Lolo Birth Control (Norethindrone Acetate/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Do’s

• Lolo contains both norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol in the blue tablets, ethinyl estradiol only in the white tablets, and no active medication in the lilac tablets. 
• Take 1 blue tablet daily for 24 days, then 1 white tablet daily for 2 days, and finally, 1 lilac-colored tablet daily for 2 days.
• Lolo can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. For maximum effectiveness, it should be taken at the same time every day.
• The first day of the menstrual period (bleeding) is considered "Day 1." The pills can be started on the first Sunday after the period starts or on Day 1 of the period, as advised by the healthcare provider.
• Use a second method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) for the first 7 days of the first cycle of pill use, especially if starting the medication on the first Sunday after the period starts.
• If vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications affect the pills' effectiveness, a backup method of birth control should be used until consulting with a healthcare provider.
• Missing pills can increase the risk of pregnancy. If a pill is missed, specific instructions should be followed based on the number of pills missed and the week of the cycle. If unsure about what to do after missing pills, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
• Lolo should be stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture, and kept out of the reach of children.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Headache
• Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
• Painful menstruation
• Weight change
• Breast tenderness
• Acne
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety
• Depression 

Other Potential Side Effects:

• High blood sugar, especially in women with diabetes
• High fat (cholesterol, triglyceride) levels in the blood
• Problems tolerating contact lenses
• Weight gain
• Depression, especially in individuals with a history of depression

Not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may experience different or no side effects at all. If you have concerns about the potential side effects of Lolo birth control, discuss them with a healthcare provider.

Surgery may increase the risk of developing blood clots, particularly if the individual is unable to move around for a while. Ensure that all healthcare providers involved in your care are aware of Lolo being taken.

The hormones in Lolo birth control pills can affect the developing fetus if taken by a pregnant woman. If pregnancy occurs while taking this medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

The use of Lolo birth control pills while breastfeeding is not recommended, as the hormonal components may pass into breast milk and affect its quantity and quality. The long-term effects on the developing child are not known.

There may be interactions between norethindrone acetate - ethinyl estradiol and certain medications, such as ampicillin and anastrozole.

Individuals over 35 years old who smoke cigarettes are at an increased risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from Lolo birth control pills, including heart attack, blood clots, and stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes smoked.

For individuals with diabetes, this medication may affect blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring of blood sugar as directed by a healthcare provider is recommended, and any symptoms of high blood sugar should be reported promptly.