the uterus.

How to use Levlen:
Use Levlen as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Levlen . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* Take Levlen by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
* Begin taking Levlen on the first Sunday following the start of your period, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If your period begins on a Sunday, begin taking Levlen on that day. Try to take Levlen at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart. After taking the last pill in the pack, start taking the first pill from a new pack the very next day.
* For Levlen to be effective it must be taken every day. Do not skip doses.
* If you miss a dose of Levlen and remember it on the same day, take it as soon as possible and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you do not remember until the next day or if you miss more than 1 dose of Levlen , see the additional patient information leaflet that comes with Levlen or contact your doctor for further instructions. You may need to use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms). If you are not sure about how to handle missed doses of Levlen , use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) until you talk with your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Levlen.

Possible side effects of Levlen:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Acne; breast tenderness or enlargement; changes in appetite; changes in sexual interest; changes in weight; d

How should I take Ovral (ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. You will 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 this medication. Follow your doctor"s instructions.The 28-day birth control pack contains seven "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period will usually 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 to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using birth control pills.Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. Do not miss any appointments.Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Ovral (ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

* sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
* sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
* chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
* a change in the pattern or severity of migrain

Yasmin is used for:
Preventing pregnancy. It is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or certain types of acne in women who are using Yasmin for birth control. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Yasmin is a progesterone and estrogen combination birth control pill. It works by preventing ovulation, thickening the mucus in the cervix, and changing the lining of the uterus.

How to use Yasmin:
Use Yasmin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Yasmin . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* Take Yasmin by mouth with or without food.
* Talk with your doctor about how you should start to take your first pack of Yasmin. If you begin to take Yasmin during the first 24 hours of your period, you do not need to use an extra form of birth control. If you begin to take Yasmin on the Sunday after your period starts, you will need to use an extra form of birth control for 7 days after you start taking Yasmin.
* If you are switching from another birth control pill to Yasmin , start Yasmin on the same day that would have started a new pack of your previous birth control pills. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about how to switch from another form of hormonal birth control to Yasmin.
* Take Yasmin at the same time every day, not more than 2 hours apart. After taking the last pill in the pack, start taking the first pill from a new pack the very next day.
* For Yasmin to be effective, it must be taken every day. Do not skip doses even if you do not have sex very often. Do not skip pills if you are spotting, bleeding, or nauseated. If you have these side effects and they do not go away, check with your doctor.
* If you miss 1 dose of Yasmin , take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the regular time. This means you may take 2 doses on the same day. you do not need to use a backup form of birth

Aceon is used for:
Treating high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.Aceon is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking ACE, an enzyme involved in narrowing blood vessels and causing sodium and fluid retention by the kidneys. This causes blood vessels to relax, allowing blood to flow more freely and at a lower pressure, and increasing the heart"s ability to pump blood in some types of heart failure.

How to use Aceon:
Use Aceon as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* You may take Aceon on an empty stomach or with food.
* Take Aceon regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Aceon at the same times(s) each day will help you to remember to take it. Continue taking Aceon even if you feel well.
* If you miss a dose of Aceon , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aceon.

Possible side effects of Aceon:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Abnormal skin sensation; arm or leg pain; back pain; cough; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; runny nose; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in the amount of urine; chest pain; darkening of urine; difficulty swallowing; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hoarseness; pounding in the chest; prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe lightheadedness or fainting; sore throat; swelling of the hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, thr

Adalat is used for:
Treating high blood pressure. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Adalat is a calcium channel blocking agent. It works by interfering with the normal action of calcium in blood vessel constriction (relaxes the blood vessels) and heart muscle contraction (heart may beat with less force and pump out less blood) and nerve conduction in the heart (heart may beat more slowly and more regularly). Calcium channel blockers are used to dilate (widen) the arteries of the heart and other arteries (reduce angina chest pain and reduce elevated blood pressure) and stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or in an irregular rhythm (antiarrhythmic effects).

How to use Adalat:
Use Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Check with your pharmacist to see if your brand may be taken with food.
* Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Adalat.
* Swallow Adalat whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
* If you miss a dose of Adalat, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Adalat.

Possible side effects of Adalat:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Constipation; dizziness; flushing; giddiness; headache; heartburn; heat sensation; lightheadedness; nausea; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); irregular pulse; shortness of breath; swelling of the feet or hands; ten

Aldactone is used for:
Treating swelling and fluid retention inpatients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome). It is also used for treatment of high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat or prevent low blood potassium. It may also be used to treat excess secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal gland.Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It works by blocking the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidney to eliminate excess water, save potassium, and lower blood pressure.

How to use Aldactone:
Use Aldactone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Aldactone by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
* Aldactone may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
* If you miss a dose of Aldactone , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, restart the medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aldactone.

Possible side effects of Aldactone:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Abdominal cramping; change in sexual ability; clumsiness; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; frequent urination; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast tenderness; deepening of voice; dry mouth; en