1. Start on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins.
   
   
2. Take one pill daily at the same time every day.
   
   
3. After finishing the 21 active pills, take the 7 reminder pills (you will usually have your period during this time).
   
   
4. Start your next pack on time, even if your period hasn’t ended.
   
   

If you miss a pill:

• One pill missed: Take it as soon as you remember.
  
  
• Two or more missed: Follow the instructions in the package insert and use backup birth control (like condoms) for 7 days.
  
  

Finzala prevents pregnancy in three main ways:

1. Stops ovulation – the pill stops your ovaries from releasing an egg.
   
   
2. Thickens cervical mucus – making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
   
   
3. Changes the lining of the uterus – making it less likely for a fertilized egg to attach.
   
   

When taken correctly, Finzala is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, with typical use (missing pills, taking at different times), it’s about 91% effective.

Most people do well on Finzala, but like all medicines, it can cause side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
  
  
• Breast tenderness
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Spotting between periods
  
  
• Mood changes
  
  
• Weight gain or changes in appetite
  
  

Serious Side Effects (rare):

• Blood clots
  
  
• High blood pressure
  
  
• Heart attack or stroke (especially in smokers over age 35)
  
  
• Liver problems
  
  
• Vision changes
  
  

Seek medical help immediately if you notice:

• Chest pain
  
  
• Trouble breathing
  
  
• Sudden leg pain/swelling
  
  
• Severe headaches or vision loss
  
  

Do not use Finzala if you:

• Are pregnant
  
  
• Have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack
  
  
• Are a smoker over age 35
  
  
• Have high blood pressure not controlled by medicine
  
  
• Have breast cancer or certain liver diseases
  
  

Use with caution if you:

• Have diabetes
  
  
• Experience migraines with aura
  
  
• Have gallbladder disease
  
  
• Are taking medications that affect hormone levels
  
  

Always have a medical check-up before starting Finzala and tell your doctor about your full health history.

Finzala may interact with:

• Antibiotics (some types, like rifampin)
  
  
• Anti-seizure medicines (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine)
  
  
• HIV medications
  
  
• Herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort
  
  

These interactions may reduce the effectiveness of the pill. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.

• Take one pill daily, at the same time each day.
  
  
• Each pack has 28 pills (21 with hormones, 7 without).
  
  
• Don’t skip any pills, even if you are not sexually active at the time.
  
  
• If you miss a pill, follow the instructions in the patient guide or call your doctor or pharmacist.
  
  

For best protection, always use a backup method (like condoms) for at least 7 days if pills are missed.

Finzala is a prescription-only medicine. You must see a healthcare provider to:

• Discuss your medical history
  
  
• Check for any risks (like high blood pressure or blood clot risk)
  
  
• Get instructions on how to use it safely
  
  

You may need yearly check-ups to continue using Finzala, including blood pressure checks and sometimes lab tests.

• What is Finzala used for?
  It is a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) used to prevent pregnancy.
  It may also help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce period cramps, and decrease acne in some users.

• What are the brand names?
  Finzala® (U.S. brand).

• What is the active ingredient?
  Norethindrone acetate (1 mg) — a progestin
  Ethinyl estradiol (20 mcg) — an estrogen

• How does Finzala work?

  • Prevents ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary).

  • Thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.

  • Thins the uterine lining, reducing the chance of implantation.

• What type of medication is it?
  A combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing estrogen and progestin.

• How is Finzala taken?

  • One tablet daily at the same time each day.

  • Each pack contains 28 tablets:

    • 24 active pills (with hormones)

    • 4 inactive (placebo) pills — during which withdrawal bleeding occurs.

• What are the available strengths?

  • 1 mg norethindrone acetate / 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol per tablet.

• When does Finzala start working?

  • If started on Day 1 of your period — effective immediately.

  • If started at any other time — use backup contraception for the first 7 days.

• What are the common side effects?

  • Nausea

  • Breast tenderness

  • Headache

  • Breakthrough bleeding or spotting

  • Bloating

  • Mood changes

• Are there serious side effects?
  Rare but serious risks include:

  • Blood clots (DVT, PE)

  • Stroke or heart attack (especially in smokers over 35)

  • High blood pressure

  • Liver problems

  • Gallbladder disease

• Who should not take Finzala?

  • Women who smoke and are over 35 years old

  • Those with a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease

  • Breast cancer or hormone-sensitive tumors

  • Liver disease or liver tumors

  • Uncontrolled hypertension

  • Known pregnancy

• Can Finzala cause weight gain?
  Some users may experience minor water retention or appetite changes, but significant weight gain is uncommon.

• Can Finzala help with acne?
  Yes — by balancing hormone levels, it can reduce androgen activity, improving acne in some users.

• Can I use Finzala while breastfeeding?
  Not recommended — estrogen may reduce milk production. A progestin-only pill is usually preferred during breastfeeding.

• Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
  Yes, but excessive drinking can reduce pill effectiveness if vomiting or missed doses occur.

• Does Finzala interact with other medications?
  Yes — effectiveness may decrease with:

  • Certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin)

  • Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, topiramate)

  • HIV medications

  • St. John’s wort (herbal supplement)

• What if I miss a pill?

  • Missed 1 active pill: Take as soon as remembered, continue normally.

  • Missed 2 or more: Take the most recent missed pill ASAP, discard the others, and use backup contraception for 7 days.

  • If missed pills occurred during the last week of active tablets, skip placebos and start a new pack immediately.

• Can Finzala be used to skip periods?
  Yes — skip the 4 inactive pills and start a new pack immediately to delay menstruation.

• How should I store Finzala?
  Store at room temperature (20°C–25°C / 68°F–77°F), away from heat and moisture.

• Is there a generic available?
  Yes — Finzala is equivalent to Lo Loestrin Fe and other low-dose norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol generics.

• Where can I get it?
  Available by prescription only at most pharmacies.