Drospirenone - ethinyl estradiol is a progestin (drospirenone) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) combination birth control pill used for the prevention of pregnancy. The ingredients of the medication work by preventing ovulation and by causing changes in the mucus of the cervix that make it difficult for sperm to penetrate into the uterus and in the endometrium that makes it difficult for an egg to implant.

21-day pack: Take 1 tablet daily for 21 days, then take no pills for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.

Talk with your doctor about the best time to start your pills.
It is very important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss pills at any time, the risk of becoming pregnant increases.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication.
abdominal cramping or bloating
acne (usually less common after three months of treatment, and may improve if acne already exists)
back pain
breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
diarrhea
dizziness
nausea and vomiting
nervousness
swelling of ankles and feet
unusual tiredness or weakness

Check with your physician if you experience any of the following:
changes in your bleeding pattern during periods or between periods, such as:
decreased bleeding during periods
breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods
prolonged bleeding during periods
complete stopping of menstrual bleeding that occurs over several months in a row
occasional stopping of menstrual bleeding
depression
headaches or migraines (although headaches may lessen in many users, in others, they may increase in number or become worse)
increased blood pressure
signs of a liver problem (such as yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, or itchy skin)
swelling, pain, or tenderness in upper abdominal area
vaginal infection with vaginal itching or irritation, or thick, white, or curd-like discharge
for women with a history of breast disease:
lumps in breast

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

seizure
sharp chest pain, coughing up of blood, sudden shortness of breath
pain in the calf
crushing chest pain or heavy feeling
redness, tenderness, itching, burning, or peeling of skin
sudden severe or worsening headache; vomiting; dizziness; fainting; vision or speech problems; weakness or numbness in arm or leg
sudden loss of vision (partly or completely)
signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing; hives swelling of the face or throat)

The following may affect how drospirenone - ethinyl estradiol works or increase the risk of side effects:

angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors; e.g., ramipril, lisinopril, or enalapril)
angiotensin-II receptor blockers (e.g., candesartan, losartan)
antacids (when taken within two hours of the medication)
antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, metronidazole, penicillin, neomycin, nitrofurantoin, rifampin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines)
anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, ethosuximide, phenobarbitol, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate)
barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam)
clofibrate
certain diuretics (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene)
griseofulvin
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen)
other sedatives and hypnotics (e.g., chloral hydrate, glutethimide, meprobamate)
potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt subsititutes
St. John's wort

If you are taking any other medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
stop taking one of the medications,
change one of the medications to another,
change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
leave everything as is.

Descriptions
Women who use this product should not smoke.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious heart problems associated with use of this medication.
Women who are older than 35 years old have a greater risk.

Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose.
Consult your health care professional about your missed dose.

This medication is used primarily for birth control, however, your doctor may prescribe it for other conditions as well.

Store at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F) away from heat and moisture.

This medication should not be taken by anyone who:

has or has had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic (blood clotting) disorders
has or has had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., stroke)
has had a heart attack
has or has had coronary artery disease
has active liver disease
has or has had benign or malignant liver tumours
has had jaundice (yellowing of skin) with pregnancy or with prior pill use
has, has had, or may have breast cancer
has, has had, or may have an endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining) or another type of tumour that needs estrogen to grow
has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
has any eye damage resulting from vascular (blood vessel) disease of the eye, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields
is or may be pregnant
has reduced kidney function
has reduced liver function
has hormonesproblems with the adrenal gland
has severe or multiple risk factors for blood clots:
diabetes with blood vessel involvement
severe high blood pressure
severe high cholesterol
has inherited or acquired blood clotting disorders
has or has had migraines with aura
is a heavy smoker (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and is over the age of 35
is allergic to drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, or any ingredients of the medication
has a condition that increases their risk of high potassium levels (such as kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems)