Camrese Lo

Camrese Lo is taken as part of an extended-cycle regimen:

• Active Pills: 84 tablets containing 0.1 mg of levonorgestrel and 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily for 84 consecutive days.
• Inactive Pills: 7 placebo tablets (containing no hormones), taken once daily after the 84 active pills.

Camrese Lo is contraindicated in patients with:

• A history of thrombotic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Breast cancer or estrogen/progestin-dependent tumors.
• Liver disease or liver tumors.
• Known or suspected pregnancy.
• Smokers over the age of 35, due to an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Patients using Camrese Lo should be advised to:

• Take the pill at the same time every day, as consistency improves the effectiveness of the medication. Missing doses can increase the risk of pregnancy.
• Use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the first 7 days of starting Camrese Lo or if a dose is missed.
• Be aware that Camrese Lo does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Barrier methods like condoms should be used for protection against STIs.
• Report any unusual symptoms, such as severe headaches, chest pain, or leg swelling, to their healthcare provider immediately, as these could indicate serious side effects like blood clots.
• If vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 3-4 hours of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible and use backup contraception if necessary.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Irregular spotting or bleeding
• Weight gain or fluid retention

• Blood Clots: Symptoms include leg pain or swelling, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
• Stroke or Heart Attack: Especially in women who smoke and are over 35.
• Liver Problems: Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• High Blood Pressure: Regular blood pressure monitoring is advised.

Increased Risk of Blood Clots: The use of estrogen-containing birth control pills is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, heart attacks, and strokes, especially in smokers over the age of 35.

Breast Cancer: Women with a personal or family history of breast cancer or hormone-sensitive cancers should use caution when considering combination hormonal contraceptives.

Breakthrough Bleeding: Some women may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding during the first few cycles, which typically resolves as the body adjusts to the hormone levels.

Liver Tumors: Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives has been associated with benign liver tumors, though this is rare.

Camrese Lo may interact with other medications, including:

• Antibiotics (Rifampin): Can reduce the effectiveness of Camrese Lo.
• Anticonvulsants: Medications like phenytoin or carbamazepine may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
• St. John's Wort: Can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and lead to breakthrough bleeding or an increased risk of pregnancy.
• Antifungals: Some antifungal medications can reduce the effectiveness of the pill.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Alternative forms of contraception include:

• Other Extended-Cycle Oral Contraceptives: Such as Seasonique, which also reduces the frequency of periods.
• Combination Oral Contraceptives: Taken on a 28-day cycle with monthly periods.
• Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs): Such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or contraceptive implants.
• Barrier Methods: Such as condoms or diaphragms.
• Progestin-Only Pills (Mini-pills): For women who cannot take estrogen due to contraindications.

The choice of contraception depends on the individual’s health, lifestyle, and reproductive needs.