How does Janya (Ethinylestradiol / Drospirenone) work:

Janya (Ethinylestradiol / Drospirenone) is used to prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control. When taken correctly (without missing tablets) the chance of becoming pregnant is very low.

Janya is a combined oral contraceptive. Each small hormonal tablet contains a small amount of two different female hormones. These are drospirenone and ethinylestradiol. Because of the small amount of hormones, Janya is considered a low-dose combined oral contraceptive preparation. Janya also contains 7 small white non-hormonal tablets that do not contain any active ingredients.

Combined oral contraceptive pills, such as Janya, provide one of the most effective reversible methods of contraception known. Usually, when Janya is taken according to the instructions, the egg cells (normally released by the ovary each month) are prevented from maturing to the point where they can be fertilised. In addition, the cervical mucus remains thick, so it is more difficult for a man's sperm to enter the womb. Also, the lining of the womb is not prepared sufficiently for a fertilised egg to grow in.

Dosage & Administration:

Take 1 Janya tablet at about the same time each day (on the pack each tablet is marked with the day of the week on which it is to be taken), with some water if necessary. Follow the direction of the arrows until all the tablets have been taken. A period (the withdrawal bleed) should begin during the 7 days of taking the small white non-hormonal tablets. Start taking your next pack on the very next day after you have completed your last pack. This means that you will always start new packs on the same day of the week, and also that you will have your withdrawal bleed on about the same day each month.

Side Effects:

• intermenstrual bleeding and irregularity
• breast tenderness, enlargement, pain and secretion
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• depression
• changes in sexual drive
• changes in body weight
• dizziness
• emotional lability
• headache
• migraine
• nervousness
• change in vision
• fluid retention
• darkening of skin
• vaginal infections
• hair loss
• increased risk of cardiac events
• glucose intolerance
• liver problems
• hypertension

Precautions:

Oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV infection. Cardiovascular events increase if you are over 35 years of age and heavy smoker (at least 15 cigarettes daily), or have a history of cardiovascular disease or thromboembolic (blood clots) events. Not for use if you have decreased kidney, adrenal or liver function, diabetes with vascular involvement, history of or suspected breast cancer or estrogen dependent cancer, undiagnosed genital bleeding, liver tumor, severe high blood pressure, jaundice associated with pregnancy or prior birth control pill usage, or headaches with neurological symptoms. Do not take if you are pregnant.