USES
To get the most out of Charlotte 24 Fe in preventing pregnancy, use it correctly. Here’s how to do it:
Take it at the same time every day: Pick an hour that fits your schedule perfectly and take this pill at approximately the same hour each day.
Start your first pack: If you are starting Charlotte 24 Fe for the first time, you may begin taking it on the first day of your period or as directed by your healthcare provider. If you start it on a different day, additional contraception (such as condoms) may be needed for the first 7 days of use.
Continue the regimen: Take one active pill every day for 24 days. After you have finished the active pills, take the remaining 4 inactive pills (placebo) for the next 4 days.
Start the next pack: If you are in a 28-day cycle, begin a new pack the next day after finishing the previous cycle, even if you are still having withdrawal bleeding.
If you missed a pill or took a pill late, follow the instructions on the package or see your health care provider so that the pill works. The risk of getting pregnant is higher if you missed pills or took some pills late, and extra contraception like condoms may be needed.
WORKING
Charlotte 24 Fe works in various ways to help prevent pregnancy.
Prevents Ovulation: Charlotte 24 Fe stops the eggs from coming out of the ovaries. This ensures that no eggs are left inside the female’s body to be fertilized by sperms.
Makes cervical mucus thick: Charlotte 24 Fe progestin changes the cervical mucus into an uninviting environment for sperms; thus, no sperms pass through the cervix and reaches any egg present in the reproductive system.
Changes the uterine lining: The hormonal shifts also thicken the lining of the uterus, meaning there is less chance that an embryo will be able to implant and start developing inside a woman’s body.
All three combine to result in highly effective contraception if taken correctly.
SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medications, Charlotte 24 Fe may cause side effects. Common side effects include:
Nausea: Some users may experience mild nausea, especially in the first few months of use.
Breast tenderness: Hormonal imbalances cause cases of sensitivity or tenderness in the breasts.
Headaches: Such imbalances lead to headaches or migraines in some women.
Mood changes: Some women experience mood swings, depression, or irritability during this period.
Weight changes: Some users experience weight gain or bloating.
Changes in menstrual bleeding: Spotting or breakthrough bleeding is common, especially during the initial months.
Serious side effects are rare, but can occur. Seek medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
Severe abdominal pain
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling, which could be symptoms of a blood clot
- Severe headaches or visual disturbances, which could be symptoms of a stroke or migraine
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
WARNINGS
It is recommended that before the initiation of Charlotte 24 Fe, any medical conditions or risk factors you may have are reported to your healthcare provider. Some warnings and precautions include:
Smoking: Women who smoke and are more than 35 years old have a greater chance of having major cardiovascular effects that may cause blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
History of blood clots or stroke: Charlotte 24 Fe will not be used in individuals who have history of blood clots, stroke, and specific heart diseases.
Uncontrolled hypertension: Combination oral contraceptives, such as Charlotte 24 Fe, should not be used in women who suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Liver disease: Women who suffer from liver diseases are usually not given Charlotte 24 Fe because of safety reasons.
Breast cancer or estrogen-sensitive cancers: Avoid Charlotte 24 Fe if you have breast cancer or other estrogen-sensitive cancers in the past.
Always follow up with your health care provider to determine if Charlotte 24 Fe is safe for you.
INTERACTIONS
Certain medications may reduce the effectiveness of Charlotte 24 Fe, including:
Hormones can be affected by antibiotics, especially rifampin, and antifungal medications.
Some anticonvulsants prescribed for epilepsy can decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Examples include carbamazepine and phenytoin.
St. John’s Wort: This herbal supplement is a common treatment for depression and may also decrease the effectiveness of Charlotte 24 Fe.
Charlotte 24 Fe may also interact with some HIV, tuberculosis, or fungal infection medications. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the medications and supplements you are taking before starting Charlotte 24 Fe.
DOSAGE
Charlotte 24 Fe can be taken one time per day at the same time each day. The important thing is that the pill will only be successful in preventing pregnancy if taken precisely as prescribed.
Day 1-24: One active pill needs to be consumed daily for 24 days, and each tablet contains both estrogen and progestin hormones.
Day 25–28: After finishing the 24 active pills, take one inactive (placebo) pill per day for 4 days. This maintains the pill-taking routine and allows for withdrawal bleeding (similar to a menstrual period).
Starting the next pack: After finishing the 28-pill cycle, begin the next pack the following day, even if withdrawal bleeding has not fully stopped.
The usual dose of Charlotte 24 Fe is one tablet per day. Take the tablets in sequence as indicated on the package label. The first 24 tablets contain hormones, and the last 4 tablets are placebo. Continue taking the placebo tablets to keep up the habit and avoid missing a dose.
PRESCRIPTION
Charlotte 24 Fe can only be prescribed by a healthcare provider. A healthcare provider should assess whether this form of contraception is appropriate for you, given your medical history, lifestyle, and preferences.
FAQ's
1. What is Charlotte 24 Fe?
Charlotte 24 Fe is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing estrogen and progestin used to prevent pregnancy.
2. What does the “24 Fe” mean in Charlotte 24 Fe?
“24” indicates 24 active hormone pills, and “Fe” refers to 4 iron (ferrous) tablets included to prevent anemia during the pill-free days.
3. How does Charlotte 24 Fe work?
It prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and alters the uterine lining to reduce the chance of pregnancy.
4. How is Charlotte 24 Fe taken?
One pill is taken daily at the same time, for 24 consecutive days of hormones followed by 4 days of iron tablets.
5. What should I do if I miss a dose of Charlotte 24 Fe?
Take the missed pill as soon as you remember; follow the specific instructions in the leaflet depending on how many pills were missed.
6. Can Charlotte 24 Fe protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No, it does not protect against STIs; use condoms for STI protection.
7. Who should not use Charlotte 24 Fe?
Women with blood clotting disorders, certain cancers, liver disease, or who are pregnant should avoid it.
8. What are common side effects of Charlotte 24 Fe?
Nausea, headache, breast tenderness, spotting, and mood changes are common side effects.
9. Can Charlotte 24 Fe cause weight gain?
Some users report weight changes, but evidence linking it directly to significant weight gain is limited.
10. Is Charlotte 24 Fe suitable for breastfeeding women?
Typically not recommended during breastfeeding; consult a healthcare provider.
11. How soon after starting Charlotte 24 Fe is contraception effective?
If started on day 1 of the cycle, protection is immediate; if started later, use backup contraception for 7 days.
12. Can Charlotte 24 Fe be used to regulate periods?
Yes, it can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding.
13. Does Charlotte 24 Fe affect mood or mental health?
Hormonal contraceptives can affect mood in some women; report severe mood changes to your doctor.
14. Can I drink alcohol while taking Charlotte 24 Fe?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe but check with your doctor.
15. Does Charlotte 24 Fe interact with other medications?
Yes, some antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort can reduce its effectiveness.
16. Can Charlotte 24 Fe be used for acne treatment?
Combined oral contraceptives can help reduce acne in some women.
17. What happens if I vomit after taking Charlotte 24 Fe?
If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking the pill, effectiveness may be reduced; take another pill if possible.
18. Can Charlotte 24 Fe be taken continuously?
Some doctors may recommend continuous use to skip periods, but follow medical advice.
19. How should Charlotte 24 Fe be stored?
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct heat.
20. Where can I get Charlotte 24 Fe?
Available by prescription at pharmacies and healthcare providers.