Previfem Dosage

How to Start Previfem®

Previfem® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets), are dispensed in a blister pack [see HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING (16)]. Previfem® may be started using either a Day 1 start or a Sunday start (see Table 1). For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, an additional method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration.

How to Take Previfem®

Starting Previfem® after Abortion or Miscarriage

First-trimester

• After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, Previfem® may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if Previfem® is started immediately.
• If Previfem® is not started within 5 days after termination of the pregnancy, the patient should use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of her first cycle blister pack of Previfem®.

Second-trimester

• Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start Previfem®, following the instructions in Table 1 for Day 1 or Sunday start, as desired. If using Sunday start, use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of the patient's first cycle blister pack of Previfem®.

Starting Previfem® after Childbirth

• Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Previfem® following the instructions in Table 1 for women not currently using hormonal contraception.
• Previfem® is not recommended for use in lactating women.
• If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of Previfem®..

BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS

1. DECIDE WHAT TIME OF DAY YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR PILL.

It is important to take it at about the same time every day.

2. LOOK AT YOUR PILL PACK

The pill blister pack has 21 active pills (with hormones) to take for 3 weeks. This is followed by 1 week of reminder green pills (without hormones).

There are 21 blue active pills, and 7 green reminder pills.

3. ALSO FIND:

1. where on the blister pack to start taking pills,

2. in what order to take the pills (follow the arrows)

3. The week numbers as shown in the diagram below.

4. BE SURE YOU HAVE READY AT ALL TIMES:

Another kind of birth control (such as a condom or spermicide) to use as a back-up method in case you miss pills.

An extra, full pill blister pack.

Missed Tablets

Table 2: Instructions for Missed Previfem® Tablets

Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances

In case of severe vomiting or diarrhea, absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 3 to 4 hours after taking an active tablet, handle this as a missed tablet.