August 21, 2024

Consumer information: Ovima™

What is Ovima Used For?

  • OVIMA™ is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) used for preventing pregnancy.
  • It contains 150 µg levonorgestrel (a progestin) and 30 µg ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen).

How Does Ovima Work?

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

Effectiveness:

  • Perfect use: When taken exactly as directed, Ovim is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
  • Typical use: With missed or late pills, the effectiveness decreases slightly.
  • Ovima does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so use condoms for STI protection.

Who Should Not Use Ovim?

  • Ovima should not be used by:
    • Women who are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
    • Those with a history of or current blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or liver disease.
    • Women with breast cancer or any estrogen-dependent cancers.
    • Those with undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Warnings and Precautions:

  • Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
  • Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack for women with risk factors like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
  • Liver disease: Women with liver problems or tumors should not use Ovim.

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 Ovima:

  1. Starting after a period:
    • Begin taking Ovima on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle for immediate protection.
    • If starting after Day 1, use backup contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days.
  2. After childbirth:
    • Non-breastfeeding women can start 21 to 28 days after delivery.
    • Use backup contraception for the first 7 days if starting later.
  3. After miscarriage or abortion:
    • Start Ovima immediately after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion for immediate contraceptive protection.

Missed Pills:

  1. Missed 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. Missed two or more pills:
    • Take two pills on the day you remember, and two pills the next day.
    • Use backup contraception for 7 days.
  3. Missed three or more pills:
    • Discard the rest of the 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:

  • Breastfeeding: Ovima may reduce breast milk production and is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
  • Consistent daily use: It is important to take the pill at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness.

Storage Information:

  • Store Ovima between 15°C and 30°C in its original packaging, protected from light and moisture.

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