Indications 

Ovral Lo Birth Control 28-day is a combination hormonal contraceptive medication used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones: a progestin (norgestrel) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) 

Ovral Lo causes the cervical mucus to thicken, making it difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix and reach an egg. It also the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to implantation of a fertilized egg. By utilizing these mechanisms, Ovral Lo Birth Control 28-day helps to significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy when taken correctly and consistently. 

Use and Dosage 

Ovral Lo Birth Control comes as tablet to take it orally usually once a day. It is meant to be swallowed whole with water. Chewing the tablet may affect its effectiveness and can also cause side effects such as nausea or stomach upset. 

Take one white active tablet of Ovral Lo 28-day at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days. Take the pills in the correct order as indicated on the packaging. After taking the 21 active tablets, continue taking one pink inert tablet daily for the next 7 consecutive days. These pink tablets do not contain hormones but are included to help you maintain your pill-taking routine. Once you have finished all 28 tablets, start a new pack of Ovral Lo 28-day the following day. Start the new pack on time to maintain contraceptive effectiveness. 

If you miss an active pill of Ovral Lo 28-day, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Continue taking one pill per day at the regular time. If you miss two or more active pills in a row, refer to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider, or the package insert for guidance on what to do. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects 

• Acne 
• Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods 
• Breast tenderness, enlargement, or discharge 
• Brown or black skin patches 
• Changes in menstrual flow 
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea 
• Gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue) 
• Hair growth in unusual places 
• Increased or decreased appetite 
• Nausea 
• Painful or missed periods 
• Stomach cramps or bloating 
• Swelling, redness, irritation, burning, or itching of the vagina 
• Vomiting 
• Weight gain or weight loss 
• White vaginal discharge 

Serious Side Effects  

• Bulging eyes 
• Coughing up blood 
• Crushing chest pain or chest heaviness 
• Dark-colored urine 
• Depression, especially if you also have trouble sleeping, tiredness, loss of energy, or other mood changes 
• Dizziness or faintness 
• Double vision 
• Extreme tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy 
• Fever 
• Leg pain 
• Light-colored stool 
• Loss of appetite 
• Partial or complete loss of vision 
• Rash 
• Severe headache 
• Severe stomach pain 
• Severe vomiting 
• Shortness of breath 
• Speech problems 
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs 
• Unusual bleeding 
• Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg 
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes 

Cautions 

• Starting Ovral Lo 28-day: For the first cycle of use, use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy.  
• Interactions with Other Medications: Ovral Lo 28-day may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antifungals, and HIV medications. These interactions can reduce the effectiveness of Ovral Lo 28-day or increase the risk of side effects.  
• Non-Hormonal Backup Method: In certain situations, such as switching from a progestin-only pill, it may be recommended to use a non-hormonal backup method of contraception (like condoms) when starting Ovral Lo 28-day. 
• Effectiveness: While Ovral Lo 28-day is highly effective when taken correctly, note that no contraceptive method is 100% foolproof. There is still a small chance of pregnancy even when using Ovral Lo 28-day correctly. 
• Increased Risk of Blood Clots: The use of combination oral contraceptives, including Ovral Lo 28-day, has been associated with a small increase in the risk of developing blood clots. This risk is higher in women who smoke, are over the age of 35, have a history of blood clots, or have certain medical conditions.  
• Not Suitable for Everyone: Ovral Lo 28-day may not be suitable for everyone. Inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any existing medical conditions or previous adverse reactions to hormonal contraceptives. Your healthcare provider will be able to assess whether Ovral Lo 28-day is the right choice for you. 
• Effectiveness with Vomiting or Diarrhea: If you experience vomiting or diarrhea within a few hours of taking an active pill, the effectiveness of Ovral Lo 28-day may be reduced. In such cases, use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, and consult with your healthcare provider regarding further instructions. 
• Breastfeeding: Ovral Lo 28-day is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Discuss alternative contraceptive options with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding.