Can you take Nifedipine with Ovral-28?

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

The use of estrogens is contraindicated in patients with undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Prolonged (greater than 1 year), unopposed estrogen use (i.e. estrogen without concomitant progestin therapy) has been associated with a significant, dose-related risk of endometrial carcinoma. The risk may be offset substantially by the addition of a progestin but may not be completely abolished. Prior to initiating estrogen therapy, appropriate diagnostic tests should be performed in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding to rule out endometrial malignancy. The same applies if recurrent or persistent bleeding develops during estrogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a moderate potential interaction with Angioedema.

The use of exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema, particularly in women with hereditary angioedema. Consider the risk versus benefits of estrogen therapy. Close monitoring is recommended when prescribing these agents to patients predisposed to angioedema.

NIFEdipine has a major potential interaction with Aortic Stenosis.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with advanced aortic stenosis. CCBs whose pharmacologic effect is partially dependent on their ability to reduce afterload (e.g., diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil) may be of less benefit in these patients due to a fixed impedance to flow across the aortic valve and may, in fact, worsen rather than improve myocardial oxygen balance. Rarely, heart failure has developed following the initiation of these CCBs, particularly in patients receiving concomitant beta-blocker therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The norgestrel in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Breast Cancer.

The use of progestogens is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with existing or suspected malignancy of the breast. Some supportive data are available for medroxyprogesterone. Specifically, medroxyprogesterone treatment may be associated with breast cancer, primarily when the drug is administered intramuscularly. A pooled analysis of two case-control studies, one from the World Health Organization and the other from New Zealand, revealed a small overall relative risk of breast cancer in women who have ever used intramuscular medroxyprogesterone acetate. The relative risk was higher in the subgroup of women who had initiated therapy within the previous 5 years. Thus, an increased risk (approximately 2-fold) is associated with intramuscular medroxyprogesterone use in the first 5 years. A more recent U.S. study also found a statistically significant increase in breast cancer risk among recent users (defined as last use within the past five years) who used depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 months or longer.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Breast Cancer.

When treated with an estrogen, patients with breast cancer and bone metastases may develop severe hypercalcemia, in which case the drug should be stopped and measures be taken to reduce serum calcium levels.

NIFEdipine has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

The norgestrel in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

The use of progestogens, in general, is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombophlebitis, cerebrovascular disease, or a current or past history of thromboembolic disorders. While the role of progestogens in the development of thromboembolic events associated with hormonal therapy is often unclear and thought to be secondary to that of estrogens, it may not be insignificant. Medroxyprogesterone, a common progestational agent, has been shown to produce a hypercoagulable state in high dosages. Whether or not this effect contributes to the development of thrombotic events is unknown. However, thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism have been reported with megestrol, an antineoplastic and progestational agent. In addition, an increased risk of nonfatal venous thrombosis has been associated with oral contraceptive combinations containing desogestrel or gestodene relative to those that contain other progestins (e.g., levonorgestrel, norethindrone), suggesting some degree of hemostatic effect by progestogens.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

The use of oral contraceptives has been associated with an increased incidence of depression. It is uncertain whether this effect is related to the estrogenic or the progestogenic component of the contraceptive, although excess progesterone activity is associated with depression. Patients with a history of depression receiving estrogen and/or progestogen therapy should be followed closely. The manufacturer of medroxyprogesterone recommends monitoring patients who have a history of depression and to not re- administer medroxyprogesterone if depression recurs.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Impaired glucose tolerance has been observed in some patients administered oral contraceptives and appears to be related primarily to the estrogen dose. However, progestogens can increase insulin secretion and produce insulin resistance to varying degrees, depending on the agent. Caution and close monitoring are recommended in patients with diabetes mellitus during therapy with estrogens and/or progestogens, and adjustments made accordingly in their antidiabetic regimen.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a moderate potential interaction with Fluid Retention.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a moderate potential interaction with Gallbladder Disease.

A two- to four-fold increase in risk of gallbladder disease has been noted in women receiving postmenopausal estrogen therapy. The risk for gallbladder disease may be less for premenopausal women using oral contraceptives containing low-dose estrogens and/or progestins. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting gallbladder disease or a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis.

NIFEdipine has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

The extended-release formulation of nifedipine (Procardia XL) contains a non-deformable material. There have been rare reports of obstructive symptoms in patients with known strictures following the ingestion of similar sustained-release products. Therapy with the extended-release formulation of nifedipine should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting severe gastrointestinal narrowing or obstruction, whether pathologic or iatrogenic.

