Progestin-only pills

CHCs, even those with less than 35 meg estrogen, can cause small increases in blood pressure (6 to 8 mm Hg) in both normotensive and hypertensive women. In women with hypertension, OCs have been associated with an increased risk of MI and stroke. Use of CHCs is acceptable in women younger than 35 years with well-controlled and monitored hypertension. Hypertensive women with end-organ disease or who smoke should not use CHCs. Progestin-only pills and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) are choices for women with hypertension. 

In addition, progestin-only pills can be used as EC (Ovrette [20 tablets/dose]). Common side effects of EC are nausea, vomiting, and irregular bleeding. 

Missed dose - If the patient is more than 3 hours late or misses 1 or more tablets, she should take a missed pill as soon as remembered, then go back to taking progestin-only pills (POPs) at the regular time, but should use a backup method (such as a condom or spermicide) every time she has sexual intercourse for the next 48 hours. 

Any day of the month when switching from a progestin-only pill do not skip any days between the last pill and the first day of contraceptive vaginal ring use ... 

It is also known as progestin only pill (POP). It contains only progestins, which is given in small amount throughout the menstrual cycle (without interruption) but because of lower efficacy rate, it is not much popular. 

The effectiveness of progestin-only pills is reduced by hepatic enz5me-inducing drugs such as the anticonvulsants, phenytoin, carbamazepine barbiturates the antituberculosis drug rifampin protease inhibitors and herbal preparations containing St. John s wort (H. perforatum)... 

Structures of steroids used as oral contraceptives. (A) Combination pills containing an estrogen -P progestin. (B) The progestin-only pill. (C) RU-486 or mifepristone, which can be utilized as an abortifacient. [Reproduced with permission from S. W. Norman and G. Litwack, Hormones, 2nd ed. San Diego Academic Press, 1997]. 

Levlite (5 tablets/dose). In addition, progestin-only pills can be used as EC, but a large number of tablets must be taken Ovrette (20 tablets/dose). When these regular contraceptives are used, the first dose should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, with a follow-up dose 12 hours after the first. ... 

Due to a possible increased risk of vascular disease, combined oral contraceptives should be restricted to women below 35 years without evidence of vascnlar comphcations who have no other risk factors. Progestin-only pills can in most cases be used as in women without diabetes and will therefore often be a good choice for women with contraindications for combined oral contraceptives. 

Progestin-only contraception One tablet every day at the same time. Administration is continuous, with no interruption between pill packs. Every time a pill is taken late, especially if a pill is missed, pregnancy is more likely. 

A low dosage of progestin ( mini-pill ) is used, in the form of medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is active at a very low dose. The mini-pill does not inhibit ovulation, but rather interferes with the endometrium and the cervical mucus. The use of this pill prevents most of the side effects of oral contraception, specifically nausea, water retention, and in some cases thrombophlebitis. However, a lower success rate and other frequent side effects have reduced the widespread acceptance of this preparation. Nevertheless, the mini-pill has a role to play in certain specific situations. For example, in an uncommon form of epilepsy called catamenial epilepsy, female patients will experience seizures at particular times during their menstrual cycle, reflecting the fact that seizure focus is stimulated by estrogens but inhibited by progestins. In such women, the mini-pill may afford not only birth control but also improved seizure control. 

Mini pill, containing a progestin only taken daily without interval of withdrawal. 

Birth control pill that contains only progestin, a synthetic progesterone. 

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