Isibloom is basically a combination hormone medication used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones: a progestin and an estrogen. In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control pills like Isibloom can offer several other benefits, including:
- Regulating menstrual cycles
- Reducing blood loss and pain during periods
- Lowering the risk of ovarian cysts
- Treating acne
It’s crucial to note that while birth control pills are effective in preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
Here’s how to use Isibloom effectively:
- Patient Information Leaflet: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting the medication and each time you get a refill. This leaflet contains important instructions on when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose.
- Take as Directed: Take the medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Choose a time that is convenient for you, and strive to take the pill at the same time every day.
- Chewable Tablets: If you are taking the chewable tablet form, you can either swallow it whole or chew it thoroughly and then swallow it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for your specific brand.
- Consistency: It’s crucial to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. With some brands of birth control pills, the amount of hormones may vary at different times in the cycle.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, these can affect the effectiveness of your birth control pills. You may need to use a backup birth control method, such as condoms or spermicide. Refer to the Patient Information
- Stomach Upset: Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime can help reduce stomach upset or nausea. You can choose a dosing schedule that suits you, but it’s crucial to take the pill at the same time each day, 24 hours apart. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Pill Pack: Your pill pack contains 21 pills with active medication, and it may also include 7 reminder pills with no medication. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 21 days in a row. If you are using a product with 28 tablets, take an inactive pill once daily for 7 days in a row after you have taken the last active pill, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- First-Time Use: If you are using this medication for the first time and are not transitioning from another form of hormonal birth control (e.g., patch or other birth control pills), take the first tablet in the pack on the first Sunday following the start of your menstrual period or on the first day of your period. If your period starts on a Sunday, begin taking this medication on that day.
It’s crucial to use Isibloom as directed to ensure its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
If you are considering switching from other forms of hormonal birth control, such as a birth control patch or other birth control pills, to Isibloom, it is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Isibloom Side Effects
When taking Isibloom, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects. Some of the common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Ankle/foot swelling (fluid retention)
- Weight changes
You may also experience vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting) or irregular periods, especially during the initial months of use. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, it is advisable to inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Also, if you miss two periods in a row or one period if you haven’t used the pill correctly, it’s important to contact your doctor for a pregnancy test.
It’s worth noting that this medication has been prescribed to you because your doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the potential risks of side effects. Many people who use this medication do not experience serious side effects.
There are, however, some less common but more serious side effects to be aware of:
- Breast lumps
- Mental/mood changes (e.g., new or worsening depression)
- Severe stomach or abdominal pain
- Unusual changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g., continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding, missed periods)
- Dark urine
- Yellowing of the eyes/skin
Isibloom may also rarely lead to serious, and sometimes fatal, issues related to blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following:
- Chest/jaw/left arm pain
- Confusion
- Sudden dizziness or fainting
- Pain/swelling/warmth in the groin or calf
- Difficulty speaking
- Sudden shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Unusual headaches, including those with vision changes, lack of coordination, worsening of migraines, or sudden and severe headaches
- Unusual sweating
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Vision problems or changes, like double vision, partial or complete blindness
While very serious allergic reactions to this medication are rare, it’s essential to be vigilant. Seek immediate medical assistance if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
This list does not cover all potential side effects, so if you experience any effects not mentioned here, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the United States, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Warnings
A crucial safety consideration when using Isibloom or other hormonal birth control methods is related to smoking and tobacco use, particularly if you are over 35 years old.
It is strongly advised not to use this medication if you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products for several important reasons:
Elevated Health Risks: Smoking significantly raises your risk of experiencing serious health problems, including but not limited to:
These health risks are compounded when smoking is combined with hormonal birth control methods such as birth control pills, patches, or rings.
Age and Smoking: The risk of these serious health issues increases with age. As you get older, the potential dangers associated with smoking and hormonal birth control become more pronounced.
Number of Cigarettes: The risk is also influenced by the number of cigarettes you smoke. The more you smoke, the greater the risk becomes.
To safeguard your health and well-being, it is essential not to smoke or use tobacco products while using hormonal birth control methods, especially if you are over 35 years old.
If you have concerns or need guidance related to smoking and birth control, consult your healthcare provider, who can offer advice tailored to your specific situation.
Precautions
Before using Isibloom, it is important to disclose certain medical and allergy-related information to your doctor or pharmacist. Here are the key considerations:
Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any estrogens (e.g., ethinyl estradiol, mestranol) or any progestins (e.g., norethindrone, desogestrel), or if you have any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that could potentially trigger allergic reactions or other issues.
Medical History: Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of or currently experience the following conditions:
- Blood clots (e.g., in the legs, eyes, or lungs)
- Blood clotting disorders, such as protein C or protein S deficiency
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal breast exams
- Cancer (particularly endometrial or breast cancer)
- High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Family or personal history of a specific swelling disorder (angioedema)
- Gallbladder problems
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Heart problems (e.g., heart valve disease, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack)
- A history of yellowing eyes/skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease (including tumors)
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Swelling (edema)
- Thyroid problems
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
In case, you have diabetes, be aware that this medication may affect your blood sugar levels. It is essential to monitor your blood sugar regularly as directed by your healthcare provider and report any symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst and urination.
- Chewable Tablets: If you are prescribed chewable tablets, be aware that they may contain sugar and/or aspartame. This is particularly important if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit or avoid these substances in your diet.
- Surgery or Prolonged Immobility: Inform your healthcare provider if you have had or will be having surgery or if you will be confined to a bed or chair for an extended period, such as during a long plane flight. These conditions can increase your risk of developing blood clots, especially when using hormonal birth control. You may need to temporarily discontinue this medication or take specific precautions.
- Before Surgery: Prior to undergoing surgery or dental procedures, make sure to disclose all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products, to your healthcare provider. This information is crucial for ensuring your safety and proper medical management.
- Melasma: Be aware that this medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin, a condition known as melasma. Exposure to sunlight can exacerbate this effect. To mitigate the risk, limit your time in the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
- Vision Changes: If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may experience vision problems or have difficulty wearing your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these issues arise.
- Pregnancy: Isibloom should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. If you have recently given birth or experienced a pregnancy loss or abortion after the first 3 months, consult with your doctor about reliable forms of birth control and determine when it is safe to start using birth control that contains estrogen, such as this medication.
- Breastfeeding: This medication may reduce breast milk production, and a small amount may pass into breast milk, potentially leading to undesirable effects in a nursing infant. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Providing this information to your healthcare provider is essential to ensure that Isibloom is safe and appropriate for your specific circumstances. It also helps your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment.
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