Sprintec

Sprintec is an FDA-approved birth control pill that is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It provides you with immediate protection when taken on the first day of your menstrual period and may also help alleviate pain and discomfort for women who often experience painful periods.

You can purchase Sprintec, as well as the equivalents Estarylla and Previfem, online from Speedy Health.

Sprintec contains the active ingredients norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. These are two synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone, naturally occurring hormones produced by the ovaries.

Combined contraceptive pills work by reducing the chance that conception will take place by preventing ovulation and creating changes in the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. They also prevent the lining in the womb from thickening so that an egg cannot attach to the uterine lining and grow.

For immediate protection, start taking Sprintec on the very first day of your period. You can begin the Sunday after your period starts, but you will need to use an additional birth control method, such as a condom and spermicide, until you have taken seven tablets.

You should take Sprintec every day at the same time. Do not skip tablets. These tablets can be taken with or without food and should be stored at room temperature.

Always follow the instructions of the prescribing doctor when taking this medication.

Side effects are possible with most medications, however combined contraceptive pills are usually well tolerated. Not everyone will experience side effects, and those who do experience them often find that they are mild or short-lived.

The most common side effects include:

• spotting or bleeding in between periods
• fluid retention and bloating
• nausea and vomiting
• headache
• weight gain
• breast tenderness or pain

During your consultation, you should also mention any side effects you have experienced while taking birth control pills in the past.

These side effects are usually more common when you first start taking the pill. If they are persistent or if you experience more serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider, who may be able to suggest a more suitable option.

Combined contraceptive pills can also increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots, although these are rare.

While combined contraceptives are commonly used, they are not always suitable for everyone.

You should not use Sprintec if you smoke and are over the age of 35, as this could increase your chances of serious side effects, such as blood clots.

You should also not use this medication if you have:

• a history of blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• uncontrolled high blood pressure
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• impaired liver function or liver disease
• gallbladder disease
• a history of severe migraine headaches
• severe headaches, such as migraine with aura
• heart disease
• had a heart attack or stroke
• a history of breast cancer or other hormone-related cancers
• high cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• an allergy to any of the ingredients in this medication

You will need to detail your medical history, including any other prescription drugs or supplements you may be taking, as some may decrease the effectiveness of Sprintec, putting you at risk of pregnancy.

Ask your doctor before breastfeeding while on Sprintec as this medication may not be suitable.

Sprintec does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

You can order Sprintec, Previfem, or Estarylla after you complete a free online consultation with Speedy Health. This provides our doctors with the information needed to help them assess whether this treatment is suitable for you. Once your consultation is approved, your medication will be prepared and sent with next-day delivery.

Are there alternatives to Sprintec?

Sprintec is a combined contraceptive pill manufactured by Teva, but different manufacturers have made the same formulation available under other brand names. This includes Estarylla, Mili, Mono-Linyah, MonoNessa, and Previfem.

Ortho-Cyclen has been discontinued by the manufacturer, but contains the same active ingredients as Sprintec.

Tri-Sprintec is made by the same manufacturer and uses the same hormones as Sprintec but is a triphasic pill. Tri-Lo-Sprintec is a lower estrogen version of Tri-Sprintec.

You can order Sprintec, Previfem and Estarylla online from Speedy Health.