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Drospirenone (Contraceptive)

Pronounced

"droe-SPYE-re-none"

Common brand names:

Slynd

Uses

This medication is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains the hormone drospirenone (a progestin).

Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills may make your periods more regular, decrease blood loss and painful periods, and decrease your risk of ovarian cysts.

Using this product does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). To decrease your risk of infection, always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condom/dental dams) during all sexual activity.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information on when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill at the same time each day.

Begin taking this medication on the first day of your menstrual period. Keep taking one tablet every day. Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of the day than usual.

If you have vomiting or diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours after taking your tablet, follow the directions in the Patient Information Leaflet for what to do if you miss a dose. Vomiting or diarrhea can prevent your birth control pills from working well. If vomiting or diarrhea continues, use a backup birth control method (such as condoms, spermicide) and check with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help if you have stomach upset or nausea with the medication. You may choose to take this medication at another time of day that is easier for you to remember. No matter what dosing schedule you use, it is very important that you take this medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart.

Your pill pack contains 24 pills with active medication. It also contains 4 reminder pills with no medication. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 24 days in a row. Take an inactive pill once daily for 4 days in a row after you have taken the last active pill unless otherwise directed by your doctor. After you have taken the last inactive tablet in the pack or gone 4 days without taking an active tablet, start a new pack the next day even if your period is continuing or if you do not have your period. If you do not get your period, consult your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about how to switch from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as patch, other birth control pills) to this product. If any information is unclear, consult the Patient Information Leaflet or your doctor or pharmacist.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.