This combined hormone medication is utilized to prevent pregnancy. It comprises two hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). In the fourth week, there are four inactive pills, each containing a small amount of iron (ferrous fumarate). These inactive pills do not contain any hormones and are included to help maintain the daily pill-taking routine. However, they do not contain enough iron to address iron deficiency. In addition to its contraceptive effects, birth control pills can regulate periods, reduce menstrual blood loss and pain, lower the risk of ovarian cysts, and treat acne. It’s important to note that using this medication does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Instructions for Using Charlotte 24 Fe 1 Mg-20 Mcg (24)/75 Mg (4) Chewable Tablet Contraceptives:
Before you start using this product and with each refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. This leaflet contains crucial details about pill-taking timings and actions to take if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication orally with or without food, as directed by your doctor, typically once daily. Choose a consistent time of day to take the pill, and adhere to the same time each day.
For the chewable pill, chew and swallow one pill daily. Some brands may be swallowed whole. The manufacturer’s instructions for your specific brand should be carefully followed. Some pills should be taken with water, while others should be taken without.
It is essential to strictly adhere to your doctor’s prescription for this medication. Follow the package instructions to locate the first pill, start with the first pill in the pack, and take them in the correct sequence. Do not skip any doses. The likelihood of pregnancy increases if you miss pills, begin a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of day than usual.
How long does Charlotte 24 Fe Oral Tablet stay in your system?
The duration for which Charlotte 24 Fe Oral Tablet remains in your system can vary depending on factors such as metabolism, individual characteristics, and the specific components of the medication. Generally, after discontinuing use, it might take a few days to a week for the medication to be cleared from your body.
However, if you are concerned about the presence of the medication in your system for any specific reason, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider for personalized information and advice.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, ankle and feet swelling (fluid retention), and weight changes are potential side effects of this medication. Vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting) or irregular periods may also occur, particularly in the initial months of use. If any of these effects persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss two consecutive periods (or one period due to improper pill usage), contact your doctor for a pregnancy test.
Keep in mind that this medication is prescribed because your doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the risks of potential side effects. Many individuals using this medication do not experience severe side effects.
This medication could elevate your blood pressure. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and inform your doctor if readings are high.
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, including: breast lumps, changes in mental or mood state (such as new or worsening depression), intense stomach or abdominal pain, unusual alterations in vaginal bleeding (such as continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding, missed periods), dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
In rare cases, this medication may lead to serious (and occasionally fatal) complications related to blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, or strokes. Seek immediate medical assistance if any of these side effects manifest: chest pain, discomfort radiating to the jaw or left arm, confusion, sudden dizziness or fainting, pain or warmth in the groin or calf, difficulty speaking, abrupt shortness of breath or rapid breathing, unusual headaches (including those accompanied by vision changes or lack of coordination, worsening migraines, sudden and intense headaches), unusual sweating, weakness on one side of the body, changes in vision (such as double vision or partial/complete loss of vision).
While extremely rare, a severe allergic reaction to this drug is possible. Seek immediate medical help if you observe any signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
This list does not encompass all potential side effects. If you notice other effects not mentioned above, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Prior to using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, ferrous fumarate, or any other ingredients in the product. This includes allergies to other estrogens, progestins, iron products, or any related substances. Inactive ingredients can sometimes cause allergic reactions or other complications. Consult your pharmacist for additional information.
Before starting this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist. Especially mention any history of blood clots (such as in the legs, eyes, or lungs), blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, abnormal breast exams, cancer (particularly endometrial or breast cancer), high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, depression, diabetes, a family or personal history of angioedema (a certain swelling disorder), gallbladder issues, severe headaches or migraines, heart problems (such as heart valve disease, irregular heartbeat, prior heart attack), a history of jaundice (yellowing of the eyes/skin) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control (like pills or patches), kidney disease, liver disease (including tumours), stroke, swelling (oedema), thyroid problems, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
For individuals with diabetes, this medication might influence their blood sugar levels. Regularly monitor your blood sugar as instructed and share the results with your doctor. If you experience symptoms of elevated blood sugar, like increased thirst or urination, inform your doctor immediately. Your diabetes medication, exercise regimen, or diet may need adjustment.
Notify your doctor if you have recently undergone surgery, are planning to have surgery, or anticipate being confined to a bed or chair for an extended period (such as during a long plane flight). These situations heighten the risk of blood clots, particularly when using hormonal birth control. You may need to temporarily discontinue this medication or take special precautions.
Prior to undergoing surgery, ensure that both your doctor and dentist are aware of all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
This medication could lead to the development of blotchy, dark patches on your face and skin (melasma). Exposure to sunlight can exacerbate this effect. Minimize sun exposure, avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
If you have nearsightedness or wear contact lenses, you may experience vision issues or difficulty wearing your contact lenses. If such problems arise, contact your eye doctor.
After discontinuing birth control pills, it might take longer to conceive. Consult your doctor for guidance.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy, inform your doctor immediately. If you’ve recently given birth or experienced a pregnancy loss or abortion within the first 3 months, discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor. Determine when it’s safe to start using birth control containing estrogen, such as this medication.
This medication may reduce breast milk production. A small amount of the medication passes into breast milk and could have undesired effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Interactions between drugs can alter their effectiveness or increase the risk of severe side effects. This document does not encompass all potential drug interactions. It is crucial to maintain a record of all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal items, and to communicate this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Never initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medicines without first consulting your doctor.
Certain products might interact with this medication. These include aromatase inhibitors (like anastrozole, and exemestane), fezolinetant, ospemifene, tamoxifen, tizanidine, tranexamic acid, and specific combination products utilized to treat chronic hepatitis C (such as ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir).
Some medications could diminish the efficacy of hormonal birth control by decreasing the concentration of birth control hormones in your system. This situation can potentially lead to pregnancy. Examples of such medications are griseofulvin, modafinil, rifamycins (including rifampin and rifabutin), ritonavir, St. John’s wort, drugs employed to treat seizures (like barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate), and HIV medications (such as nelfinavir and nevirapine), among others.
Whenever you initiate a new drug, notify your doctor, and discuss whether additional reliable birth control methods should be employed. Also, inform your doctor if you experience new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, as these occurrences could signify that your birth control is not functioning optimally.
This medication might interfere with specific laboratory tests (such as blood clotting factors and thyroid assessments), which could potentially lead to inaccurate test results. It is important to inform laboratory staff and all of your doctors about your use of this drug.
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Dosage
Missed Dose
Consult the information provided in the product package for guidance on missed doses. It may be necessary to use supplementary birth control methods (such as condoms or spermicide) to prevent pregnancy. Should you have any inquiries, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
If you frequently forget to adhere to the prescribed pill regimen, communicate with your doctor about the possibility of switching to an alternative form of birth control.
Storage
Keep at room temperature, safeguarded from light and moisture. Refrain from storing in the bathroom. Ensure that all medications are inaccessible to children and pets.
Dispose of this product properly when it has expired or is no longer required; do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down a drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or a local waste disposal facility for appropriate disposal methods.
