Ogestrel Birth Control

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to ogestrel birth control including topics such as ogestrel and pregnancy, ogestrel warnings and precautions, and ogestrel dosage. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Ogestrel Birth Control

Ogestrel is a prescription birth control pill that primarily works by stopping ovulation. This eMedTV page offers an overview of Ogestrel, including information on what to tell your doctor before using it, possible side effects, and dosing tips.

This eMedTV page explains that if you are taking Ogestrel for birth control, you may have a high risk of developing serious side effects, due to the high estrogen content in this pill. This page lists some common and serious Ogestrel side effects.

Ogestrel is primarily used for preventing pregnancy in women of reproductive age. However, as this eMedTV page explains, there are also several off-label Ogestrel uses, such as treating heavy menstrual bleeding and painful or irregular periods.

The standard Ogestrel dosage is one tablet per day, taken at the same time each day. This eMedTV segment takes a further look at Ogestrel dosing guidelines, including how to start the drug for the first time and what to do if you miss any pills.

Antibiotics, barbiturates, and seizure medicines are among the medicines that may interact with Ogestrel. This eMedTV Web article outlines specific medications that may cause Ogestrel drug interactions and describes the problems that may occur.

Ogestrel can make some health problems worse, such as high blood pressure and depression. This eMedTV resource lists other important Ogestrel warnings and precautions, including information on who should not use this type of birth control pill.

Nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding are possible symptoms of an Ogestrel overdose. This eMedTV article describes other possible effects of an overdose and discusses how a healthcare provider may treat any symptoms that occur.

Women who are pregnant should not intentionally use Ogestrel. This selection from the eMedTV Web site takes a detailed look at Ogestrel and pregnancy, including information on how this birth control pill could cause miscarriages or birth defects.

Ogestrel is generally not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. Ogestrel, as this eMedTV Web page explains, may decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk, and may also cause problems in a nursing infant (such as jaundice).

There are currently no generic Ogestrel products available. However, as this eMedTV page explains, Ogestrel is a generic version of Ovral, which is no longer available. This page also discusses how no other products are equivalent to Ogestrel.