Althea 2 mg/ 35 mcg

Talk to the healthcare provider before taking althea pill (Cyproterone Acetate + Ethinylestradiol).

For contraception, control of acne and hirsutism, regulation of the menstrual cycle, reduction of premenstrual tension, and relief from pain and excessive bleeding during menstruation:

1. Take one pill daily, beginning on the first day of menstrual bleeding. The patient can also start any day as long as the patient is not pregnant and uses a back-up method such as a condom for the next seven days as a precaution to avoid pregnancy.
2. Start with the pill marked with the corresponding day of the week.
3. Follow the arrows indicated on the pack.

Some women may experience althea pills side effects such as nausea, vomiting, chloasma (melasma), skin or hair changes, headache, water retention, slight weight change, breast tenderness, and changes in libido. Althea pills effects menstrual irregularities such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, or amenorrhea can occur during its use.

• Althea contraceptive pills are slowly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentration achieved in three or four hours. 
• It is about 96% bound to plasma proteins. The terminal elimination half-life is about 38 hours. 
• Cyproterone is metabolized in the liver; about 35% of a dose is excreted in urine as free and conjugated metabolites, the remainder being eliminated in the bile.

• If the patient missed one althea contraceptive pill, the patient must take it within 12 hours after the 24-hour lapse. Take the pill due for the day regularly, even if it means taking two pills in one day. 
• Keep taking one pill each day at the usual time. The patient would not need a back-up contraceptive method if the patient missed only one pill.
• Missing two or more Althea contraceptive pills consecutively increases the probability of getting pregnant. Take the most recently missed pill as soon as remembered and discard all previously missed pills.

Are there any severe side effects of overdosing?

No severe ill effects have been reported after ingesting large doses of oral contraceptives, although it may cause nausea and withdrawal bleeding in females. Consult the healthcare provider for further instructions.

What are the Special Precautions to take?

Inform the healthcare provider if the patient is suffering from the following conditions: a history of clinical depression, condition influenced by fluid retention, gallbladder disease, sickle-cell disease, varicose veins, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Can I get pregnant while taking Althea pills?

According to the CDC, the pill is 99.7 percent active with perfect use. This means that less than 1 out of 100 women who take the pill would become pregnant in 1 year. 

Are you protected after 7 days on the pill?

Starting after the 5th day of your cycle. You will not be protected from pregnancy straight away and require additional contraception until you have taken the pill for 7 days.