Estrostep

Estrostep is an oral contraceptive drug. It is primarily prescribed to prevent pregnancy. Estrostep may also be prescribed to regulate a patient's menstrual periods or make the menstrual periods lighter and less painful, and for the reduction of ovarian cysts. Estrostep low dose is also available.

Side effects to Estrostep may include weight gain, headache, and increased blood pressure. Some women also report "breakthrough" bleeding, which is bleeding between menstrual periods, especially during the first few cycles of Estrostep use. Excessive bleeding on Estrostep should be reported to your doctor. Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include numbness or weakness in the legs, chest pain, or loss of vision. Estrostep users should discuss all their medical conditions with their doctor, as common conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may require additional monitoring if Estrostep is prescribed. Your doctor should also be made aware of any medications you are taking, including over the counter medications, to avoid possibly dangerous drug interactions. Women using Estrostep should not smoke. Patients who experience side effects with Estrostep may be advised to take another birth control pill, such as Kariva. Your doctor can discuss the benefits of Estrostep vs. Kariva with you, and help you decide which is right for you. Women who become pregnant while on Estrostep should discontinue its use immediately. Breastfeeding women should not take Estrostep; however, women who have been breastfeeding long enough to establish a good milk supply may be given Estrostep low dose.

Estrostep is available in three different forms: monophasic, biphasic, and triphasic (one, two, and three phase cycles). In each form, the amount and type of hormones in each pill will vary, depending on at what point the pill is in the cycle. It is therefore important that you take each pill in the exact order that it is packaged in the container, to make sure the hormones are properly delivered. If you miss a dosage, you should take it as soon as you remember, and take your next dosage at the regular time. If you miss more than one pill, the steps you will need to take depend on what week you are on in your cycle. Refer to the directions packaged with your pills for more details on what to do. You should use a backup birth control method such as condoms during your first cycle of pills, and at any time you are also taking antibiotics, as antibiotics may decrease Estrostep's effectiveness. Do not begin any new medications, even herbal supplements such as St. John's wort, without checking with your doctor, as many other medications may also decrease the pill's effectiveness.