NIFEdipine has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Nifedipine capsules should not be administered within the first two weeks after myocardial infarction, and they should also be avoided in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (when myocardial infarction may be imminent). Clinical trials studying the use of immediate-release nifedipine in patients who had just sustained myocardial infarctions have not demonstrated any benefit and in some cases patients had worse outcomes compared to those who received placebo.

NIFEdipine has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may have varying degrees of negative inotropic effect. Congestive heart failure (CHF), worsening of CHF, and pulmonary edema have occurred in some patients treated with a CCB, primarily verapamil. Some CCBs have also caused mild to moderate peripheral edema due to localized vasodilation of dependent arterioles and small blood vessels, which can be confused with the effects of increasing left ventricular dysfunction. Although some CCBs have been used in the treatment of CHF, therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, caution is advised in patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened by administration of a CCB.

NIFEdipine has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may have varying degrees of negative inotropic effect. Congestive heart failure (CHF), worsening of CHF, and pulmonary edema have occurred in some patients treated with a CCB, primarily verapamil. Some CCBs have also caused mild to moderate peripheral edema due to localized vasodilation of dependent arterioles and small blood vessels, which can be confused with the effects of increasing left ventricular dysfunction. Although some CCBs have been used in the treatment of CHF, therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, caution is advised in patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened by administration of a CCB.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a major potential interaction with Hepatic Tumor.

The use of oral contraceptives is contraindicated in patients with liver tumors. An increased risk of benign hepatic adenomas and hepatocellular carcinomas has been associated with long-term, oral estrogen- progestin contraceptive use of at least 4 years and 8 years, respectively. Although these tumors are rare and have not been reported with other types of estrogen or progestogen therapies, any preparation containing estrogens and/or progestogens should probably be avoided in patients with existing tumors of the liver. Hepatic hemangiomas and nodular hyperplasia of the liver have been reported with isolated estrogen therapy.

NIFEdipine has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

For the long-term treatment of hypertension, only the extended-release formulations of nifedipine should be used. The US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the FDA Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Advisory Committee have issued warnings against the use of immediate-release nifedipine for this purpose based on review of three epidemiologic studies of patients with hypertension and unstable angina who were treated with calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and at least two meta-analyses of randomized, controlled trials that included patients receiving CCBs. Two of the case-control studies found an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients taking immediate-release nifedipine, although the third did not.

The use of immediate-release nifedipine (orally or sublingually) is also contraindicated for acute reduction of blood pressure. Profound hypotension, acute myocardial infarction, and deaths have been reported when nifedipine was used in this manner.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

The risk of myocardial infarction and strokes, including those associated with oral contraceptive use and some estrogen use, is increased in patients with hypertension. Moreover, estrogens (and progestogens) may elevate blood pressure and worsen the hypertension, thus compounding the risk. Clinically significant blood pressure increases have been reported during estrogen therapy, particularly in patients receiving high dosages or treated with oral contraceptive combinations having high progestational activity. These effects also increase with duration of therapy and patient age. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypertension. Some estrogen-based therapies, such as combined hormonal contraceptives, may be contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease. Patients should be monitored for changes in cardiovascular status, and their antihypertensive regimen adjusted or estrogen therapy withdrawn as necessary. In patients requiring contraception, alternative methods should be considered for those who are hypertensive, over age 35, and smoke.

The norgestrel in Ovral-28 has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Estrogens may cause adverse lipid changes. Use of estrogens has been associated with elevations in triglyceride levels, particularly in women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia. Discontinue therapy if elevated triglycerides lead to pancreatitis. Manage hypercholesterolemia appropriately as indicated.

The norgestrel in Ovral-28 has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Some progestogenic agents may elevate plasma LDL levels and/or lower HDL levels, although data have been inconsistent. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during progestogen therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

The norgestrel in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of progestogens, in general, is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombophlebitis, cerebrovascular disease, or a current or past history of thromboembolic disorders. While the role of progestogens in the development of thromboembolic events associated with hormonal therapy is often unclear and thought to be secondary to that of estrogens, it may not be insignificant. Medroxyprogesterone, a common progestational agent, has been shown to produce a hypercoagulable state in high dosages. Whether or not this effect contributes to the development of thrombotic events is unknown. However, thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism have been reported with megestrol, an antineoplastic and progestational agent. In addition, an increased risk of nonfatal venous thrombosis has been associated with oral contraceptive combinations containing desogestrel or gestodene relative to those that contain other progestins (e.g., levonorgestrel, norethindrone), suggesting some degree of hemostatic effect by progestogens.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

NIFEdipine has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

NIFEdipine has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Increased frequency, duration, and/or severity of angina, as well as acute myocardial infarction, have rarely developed during initiation or dosage increase of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), particularly in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease and those treated with immediate-release formulations. The mechanism of this effect is not established. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with significant coronary artery disease.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

NIFEdipine has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are extensively metabolized by the liver. The half-lives of CCBs may be prolonged substantially in patients with severe hepatic impairment, with the potential for significant drug accumulation. In addition, the use of some CCBs has been associated with elevations in serum transaminases, both with and without concomitant elevations in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. While these effects may be transient and reversible, some patients have developed cholestasis or hepatocellular injury. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously and often at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired hepatic function. Periodic monitoring of liver function is advised.

