Consumer information: Freya®

What is Freya Used For?

• Freya is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that is used to prevent pregnancy.
• It may also provide benefits for conditions like moderate acne, although this is not its primary indication.

How Does Freya Work?

• Prevents ovulation: It stops the release of an egg from the ovaries during the menstrual cycle.
• Thickens cervical mucus: Makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
• Alters the uterine lining: Reduces the likelihood of a fertilized egg implanting in the uterus.

Effectiveness:

• Perfect use: Freya is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken exactly as directed.
• Typical use: With missed or late pills, the effectiveness decreases slightly.
• Freya does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a barrier method (e.g., condoms) for STI protection.

Who Should Not Use Freya?

• Freya is contraindicated for individuals who:
  • Are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
  • Have a history of or current blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
  • Have liver disease or liver tumors.
  • Have or suspect breast cancer or estrogen-dependent tumors.
  • Experience undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.
  • Have uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes with vascular complications, or severe hyperlipidemia.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Smoking significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
• There is an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly for women with other risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Women who are taking medications for Hepatitis C should avoid using Freya due to potential interactions.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common side effects include:
  • Nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
  • Irregular bleeding or spotting.
  • Breast tenderness or enlargement.
  • Weight changes and mood changes.
• Serious side effects (less common):
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
  • Stroke or heart attack.
  • Liver tumors.

When to Start Freya:

1. Starting after a period:
   • Start Freya on Day 1 of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period). No backup contraception is required.
   • If starting between Day 2 and Day 7, use backup contraception (e.g., condoms) for the first 7 days.
2. After childbirth:
   • Non-breastfeeding women can start Freya 21-28 days after delivery.
   • Use backup contraception for the first 7 days.
3. After miscarriage or abortion:
   • You can start Freya immediately after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion. No backup contraception is required.

Missed Pills:

1. If you miss one pill:
   • Take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at your usual time (you may take two pills in one day).
   • No backup contraception is needed.
2. If you miss two pills in a row:
   • Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day.
   • Use backup contraception for the next 7 days.
3. If you miss three or more pills:
   • Discard the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.

What to Do if You Vomit or Have Diarrhea:

• If you vomit or have severe diarrhea within 3-4 hours of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible.
• Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Other Considerations:

• Consistency: It is important to take Freya at the same time each day to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Breakthrough bleeding: If you experience spotting or irregular bleeding, continue taking Freya as directed, but consult your healthcare provider if it persists.
• Breastfeeding: Freya may reduce breast milk production, so consult your doctor if you are nursing.

Storage Information:

• Store Freya between 15°C and 30°C in its original packaging.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.