Starting Femynor:
- Day 1 start: Take your first pill on the first day of your period.
- Sunday start: Start the pill on the Sunday after your period begins. Use a backup method (like condoms) for the first 7 days.
Daily Use:
- Take one pill each day, at the same time.
- Continue through all 28 pills, even during your period.
- Do not skip any pills, even the inactive ones.
Missed Pills:
- Missed 1 active pill: Take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the regular time.
- Missed 2 or more active pills: Take the most recent missed pill right away and continue the pack. Use backup contraception for 7 days.
If you are unsure what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Femynor prevents pregnancy using three main actions:
- Prevents ovulation – The pill stops your ovaries from releasing an egg every month. No egg means no chance for fertilization.
- Thickens cervical mucus – The pill makes the mucus in your cervix thicker, so sperm cannot reach the egg.
- Thins the uterine lining – This makes it hard for a fertilized egg to attach and grow.
When used correctly, Femynor is over 99% effective. However, typical use (missing pills sometimes) reduces its effectiveness to about 91%.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain or bloating
- Mood changes
- Spotting between periods
These usually improve within the first few months as your body adjusts.
Serious Side Effects (rare but serious):
- Blood clots in legs or lungs
- Stroke or heart attack
- Liver problems
- Gallbladder disease
- High blood pressure
- Vision changes
Seek emergency help if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Leg pain or swelling
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Vision loss or sudden headache
The risk of these side effects is higher in women over 35 who smoke.
Do NOT use Femynor if:
- You are over 35 and smoke
- You have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease
- You have or had breast, uterine, or liver cancer
- You are pregnant or think you might be
- You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
Use with caution if you have:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Migraine headaches
- A family history of blood clots
Your doctor may recommend regular tests such as:
- Blood pressure checks
- Breast exams
- Pap smears
- Liver function tests
Always discuss your full medical history before starting Femynor.
Certain medications and herbs may make Femynor less effective. These include:
- Antibiotics like rifampin
- Epilepsy medications like carbamazepine or phenytoin
- HIV drugs
- St. John’s Wort (an herbal supplement)
Always tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Femynor.
Femynor packs contain:
- 21 active pills (contain hormones)
- 7 inactive pills (no hormones)
Follow this dosage cycle:
- Take one pill daily for 21 days (active)
- Then take one pill daily for 7 days (inactive)
- Start a new pack immediately after finishing the last pill
Do not skip days between packs. Missing pills increases your risk of pregnancy. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs soon after taking a pill, it may not be absorbed. Use backup contraception in those situations.
If you frequently forget pills, consider a reminder alarm or app, or ask your doctor about other methods like the patch or IUD.
Femynor is not available over the counter. You must:
- Visit a doctor or clinic
- Discuss your medical history
- Possibly get a pelvic exam or other health checks
The doctor will check:
- Your blood pressure
- Your risk for blood clots or heart problems
- Any medications you’re currently taking
If approved, you may get a prescription for:
- 1 month
- 3 months
- 12 months (depending on your health plan)
You’ll need follow-up check-ups once or twice a year to stay on the medication safely.