Health Conditions

Contraindications

Combination oral contraceptives should not be used by women who are pregnant. They should also be avoided by women who have or have ever had:

• Blood clots or a clotting disorder
• Breast cancer
• Heart disease
• Impaired liver function
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes) with pregnancy or with previous COC use
• Liver cancer
• Stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack)
• Unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding

Precautions

Women with any of the following conditions should discuss the use of COCs with a healthcare professional and then use COCs with caution:

• Active gallbladder disease
• Age over 35 years and a heavy smoker (15 or more cigarettes a day)
• Age over 40 years with another risk factor for heart disease
• Age over 45 years without risk factors for heart disease
• Breast-feeding
• Completion of a full-term pregnancy within the past 10 to 14 days
• Depression or a history of depression
• Diabetes, high blood sugar, or a strong family history of diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Inability to notice danger signs* or remember to take medication
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Kidney disease
• Major injury to lower leg(s)
• Major surgery scheduled for the next 4 weeks
• Migraines or other chronic severe headaches
• Mononucleosis ("mono")
• Prolonged periods of inactivity (such as bed rest after major surgery)
• Seizure disorder
• Sickle-cell disease
• Use of antibiotics (especially rifampin) without other forms of contraception
• Varicose veins
• Weight gain of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or more while on COCs

* Danger signs include (ACHES)
Abdominal (stomach) pain
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
Headaches
Eye problems such as blurred vision, flashing lights, or blindness
Severe leg, calf, or thigh pain

<< Back

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.