Camila Birth Control
From LoveToKnow Pregnancy
Camila birth control is a norethindrone oral contraceptive manufactured by Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
How Camila Works
Women who want to prevent pregnancy while using hormonal birth control pills are candidates for taking Camila. Camila, a generic for Nor-QD, works by mimicking progesterone hormones to prevent pregnancy in the following ways:
- Suppressing ovulation
- Thickening cervical mucus
- Lowering mid-cycle LH and FSH peaks
- Slowing movement of ovum
- Changing endometrium
Camila does not contain estrogen, so it is often prescribed to nursing mothers who wish to use a hormonal form of birth control while still maintaining a breastfeeding relationship.
Prescription Camila Birth Control
Smokers should take these pills only under doctor’s supervision. However, because neither estrogen nor a synthetic version of it is used in these pills, fewer risks are associated with taking them compared to combined birth control pills. Discuss any other medical conditions or medications being used at the time the prescription is given with a healthcare professional.
As with any oral contraceptive, Camila does not protect against HIV, AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases. Condom use can provide protection against these diseases.
Instructions
Instructions for the prescription use of Camila:
- Choose a day to begin the pack. Many women will begin on the first day of their menstrual cycle, though any day will work. It should be noted that choosing a day at random may result in additional irregular bleeding or cycles.
- Place the sticker with the day of the week which the pack was started at the top of the pills so it is aligned correctly.
- Go from left to right along the pill rows, taking one pill a day at the same time. Should a pill be missed/forgotten, take it within three hours and use a back-up method for the next two days. Talk to a healthcare provider if more than two pills are missed in the same cycle and use a backup method until beginning the next pack of pills.
- When the first pack is completed, begin a new pack of Camila.
Although Camilla is very effective at preventing pregnancy, there is still a slight chance some women may become pregnant while using the pill. If pills were missed or no backup method was used, chances of pregnancy do go up. Women who are taking the pill and suspect they are pregnant should take a pregnancy test or see their doctor.
Side Effects
Spotting or slightly irregular bleeding is a common side effect of starting Camila and other mini-pills. Other minor pill side effects also include dizziness, weight gain, yeast infections, headache, nausea, and mood changes. See a doctor if any of the following side effects occurs while taking a mini-pill:
- Breast tenderness/discharge
- Numbness/pain in extremities
- Chest, groin, or leg pain
- Severe headache
- Stomach pain
- Strange tiredness/weakness
- Vision/speech problems
- Yellowing of skin/eyes
Barr Laboratories and Collegiate Student Health
College students may be able to get Camila birth control pills at a discounted price from their student health care facilities. Universities often enter into agreements with drug companies to provide low-cost options for people attending their college.
Some states have large scale alliances for pharmaceuticals and may have an agreement with Barr Laboratories through this alliance. Minnesota is one example of such a state. To find out which schools offer Camila pills, visit the university's student health webpage, often accessible through the school’s homepage.
Low cost programs are often available across the country from Emory University to Illinois State. To get the best rate available, students may be required to sign up for the University Health Care program. Check with colleges for more information.
Camila birth control pills are a great way for women to prevent pregnancy who also have estrogen sensitivity or are nursing. They also are excellent choices for students whose healthcare programs provide discounted rates. Talk to a healthcare professional today if you are interested in getting a Camila prescription..
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Comments
Cory, from what I've read, you should still be getting a period while on Camila as long as you are taking the pills as prescribed. If you are missing your period, give your doctor a call or take a home pregnancy test to make sure you aren't pregnant.
-- Contributed by: HollySwansonWhile being on Camila, is it common to not have a period?
-- Contributed by: CoryStephanie, although the birth control is highly effective, there are several things that can cause it to fail. Highest on the list is not taking it at the same time every day or missing a dose. Take an antibiotic can also interact with the pill and make it less effective.
-- Contributed by: HollySwanson
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