Natazia contains a combination of dienogest and estradiol. Dienogest and estradiol are female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Natazia also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Natazia is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding that is not caused by any medical condition of the uterus.
Natazia may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Natazia if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby. You should not take Natazia if you have any of the following conditions: uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, a blood-clotting disorder, circulation problems, diabetic problems with your eyes or kidneys, unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe migraine headaches, if you smoke and are over 35, or if you have ever had breast or uterine cancer, jaundice caused by birth control pills, a heart attack, a stroke, or a blood clot.
You may need to use back up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using Natazia or if you miss a dose. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant. Carefully follow the "missed dose" instructions if you forget to take your medicine.
Some drugs can make Natazia less effective in preventing pregnancy, including antibiotics, hepatitis C medications, HIV/AIDS medications, seizure medications, or barbiturate sedatives. Tell your doctor about all other medications you use.
Before taking this medicine
Natazia can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking Natazia. You should not take Natazia if you have:
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untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
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heart disease (coronary artery disease, uncontrolled heart valve disorder, history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot);
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a blood-clotting disorder or circulation problems;
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problems with your eyes, kidneys or circulation caused by diabetes;
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a history of hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
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unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
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liver disease or liver cancer;
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severe migraine headaches (with aura, numbness, weakness, or vision changes), especially if you are older than 35;
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a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills; or
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if you smoke and are over 35 years old.
To make sure you can safely take Natazia, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or if you are overweight;
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a history of depression;
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underactive thyroid, diabetes;
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gallbladder disease;
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seizures or epilepsy; or
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a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.
The hormones in Natazia can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast feeding a baby.
How should I take Natazia?
Natazia contains 5 different colors of pills. Take 1 pill each day in the exact order directed on the blister pack. Use a back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, for the first 9 days when you first start using Natazia. Do not take two different kinds of birth control pills at the same time.
If you are switching from another birth control pill, start taking Natazia on the first day of your withdrawal bleeding. If you were taking progestin-only pills, start taking Natazia on the day you would have taken your next pill.
If you are switching from a birth control implant, intrauterine device (IUD), vaginal ring, or skin patch, start taking Natazia on the day the other birth control device is removed.
If you are switching from a birth control injection, start taking Natazia on the day you would have received your next scheduled injection.
You may have breakthrough bleeding. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy. You may also have very little or no bleeding during your periods. If you need surgery or medical tests or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using Natazia for a short time.
Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using Natazia.
Store Natazia at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Follow the patient instructions provided with your Natazia tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant.
If you miss one pill:
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During Days 1 through 17, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then take your next pill at the usual time. Use back-up birth control for at least 9 days.
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During Days 18 through 24, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one the same day. Take the Day 1 pill from the new pack and then take one pill per day in the order directed on the pack. Use back-up birth control for at least 9 days.
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During Days 25 through 28, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then take your next pill at the usual time. You do not need back-up birth control if you miss one pill during Days 25 through 28.
If you miss two pills:
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During Days 1 through 16, skip the missed pills and start with the pill that corresponds to the day you remember you missed your doses. Then take one pill per day in the order directed on the pack. Use your back up birth control for at least 9 days
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During Days 17 through 24, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one the same day. Take the Day 3 pill from the new pack and then take one pill per day in the order directed on the pack. Use your back up birth control for at least 9 days.
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During Days 25 through 28, throw out the rest of the pack. Start a new pack on the same day or on the day you would normally start a new pack. Take one pill per day in the order directed on the pack. No back up birth control is needed.
If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.
What should I avoid?
Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack caused by Natazia, especially if you are older than 35.
Natazia will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.
Natazia side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Natazia: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Natazia and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
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sudden and severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
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chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
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sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
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pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
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a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;
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nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
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a breast lump; or
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symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes).
Less serious Natazia side effects may include:
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mild nausea (especially when you first start taking Natazia), vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
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breast pain or tenderness;
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freckles or darkening of facial skin, acne;
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weight gain;
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problems with contact lenses;
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vaginal itching or discharge, very light menstrual periods; or
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decreased sex drive.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Natazia?
Some drugs can make Natazia less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
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bosentan (Tracleer);
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an antibiotic or tuberculosis medication;
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drugs to treat hepatitis C, HIV, or AIDS;
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phenobarbital (Solfoton) and other barbiturates;
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St. John"s wort; or
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seizure medication.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Natazia. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
