What is Natazia (Estradiol/Dienogest) prescribed for?

This medication is a hormone combination of two drugs to prevent pregnancy. Estradiol and Dienogest.   Dienogest which is a progestin and estradoil which is a estrogen. When taken, this medication mainly works by preventing the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle. It also makes vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thus preventing fertilization, and it also changes the lining of the uterus to prevent any attachment of a fertilized egg.

Other than preventing pregnancy, birth control pills may make your periods more regular, decrease blood loss and painful periods. Also it will decrease your risk of ovarian cyst and treat acne.

Remember that using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexual transmitted diseases. Such as HIV, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.

This medication is to be taken by mouth, once a day. And it must be taken at the same time, exactly, every day. Start with the first tablet in the pack and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills.  You may either start a new pack late or take your pill 12 hours later than the usual time.

If you suffer from an upset stomach or nausea when taking this medication, you may take your tablet after your evening meal or at bedtime.  Just remember if you choose to take the medication at one time in the day, you must take it at that time, every day.  This medication must be taken within 24 hours apart from each other.

Your package will contain 26 pills with active medication. It also contains 2 reminder pills with no medication. Take one active pull once a day for 26 days, than after you have taken the last active pill, take one reminder pill for 2 days in a row, at once a day. You should have your period during the fourth week of the cycle.  Once you have finished the last reminder tablet, start a new pack, even if you have your period.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to Estradiol or Dienogest; or to any estrogens (such as mestranol) or any progestins (such as norethindrone, desogestrel); or to any other medications or allergies in general.

Before taking this medication, it is for the best to inform your doctor of your Medical history. Report any of these conditions,  If you have any of the follow; blood clots (for example, in the legs, eyes, lungs), blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, abnormal breast exam, cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer), high cholesterol or triglyceride (blood fat) levels, depression, diabetes, family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder (angioedema), gallbladder problems, severe headaches/migraine, heart problems (such as heart valve disease, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), history of yellowing eyes/skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control (such as pills, patch), kidney disease, liver disease (including tumors), stroke, swelling (edema), thyroid problems, unexplained vaginal bleeding.

If you have diabetes, this medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur.

It may take longer for you to become pregnant after you stop taking birth control pills. Consult your doctor.

Some of these side effects may occur when taking this medication; they are as follows; Nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps/bloating, breast tenderness, swelling of the ankles/feet (retaining fluid), or weight change may occur. Vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting) or missed/irregular periods may occur, especially during the first few months of use. However if any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: a lump in your breast, unusual changes in vaginal bleeding (such as continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding), mental/mood changes (such as new/worsening depression), dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, severe stomach/abdominal/pelvic pain, unusual tiredness.

This medication may rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) problems from blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, stroke). Get medical help right away if you have: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your doctor before stop taking this medication.

 What is the best dosage to take?

The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. Work with your doctor closely for dosage and dosing schedules.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping in dose.

 What is the best way to store this medication?

This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.