Jolivette® Jolivette® is a birth control pill that differs from the combination pill because it does not contain any estrogen. This is why you often hear it referred to as the ‘mini pill.’ The hormone in Jolivette® birth control is norethindrone, which is a form of progestin. This hormone helps prevent pregnancy by causing the vaginal fluid to thicken, making it less likely that sperm will successfully travel to the egg resulting in fertilization. In addition to this change, the lining of the uterus also becomes thicker, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant and grow to a full-term pregnancy. For those who are not interested in starting a family at the current time, hormonal contraceptives are often a good option. They must be taken at the same time each day in order to be most effective. There are several other conditions that may warrant a birth control prescription. Some of the most common include menstrual disorders, endometriosis or abnormal vaginal bleeding. There may also be other conditions that a physician will prescribe the mini pill for the treatment of. Jolivette® Birth Control If you are starting on a hormonal contraception for the first time (or have been off of it for a time), the best day to begin is the first day of your period. While Jolivette® birth control can be started any time, it may be necessary to use a backup, non-hormonal form of contraceptive if not taken at the start of a period. Side Effects of Jolivette® Side effects of Jolivette® are similar to those of other birth control types. Not all women will be impacted and typically side effects will dissipate over time. Any abnormal impact of the medication however should be reported to your physician to assure that you are not having a serious allergic reaction. There are certain factors that may make Jolivette®, or any other similar birth control, a poor fit for you. Women with breast cancer, a history of circulation problems, blood clots, stroke, abnormal vaginal bleeding or those who have recently had an abortion, or miscarriage, are at a higher risk of complication. Hormonal contraceptives are available by prescription only for this reason. Your physician will have you complete a full medical history in order to determine the best choice of birth control for you. Some of the more common side effects of Jolivette® include mild nausea, breast tenderness, pain or swelling, dizziness, freckles on the face, increased acne and hair growth, weight changes, decreased sex drive, headache and changes in menstrual period. Jolivette® Effectiveness In order to benefit from Jolivette® effectiveness it’s important to take each dose 24 hours apart. If you experience light nausea, you may want to take the pill in the evening with a meal. If you prefer to take your medication in the morning, this works as well. It doesn’t matter so much when you take it as long as you take it at that same time each day. The effectiveness of Jolivette® will decline with each missed dose. If you miss a dose, read the instructions that came within the packaging of your prescription. Depending on how many you miss, it may be necessary for you to use a backup barrier method of birth control (like a male condom).
