Health Conditions

Contraindications

The progestin-only pill should not be used by women who are pregnant and women with:

• Acute liver disease
• Blood clots or a clotting disorder
• Breast cancer
• Cervical or vagina cancer
• Incomplete abortion
• Liver disease, including liver tumors
• Phlebitis (vein inflammation that often forms blood clots)
• Previous ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg that has implanted outside the uterus)
• Stroke
• Unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding

Precautions

Progestin-only pills should be used with caution by breast-feeding women and those who have or have ever had:

• Active gallbladder disease
• Age over 40 years with another risk factor for heart disease
• Diabetes, high blood sugar, or a strong family history of diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Inability to notice danger signs*
• Inability to remember that medication must be taken at the same time every day
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Major injury to lower leg(s), with or without a long cast
• Major surgery scheduled in the next 4 weeks
• Migraines or other chronic severe headaches
• Mononucleosis ("mono")
• Prolonged periods of inactivity (such as bed rest after surgery)
• Sickle-cell disease
• Use of antibiotics (especially rifampin) without other forms of contraception

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

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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.