Ovima (Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel)

Description

Ovima is a prescription combination birth control medication containing levonorgestrel (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen). It is used to prevent pregnancy.

Ovima is dispensed in 21-day and 28-day packs that contain 150 mcg of levonorgestrel and 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.

Directions

Ovima should be taken as your doctor has directed. The information that is supplied with your prescription should be read carefully. Any questions or concerns may be referred to your doctor or pharmacist.

The 21-day packs contain active tablets. The 28-day packs contain active and inert (inactive) tablets.

Recommended dosing:

21-day pack: Take one tablet by mouth one time a day for 21 days, then do not take any pills for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.

28-day pack: Take one tablet by mouth one time a day for 21 days, then take one “reminder” pill by mouth one time a day for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information about missed doses.

Ovima should be stored at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients

The active ingredients in Ovima are levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Lactose monohydrate, corn starch, povidone, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate are the inactive ingredients in the active tablets. Lactose anhydrous, corn starch, crospovidone, povidone, magnesium stearate, and FD&C Red No. 3 Lake are the inactive ingredients in the inert tablets (provided in the 28-day packs).

Contraindications

Ovima should be avoided in patients with any of the following:

• An allergy to levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or any ingredients of the medication
• Pregnant or suspect pregnancy
• Have or have had migraine headaches with auras
• Have or have had blood clots
• Have active liver disease or reduced liver function
• Have had liver problems associated with pregnancy or corticosteroid use
• Have any eye lesion as a result of blood vessel disease of the eye, such as partial or complete vision loss or defect in visual fields
• Have diabetes with blood vessel complications (e.g., heart disease, eye disease, kidney disease, foot infections)
• Have had a heart attack
• Have, have had, or may have an tumor dependent on estrogen
• Have, have had, or may have breast cancer
• Have heart rhythm problems that may produce blood clots
• Have or have had liver tumors that are benign or cancerous
• Have or have had blood vessel problems in the brain such as stroke
• Have or had had coronary artery disease
• have or have had heart valve disease
• have or have had inflammation of blood vessels or blood clotting disorders
• Have high blood pressure that is not controlled
• Have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Have or have had pancreatitis with high triglycerides
• Are taking Hepatitis C antiviral drug combinations of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir

Cautions

• Before you begin taking Ovima, inform your doctor of:
• All the prescription and nonprescription medications you take
• Your allergies
• Your current health problems
• Your past medical history
• Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Your risk of developing blood clots may be increased by Ovima use. If you experience sharp pain and swelling of the calf or upper leg, sudden shortness of breath, crushing chest pain, blurred vision, or trouble speaking, immediately seek emergency care.
• Ovima may cause high blood pressure.
• The risk of breast cancer may be increased; therefore, breast self-examinations are recommended.
• The risk of heart disease and death is increased by smoking cigarettes. These risks are also increased by taking birth control pills, especially with age. Women should avoid smoking while taking Ovima.
• Ovima may cause mood changes. If you experience poor concentration, weight changes, sleep changes, or decreased interest in activities, immediately call your doctor.
• Ovima may cause fluid build up in the cornea of the eye that may result in vision problems or contact lens intolerance.
• Ovima may cause worsening of fibroids. Call your doctor immediately if you experience sudden enlargement, pain, or tenderness.
• Ovima may cause worsening gallbladder disease.
• Ovima may cause elevated triglyceride levels in the blood and pancreatitis. Immediately call your doctor if you have upper left abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heart rate, or swollen abdomen.
• Ovima may cause liver problems. Immediately call your doctor if you experience fatigue, feeling unwell, appetite loss, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin.
• Ovima may cause worsening or the development of migraines. Inform your doctor if you experience migraines.
• Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV or AIDS, are not preventable with birth control pills. It is recommended to use latex condoms for protection.
• After you stop taking Ovima, wait until you have at least one normal spontaneous menstrual cycle before becoming pregnant.
• Ovima should not be administered to adolescent females who have not yet begun menstruating or are younger than 14 years of age.
• Ovima should not be administered to postmenopausal women.

Side Effects

Ovima side effects include but are not limited to acne; breast pain, tenderness, or swelling; contact lens discomfort; gain or loss of body or facial hair; fibroid growth; headache; increased or decreased interest in sexual activity; nausea; skin rash; vomiting; and weight changes. Inform your doctor of any bothersome or persistent side effects.

You can buy Ovima right here.

Reference

Ovima.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....