The norgestrel in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of progestogens, in general, is contraindicated in patients with impaired hepatic function or liver disease. There are little or no data concerning the pharmacokinetic disposition of the different progestogens in patients with hepatic disease. However, most hormones, including progestational hormones, are known to be extensively metabolized by the liver. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used by women with significant liver disease and should be discontinued if jaundice or disturbances of liver function occur.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Estrogens are primarily metabolized by the liver. Use of estrogen therapy is contraindicated in patients with liver dysfunction or disease. Patients with impaired hepatic function may be at increased risk for adverse effects associated with estrogen administration due to decreased drug clearance. Patients with hepatic hemangiomas are at increased risk of exacerbation with use of estrogens. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy. In addition, clinicians should be aware that estrogen therapy may affect liver function tests.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a moderate potential interaction with Melasma.

The use of exogenous estrogens may occasionally cause chloasma, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking combination oral contraceptives.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Migraine.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a moderate potential interaction with Migraine.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Neoplasia, Estrogen Dependent.

The use of estrogens is generally contraindicated in patients with known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia such as breast and endometrial cancer, since it may stimulate tumor proliferation. High dosages of estrogens may be used for the palliative treatment of inoperable, metastatic breast cancer, but only in appropriately selected men and postmenopausal women.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a moderate potential interaction with Pancreatitis.

Estrogens may cause adverse lipid changes. Use of estrogens has been associated with elevations in triglyceride levels, particularly in women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia. Discontinue therapy if elevated triglycerides lead to pancreatitis. Manage hypercholesterolemia appropriately as indicated.

NIFEdipine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Although the clearance of nifedipine is not dependent on renal function, use of the drug in patients with uremia has been associated with enhanced pharmacologic effects, possibly due to increased sensitivity to the drug or reduced protein binding. Rarely, reversible elevations in BUN and serum creatinine have been reported in patients with preexisting chronic renal insufficiency given nifedipine, although a causal relationship has not been established. Nephritis and renal failure have also been observed. Therapy with nifedipine should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal function.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Smoking.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from estrogen-containing combination oral contraceptives (COC). This risk increases with age, particularly in females over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs are contraindicated in females who are over 35 years of age and smoke.

The norgestrel in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of progestogens, in general, is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombophlebitis, cerebrovascular disease, or a current or past history of thromboembolic disorders. While the role of progestogens in the development of thromboembolic events associated with hormonal therapy is often unclear and thought to be secondary to that of estrogens, it may not be insignificant. Medroxyprogesterone, a common progestational agent, has been shown to produce a hypercoagulable state in high dosages. Whether or not this effect contributes to the development of thrombotic events is unknown. However, thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism have been reported with megestrol, an antineoplastic and progestational agent. In addition, an increased risk of nonfatal venous thrombosis has been associated with oral contraceptive combinations containing desogestrel or gestodene relative to those that contain other progestins (e.g., levonorgestrel, norethindrone), suggesting some degree of hemostatic effect by progestogens.

The ethinyl estradiol in Ovral-28 has a major potential interaction with Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel in Ovral-28 both have a moderate potential interaction with Thyroid Disease.

When administering estrogen and/or progestogen therapy in patients with thyroid disorders, clinicians should be aware that these hormones may affect thyroid function tests. Patients on thyroid replacement therapy may require higher doses of thyroid hormone and appropriate monitoring. Changes have mostly been reported with the use of combination oral contraceptives. Specifically, thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) may be increased, resulting in elevated circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by PBI (protein-bound iodine), T4 by column or radioimmunoassay, or T3 by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake may be decreased. On the contrary, a decrease in TBG and, consequently, thyroxine concentration, has been reported by the manufacturers of the progestin-only (norethindrone) oral contraceptives.

The norgestrel in Ovral-28 has a minor potential interaction with Weight Loss.

Progestogens can cause weight gain, which may be significant (as is the case with parenteral medroxyprogesterone) and undesirable in obese patients attempting to lose weight.