Uses of CHOICE tablet (Levonorgestrel & Ethinylestradiol)

CHOICE

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS WITH IRON 

Combipack of levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol tablet IP with ferrous fumarate tablet IP

1. What is CHOICE ?
CHOICE is a contraceptive pill. This pill is an easy, safe, effective and reversible contraceptive for a woman wanting to delay her first pregnancy or space the next child. It is the method of CHOICE for postponing the first pregnancy.  CHOICE is available in packet containing a month's supply. Each packet has 28 tablets. The first 21 tablets are white in colour and contain hormones which prevent pregnancy. The remaining 7 tablets are brown and contain an iron supplement. These should also be taken to maintain the continuity.

2. How does CHOICE work ?
CHOICE works by suppressing the release of the ovum (egg cell) from the ovaries.

3. Can I take CHOICE ? 
CHOICE is a safe method of contraception.

4. Where Can I get CHOICE ?
CHOICE is sold in chemist shops and by social marketing promoters. The pill is prescribed by a doctor after examination by a trained nurse/midwife with the help of check-list. If you get the pill from market outlets, please consult a doctor within three months of use of this pill.

5. When should I start CHOICE ?

• Start taking CHOICE from the 5th day of the menstural period  (counting first day of bleeding as day No.1). Begin with the pill in the top row corresponding to the day of the week. For example, if bleeding starts on Saturday, take the pill from the pocket in the top tow marked Wednesday.

• Continue taking one pill a day, following the days of the week. Develop the habit of taking pills at a particular time of the day, preferably either dinner or before going to bed. After taking all the white pills, one daily for 21 days, take one brown pill a day for the next 7 days.

•  You will have regular menstruation while taking the brown pill. Do not stop  taking pill even if you have the period.

• When the brown pill are  exhausted, continue taking pills from a new packet as instructed above. Whether you get your period or not, start the new pack the very next day after taking the last brown pill.

• If you want to conceive, stop using CHOICE.

• Keep an extra pack of CHOICE handy so that the next pill can be started without a break. Regularly and continuity in taking the pill are essential to prevent pregnancy. 

6. If a pill is missed:
If you miss a pill on particular night, the miss pill should be taken the next day as soon as you remember. Take another pill at night, as usual. In other words on the day following a missed pill day, 2 pill would have to be taken. If you have missed the pill on 2-3 occasions, Continue taking it but use another contraceptive method like condoms till the next cycle is started.

7. Health benefits:
The oral pills bestow freedom upon the married woman to control her own fertility and choose motherhood when she desires. In addition to preventing pregnancy, it has the following beneficial effects.

• Eases pain during menstruation

• Reduces excessive bleeding during menstruation

• Provides some protection against pelvic infection 

• Protects against cancer of the ovary and the endometrium

• Protects against benign breast tumours and ovarian cyst

8. What are the side effects ?
You may have some discomfort such as tenderness of breasts, headache or nausena in the first one or two months. But these symptoms disappear very soon. In some woman, the long term use of the oral pill may lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks or venous thrombosis.

9. a) Do not take the oral pill if you have any of the following.

• Suspected / confirmed pregnancy

• Irregular, unexplained vaginal bleeding

• A breast-fed infant less than 6 months of age

     b) Contra indications:

• Rifampicin Therapy (Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment)

• Heart Attack / Venous Thrombosis / High Blood Pressure / Diabetes

• Liver / Gall bladder disease or Jaundice during pregnancy / last six months

• Suspected / Confirmed cancer in any organ

10. Please consult a doctor before starting CHOICE if you:

• Are a smoker

• Have migraine

• Have epilepsy

• Have severe skin allergy or asthma

• Are 40 years of age, especially if you are a regular smoker, or have used the pill continuously for over five years

• Woman with these problems may use oral pills under careful supervision if other contraceptives are found unsuitable.

11. When to consult a doctor if using the pill:

• You do not get your period in two consecutive cycles while laking the brown pills

• You feel any tight news in the chest

• Side effects mentioned above persist longer

• Disturbance of vision occurs during poll usage 
• After an initial medical check-up, please consult a doctor every 12 months, In addition, consult a doctor if: