Ethinyl Estradiol Levonorgestrel

Amethyst is a combination birth control pill that contains the hormones ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (Mirena). It's used to prevent pregnancy.

Amethyst works by preventing the release of an egg from an ovary and causing changes in the cervical mucus of the uterine lining, making it harder for the fertilized egg to attach.

Birth control pills such as Amethyst may also be used to make periods more regular, ease painful periods, decrease the risk of ovarian cysts, and treat acne.

Amethyst is a continuous cycle birth control pill, which means users typically don't experience a menstrual period while they are taking the medicine.

Amethyst Warnings

Oral birth control pills may increase your risk of breast cancer, liver cancer, heart attack, stroke, or serious blood clot.

Smoking while taking oral birth control pills can increase the chances of serious or life-threatening side effects, especially among women over 35 years of age who smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day.

Don't smoke while taking Amethyst.

Amethyst may also increase your risk of developing liver tumors that are not cancerous. However, these tumors can rupture and cause serious bleeding in the body.

You shouldn't take Amethyst if you have:

• Heart disease or any other serious heart disorder
• A history of heart attacks, strokes, or blood clots
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Problems with your eyes, kidneys, or circulation that are caused by diabetes
• Liver disease or liver cancer
• A history of hormone-related cancers such as breast or uterine cancer
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Severe migraine headaches
• A history of jaundice during pregnancy or while on birth control pills

Before taking birth control pills, tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Varicose veins
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• An underactive thyroid
• Gallbladder disease
• Depression or a history of depression
• Diabetes
• Seizures or epilepsy
• A history of irregular menstrual cycles
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• A history of fibrocystic breast disease
• An abnormal mammogram

Also, tell your physician if you're on bed rest or are unable to walk for any reason before taking this medicine.

Amethyst may cause skin discoloration. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds while using this medicine.

If you're having surgery, including a dental procedure, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Amethyst.

You may experience breakthrough bleeding while using this medicine, especially during the first three months. Tell your doctor if the bleeding continues or is very heavy.

If you wear contact lenses and notice vision changes while taking Amethyst, you should see an eye doctor.

You might need to use back-up birth control methods when you first start taking this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You also might need to use a back-up birth control method if you're sick with severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Pregnancy and Amethyst

Amethyst can cause birth defects. You shouldn't use this medication during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or miss two menstrual periods in a row while taking Amethyst.

If you've recently had a baby, wait at least four weeks before starting on this medicine.

It might take you longer to become pregnant after stopping birth control pills. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about this possibility.

Hormones in this drug can pass into breast milk and may harm a breastfeeding baby. Don't use Amethyst if you're breastfeeding.

Amethyst and Your Weight

In rare instances, Amethyst may causes weight loss or weight gain.

However, you should not experience dramatic weight loss or weight gain while taking this drug.

If you do, talk to your doctor.

Tell your healthcare provider if you or any family member has ever had:

• Breast nodules, fibrocystic disease of the breast, an abnormal breast X-ray or mammogram
• Diabetes
• Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Migraine or other headaches or epilepsy
• Depression
• Gallbladder, liver, heart or kidney disease
• History of scanty or irregular menstrual periods

Women with any of these conditions should be checked often by their healthcare provider if they choose to use oral contraceptives. Also, be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you smoke or are on any medications.

Birth control pills should not be taken during pregnancy. However, birth control pills taken by accident during pregnancy are not known to cause birth defects.

If you are breastfeeding, consider another birth control method until you are ready to stop breastfeeding. Birth control pills that contain estrogen, like this medication, may decrease the amount of milk you make. A small amount of the pill's hormones pass into breast milk.