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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate (Beyaz, Safyral)?

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions:

• a heart valve disorder, blood-clotting disorder, uncontrolled high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, or severe migraine headaches;
• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your leg, lung, or eye);
• problems with your eyes, kidneys, or circulation caused by diabetes;
• kidney disease or adrenal gland disorder;
• liver disease or liver cancer;
• unusual vaginal bleeding;
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer;
• a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy; or
• if you are 35 or older and you smoke.

To make sure you can safely take drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• high blood pressure or heart disease;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• high levels of potassium in your blood;
• gallbladder disease;
• diabetes;
• seizures or epilepsy; or
• a history of depression.

FDA pregnancy category X. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

The hormones in this medicine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate (Beyaz, Safyral)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor's instructions).

Use back-up birth control (condoms or spermicide), for the first 7 days of using this medication.

The 28-day birth control pack contains reminder pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.

Take one pill with every evening meal or at bedtime, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.

You may have breakthrough bleeding. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

If you need surgery or medical tests or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time (starting 4 weeks before a surgery). Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using birth control pills.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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