Drospirenone
About Drospirenone
Drospirenone is used for contraception. Contraception is a procedure that aims to prevent pregnancy and is used in family planning. This medicine is used in combination with other medicines to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is also used to treat menstrual disturbances, acne, and folate levels.
Drospirenone contains Drospirenone, which belongs to the class of female hormones. It works by preventing the fertilization of the egg. It also helps regulate menstruation in women.
You may experience stomach pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mood changes, chest pain, vaginal bleeding, weight gain, and breast tenderness. Most of these side effects of Drospirenone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. Take Drospirenone as prescribed by your doctor. It is advised to take this medicine around the same time daily for the prescribed duration.
Let your doctor know about all your medical conditions and medications you are using. Inform your doctor if you have liver/kidney disease, cardiac problems, endocrine disorders, and a history of breast cancer before starting the treatment. Drospirenone is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Uses of Drospirenone
Medicinal Benefits
Drospirenone contains Drospirenone, which belongs to a group of hormonal contraceptives. It works to prevent pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary or preventing fertilization of the egg by sperm (male reproductive cells). In women undergoing menopause, it works by fulfilling the deficiency of estrogen hormone as well.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Drospirenone
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Breast pain
- Weight gain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Diarrhoea
- Mood changes
- Breast tenderness
- Chest pain
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know about all your medical conditions and medications you are using. Inform your doctor if you have liver/kidney disease, cardiac problems, endocrine disorders, liver cancer, heart attack, adrenal gland disease, or a history of hormonal-related diseases or breast cancer before starting the treatment. Drospirenone is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Drospirenone is not recommended for use in children who have not attained menarche.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Drospirenone may interact with calcium channel blocker (diltiazem), antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim), and retinoids (isotretinoin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Drospirenone may interact with disease conditions like hyperkalemia (high potassium level) and retinal thrombosis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsuming alcohol during the treatment with Drospirenone may cause unpleasant side effects. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption.
Pregnancy
unsafeDrospirenone should not be used during pregnancy. It may lead to abortion as this medicine is intended to prevent pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDrospirenone is not recommended for use during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Drospirenone.
Driving
cautionDrospirenone may cause headaches and nausea in some people, affecting your ability to drive. Hence, avoid driving and operating machines unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Drospirenone. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Drospirenone. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeDrospirenone is not recommended for use in children (female) who have not attained menarche (occurrence of first menstrual cycle).
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control with a body mass index (BMI) of 19.5-24.9.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol is the best strategy to lower the risk of any complications.
- Do regular exercise to maintain weight fluctuations.
Special Advise
- Stop taking Drospirenone and inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained pain and swelling in your limbs, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or changes in vision. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Contraception: Contraception is defined as a procedure to prevent pregnancy. A woman can get pregnant if a man's sperm reaches one of her ova (eggs). Contraception tries to stop this from happening by keeping the sperm and egg separate. It also stops the combined form of sperm and egg (a fertilized form of an egg) from attaching to the lining of the uterus.
FAQs
Drospirenone belongs to a group of hormonal drugs used for contraception.
Drospirenone contains Drospirenone, which works by preventing the fertilization of the egg.
If you vomit within 3-4 hours after taking Drospirenone you should take another dose as soon as you feel well.
If you forget to take one tablet of Drospirenone, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets simultaneously and then following the usual dosing schedule. However, if you forget to take two or more doses, you may not be completely protected against pregnancy. In this case, start using a non-hormonal method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least the next seven days to prevent pregnancy.
Drospirenone is a female hormone medication that serves as a contraceptive, preventing pregnancy by inhibiting egg fertilization. Additionally, it helps regulate menstrual cycles in women, providing effective birth control and relief from irregular periods.
Certain individuals may not take Drospirenone, including those with end-stage kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, or a history of hormone-related cancers such as breast, uterine, or cervical cancer. Additionally, people with liver tumors, severe liver disease, undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding, or a high risk of blood clots should avoid this medication. Before starting Drospirenone, sharing your medical history with your doctor is crucial to ensure it's safe for you.
If you're trying to get pregnant, stop taking Drospirenone and consult your doctor. This contraceptive prevents pregnancy, so discontinuing it will restore your natural menstrual cycle, allowing you to conceive. Your doctor will provide guidance on stopping the medication and preparing for pregnancy.
The common side effects of Drospirenone are stomach pain, headache, nausea, breast pain, weight gain, vaginal bleeding, diarrhoea, mood changes, breast tenderness, and chest pain. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, resolving as your body adjusts to the medication with time. However, if any side effects persist or worsen, it's essential to consult your doctor for proper guidance and care.
You may have a higher risk of an ectopic pregnancy (occurs outside the womb) if you get pregnant while using this medicine. This can be a serious and life-threatening condition. It can also cause problems that may make it harder for you to become pregnant in the future.
Take Drospirenone once daily at the same time, with or without food, as directed. Swallow whole with water; don't crush, break, or chew. Follow your doctor's dose instructions. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food. Stay consistent for effectiveness and follow the healthcare provider's guidelines.
Before taking Drospirenone, inform your doctor about your medical history, allergies, medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, family medical history, and smoking habits to ensure safe usage.
Drospirenone should not be used during pregnancy. It may lead to abortion as this medicine is intended to prevent pregnancy. Drospirenone is not recommended for use during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Drospirenone.
