Ortho-Cyclen Warnings and Precautions

Before using Ortho-Cyclen, warnings and precautions for the birth control pill should be reviewed with your healthcare provider. It is important to know that oral contraceptives may increase the risk of benign liver tumors, breast cancer, and blood clots. Ortho-Cyclen may not be appropriate for everyone; you should not take Ortho-Cyclen if you have liver disease, severe high blood pressure, or heart disease.

Information on Ortho-Cyclen

Ortho-Cyclen: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Ortho-Cyclen^® (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) if you have:

Cancer (or if you have had cancer in the past)
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Depression
Migraines or other severe headaches
Had a heart attack or stroke
Had a blood clot or a clotting disorder
Chest pain
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Diabetes
Problems with your heart valves
Yellowing of the eyes or skin during a prior pregnancy or oral contraceptive use
High cholesterol
Gallbladder disease
Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver tumors.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

Smoke cigarettes
Have an upcoming surgery
Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (or suspect that you may be pregnant)
Are breastfeeding.

You should also be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Ortho-Cyclen is equivalent to MonoNessa^®, Previfem^™, and Sprintec^® birth control pills. The information in this article also applies to each of these medications.)

(Ortho-Cyclen Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)