Lo Ovral: Dosage, Uses, Interactions, Precautions, And FAQs

What Is Lo Ovral?

Lo Ovral is a combination birth control pill. It contains Ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel. Both the ingredients are female hormones. These stop the release of mature eggs from ovaries. Thus, the medication prevents ovulation. It also changes the uterine lining and cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy.

The sperm finds it harder to reach the uterus. It also cannot fertilize the egg. If the egg is fertilized, the same cannot implant in the uterus. This is how Lo Ovral disallows a pregnancy from taking place. Apart from serving the purpose of a contraceptive, it has other uses as well.

In the below post, we will discuss Lo Ovral dosage, missed dose, other conditions that the medicine treats, things to consider, interactions, and frequently asked questions.

Lo Ovral Dosage

The 28-day birth control pill pack contains 21 active pills (hormonal ones). The remaining 7 pills are a reminder or placebo pills. These are non-hormonal. You have to start with reminder pills after the completion of 21 active pills. Take only one non-hormonal tablet a day from 22nd to 28th day.

You can even purchase a 21-day Lo Ovral birth control. Here, there are only 21 active pills. The pack does not contain 7 reminder pills. If you are using the 28-day treatment, expect the withdrawal bleeding usually when on reminder pills.

You need to follow your doctor’s instructions about dosage. Follow the indications as per the prescription label. Here are the guidelines on how to take Lo Ovral birth control pill:

• Take the first pill orally on day 1 of period
• You can also start with the medicine on the first Sunday following the periods
• In the beginning, you may have to use a back-up contraceptive
• The options to it are spermicide or condoms
• Take a pill every day at the same time
• After finishing the pack, start with a new one the following day
• If you miss a dose/s, then the risk of conceiving will increase
• So, refill the medicine and do not run out of the medicine

You may get breakthrough bleeding in the initial 3 months of using the contraceptive. If the bleeding continues or is heavy, inform your doctor. If you encounter diarrhea or severe vomiting, then use back-up birth control. You may have to stop the medication for a short time given an illness or surgery.

What Happens on Missing a Dose?

You must follow the prescription instructions carefully. This will allow you to not forget to take the pill on time. Missing Lo Ovral birth control dose can increase the risk of pregnancy. This is true if you miss taking an active pill. Here is more information on what to do if you miss a dose or more:

• Week 1 or 2: If you forget one dose, you can take 2 pills on the day you remember. After this, take a tablet per day till the remaining pack finishes off. If you miss 2 active pills consecutively in week 1 or 2, then consume 2 pills every day for the next two days. But following this, you can take one tablet per day from the rest of the pack. It is advisable to use a condom or spermicide for at least a week following missing a dose.
• Week 3: If you forget to take 2 active pills consecutively in the 3rd week, then dispose of the remaining pack. You have to then start with a new pack of Lo Ovral the same day. This is required if you are a day 1 starter. But, if you started the birth control pill pack on a Sunday, then take a pill each day till Sunday. On this day then dispose of the rest of the pack. Post this, start with the new medication pack the same day.
• Missing 3 Pills in a Row: If you forget to take 3 active pills consecutively in week 1, 2, or 3, do away with the remaining pack. Now start with the new pack of Lo Ovral if you had started the course on day 1. If you had started on a Sunday, then take a pill every day till it is Sunday. On this day, throw the pack away. Then you have to start with a new medicine pack the same day. If you forget 2 or more active pills, then you may not get withdrawal bleeding in that month. However, you may experience breakthrough bleeding.

In case you do not get periods for 2 months consecutively, there is a chance you are pregnant. You can get a pregnancy kit at home and check if you have conceived. Or, you can contact a doctor to understand if you are pregnant. There is nothing to worry about if you miss a reminder pill.

Lo Ovral Uses: Other Conditions That It Treats

The doctor may prescribe Lo Ovral birth control for other conditions as well:

• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Pain during menstruation
• Acne
• Postcoital contraception
• A disease with ovarian cysts
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Long, abnormal, or heavy periods
• Absence of periods
• Premenstrual disorder
• Hypogonadism or low levels of female hormones

Precautions To Take

Before you take the birth control pill, here is what you must tell your doctor:

• Liver disease, tumor, or cancer
• Blood circulation or clotting problem
• Severe migraine headache with numbness, aura, vision changes
• Uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Heart disease such as heart valve disorder, coronary artery disease, etc
• History of stroke, heart attack, blood clot
• Problems with kidneys, eyes, or blood circulation due to diabetes
• Previous jaundice due to birth control pills or pregnancy
• If you are over 35 years of age and smoke
• History of hormone-related cancer or uterus or breast

It is not advisable to take Lo Ovral contraceptive if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. The doctor may have to adjust your dosage given certain health conditions. So, you must tell him/her if you have:

• Gallbladder disease
• Previous depression
• Varicose veins or high blood pressure
• Past fibrocystic breast disease, nodules, lumps, or an abnormal mammogram
• Diabetes, tuberculosis, underactive thyroid
• Indications of the irregular menstrual cycle
• Epilepsy or seizure
• If you are overweight
• High triglyceride or cholesterol

Medicines That Interact with Lo Ovral

A few medicines can reduce the efficacy of the birth control pill. The interactions can increase the chances of a pregnancy. So, if you are using any of the following medicines, inform your doctor beforehand:

• Tuberculosis medicine or antibiotics
• Medications for seizures
• Bosentan (Tracleer)
• St. John’s Wort
• Medications for HIV, Hepatitis, AIDS
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and others
• Tizanidine, tranexamic acid, dantrolene
• Any vitamin, over-the-counter or herbal product

Lo Ovral FAQs

Here are Lo Ovral birth control FAQs:

1. Can oral contraceptives cause an abortion?

An oral contraceptive can only stop you from conceiving. But it cannot eliminate an existing pregnancy. It is also not preferable to keep using birth control pills if you are pregnant. To terminate a pregnancy, you can either take abortion pills or go in for a surgical procedure.

2. What happens on overdose?

If you increase the dosage of Lo Ovral pills, it may lead to serious side effects. Thus, you must take the medicine as per the prescribed dosage only.

3. Is Lo Ovral effective for teens?

Teenagers can take this contraceptive. It is short-term birth control. You can stop it anytime and plan for pregnancy. You can also use a barrier method like a condom during intercourse. This will also prevent you from conceiving.

In Conclusion

Lo Ovral is an effective birth control pill. It can suit people of all age groups. This is a combination pill, which has two types of female hormones. It has a high success rate and is widely available in the market. You can buy Lo Ovral from a trusted and authentic online medical stores like ours or from a physical pharmacy.