“Charlotte this is the combination of hormonal medication employed as a means of preventing pregnancy. It consists of a pair of hormones: norethindrone, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. In the fourth week, there are four inactive pills, each containing a small quantity of ferrous fumarate (iron). These inactive pills lack any hormones and are included to facilitate adherence to the daily pill regimen, although they do not contain sufficient iron to address iron deficiency. In addition to their contraceptive properties, birth control pills can also regulate menstrual cycles, decrease menstrual bleeding and discomfort, reduce the risk of ovarian cysts, and treat acne. It’s essential to recognize that the use of this medication does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia.”
Instructions for Using Charlotte 24 Fe 1 Mg-20 Mcg (24)/75 Mg (4) Chewable Tablet Contraceptives:
Before commencing the use of this product and with each refill, it is imperative to review the Patient Information Leaflet supplied by your pharmacist. This leaflet contains vital information regarding the timing of pill consumption and the actions to be taken if a dose is missed. If you have any inquiries, it is advisable to seek guidance from your physician or pharmacist.
Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, with or without food. It is advisable to select a consistent time of day for pill intake and stick to this schedule.
In the case of chewable pills, chew and swallow one pill daily. Certain brands may be swallowed whole, and it is essential to diligently follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular brand. Some pills require consumption of water, while others do not.
It is of utmost importance to strictly adhere to your doctor’s prescription for this medication. Abide by the package instructions to locate the initial pill, commence with the first pill in the pack, and follow the correct sequence. Avoid missing any doses, as skipping pills, initiating a new pack late, or altering the usual time of pill intake can elevate the risk of pregnancy.
How long does Charlotte 24 Fe Oral Tablet stay in your system?
The length of time that Charlotte 24 Fe Oral Tablet stays in your system can fluctuate based on factors like metabolism, individual traits, and the specific ingredients of the medication. In general, once you stop using it, it could take several days to a week for the medication to be eliminated from your body.
Nonetheless, if you have particular concerns about the presence of the medication in your system for any specific reason, it is recommended to seek personalized information and guidance from your healthcare provider.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, swelling in the ankles and feet (fluid retention), and weight fluctuations are potential adverse effects associated with this medication. It’s also possible to experience vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting) or irregular menstrual cycles, especially during the initial months of usage. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, it’s important to promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss two consecutive periods (or one period due to incorrect pill usage), it’s advisable to contact your doctor for a pregnancy test.
It’s essential to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they determined that its benefits outweigh the potential risks of side effects. Many individuals who use this medication do not experience severe adverse effects.
This medication can increase your blood pressure, so it’s crucial to regularly monitor your blood pressure and inform your doctor if you notice elevated readings.
You should immediately notify your doctor if you encounter severe side effects, including breast lumps, changes in your mental or mood state (such as new or worsening depression), severe stomach or abdominal pain, unusual alterations in vaginal bleeding (such as continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding, or missed periods), dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
In rare instances, 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 attention if you experience any of these side effects: 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, or changes in vision (such as double vision or partial/complete loss of vision).
Although extremely rare, a severe allergic reaction to this medication is possible. Seek immediate medical assistance 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.
It’s important to note that this list does not cover all potential side effects. If you notice any other effects not mentioned above, it’s advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before you begin using this medication, it is essential to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, ferrous fumarate, or any other ingredients in the product. This includes allergies to other substances like estrogens, progestins, iron products, or related compounds. Sometimes, inactive ingredients can trigger allergic reactions or other complications, so consulting your pharmacist for further information is advisable.
Prior to starting this medication, you should also provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist. This should include any history of blood clots (such as in the legs, eyes, or lungs), blood clotting disorders (like protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, abnormal breast exams, a history of 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 problems, severe headaches or migraines, heart conditions (such as heart valve disease, irregular heartbeat, or previous heart attack), a history of jaundice (yellowing of the eyes/skin) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control methods (like pills or patches), kidney disease, liver disease (including tumours), stroke, swelling (oedema), thyroid issues, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
For individuals with diabetes, it’s important to note that this medication may affect blood sugar levels. Regularly monitoring your blood sugar as instructed and sharing the results with your doctor is crucial. If you experience symptoms of elevated blood sugar, such as increased thirst or urination, it’s vital to inform your doctor immediately. Adjustments to your diabetes medication, exercise routine, or diet may be necessary.
Notify your doctor if you have recently had surgery, are planning surgery, or anticipate prolonged periods of immobility (such as during extended plane flights). These situations can increase the risk of blood clots, particularly when using hormonal birth control. You may need to temporarily discontinue this medication or take special precautions.
Before undergoing any surgical procedures, it’s important to ensure that both your doctor and dentist are aware of all the products you are using, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products.
This medication may lead to the development of blotchy, dark patches on your face and skin (melasma). Exposure to sunlight can exacerbate this effect, so it’s advisable to minimize sun exposure, avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when spending time outdoors.
If you have nearsightedness or wear contact lenses, you may experience vision issues or have difficulty wearing your contact lenses while using this medication. If such problems arise, it’s important to contact your eye doctor.
After discontinuing birth control pills, it may take some time to conceive. Consulting your doctor for guidance is recommended.
It’s crucial to note that this medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy, it’s essential to inform your doctor immediately. If you have recently given birth or experienced a pregnancy loss or abortion within the first 3 months, it’s advisable to discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor and determine when it’s safe to start using birth control methods containing estrogen, such as this medication.
This medication may reduce the production of breast milk. A small amount of the medication can pass into breast milk and potentially have undesired effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, it’s important to consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Interactions between medications can either affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of serious side effects. It’s important to note that this document does not cover all possible drug interactions. Maintaining a comprehensive record of all the products you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as herbal supplements, and sharing this information with your doctor and pharmacist is crucial. Never initiate, discontinue, or alter the dosage of any medications without consulting your doctor first.
There are certain products that can interact with this medication. These include aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole and exemestane, fezolinetant, ospemifene, tamoxifen, tizanidine, tranexamic acid, and specific combination products used to treat chronic hepatitis C, such as ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir.
Some medications have the potential to reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control by lowering the concentration of birth control hormones in your body, which can increase the risk of pregnancy. Examples of such medications include griseofulvin, modafinil, rifamycins (including rifampin and rifabutin), ritonavir, St. John’s wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate), and HIV medications (like nelfinavir and nevirapine), among others.
Whenever you start a new medication, it’s essential to inform your doctor and discuss whether additional reliable birth control methods should be used. Additionally, if you experience new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, it’s important to notify your doctor, as these occurrences could indicate that your birth control may not be working optimally.
This medication has the potential to interfere with certain laboratory tests, such as those for blood clotting factors and thyroid assessments, which could lead to inaccurate test results. It is crucial to inform laboratory staff and all of your healthcare providers about your use of this medication to ensure accurate test interpretation.
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Dosage
Missed Dose
Refer to the instructions provided in the product package for guidance on handling missed doses. In some cases, using additional birth control methods like condoms or spermicide may be required to prevent pregnancy. If you have any questions or uncertainties, it’s important to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
If you find that you frequently forget to follow the prescribed pill schedule, it is advisable to discuss with your doctor the potential of transitioning to an alternative form of birth control.
Storage
Store this medication at room temperature, away from exposure to light and moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom. It is crucial to keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or harm.
When this product has expired or is no longer needed, it should be disposed of properly. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down a drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or a local waste disposal facility for guidance on appropriate disposal methods. Proper disposal helps to ensure the safety of the environment and minimizes potential risks.
