Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Drospirenone is utilized as a contraceptive measure to avert pregnancy. The hormone progestin, which is naturally present in females, is the active ingredient in these contraceptives. Progestin functions by inhibiting the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and altering the consistency of the cervical mucus and the uterine lining.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, drospirenone can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce blood loss and painful periods, and decrease the possibility of developing ovarian cysts. Progestin-only oral contraceptives are a highly effective means of contraception, however, they do not offer protection against the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Uses and Dosage
Follow your doctor’s instructions and take this medication orally once daily. Choose a specific time of day that is convenient for you to remember and take your pill at that same time every day.
Begin taking the medication on the first day of your menstrual cycle and continue to take one tablet daily, without skipping any doses. Missing pills, starting a new pack late, or taking your pill at a different time than usual increases the likelihood of pregnancy.
If you experience vomiting or diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of taking your tablet, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for guidance on what to do if you miss a dose. Vomiting or diarrhea may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. If these symptoms persist, use an alternative backup birth control method.
Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help alleviate any stomach upset or nausea. You can also choose a different time of day that is easier for you to remember. Regardless of the dosing schedule you choose, take the medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart.
Your pill pack contains 24 active medication pills and 4 reminder pills with no medication. Take one active pill (containing hormones) daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one inactive pill daily for 4 days, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Once you have completed the last inactive tablet in the pack or gone four days without taking an active tablet, begin a new pack the next day, even if you are still experiencing your period or if it hasn’t arrived. If you do not get your period, consult your doctor.
If you are transitioning from other hormonal birth control methods, such as patches or other birth control pills, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- vomiting
- acne
- irregular menstrual periods
- bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
- painful periods
- headache
- breast tenderness
- weight gain
- decreased sexual desire
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- severe headache
- severe vomiting
- speech problems
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- chest pain or chest heaviness
- irregular or rapid heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- leg pain
- partial or complete loss of vision or vision changes
- severe stomach pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- depression, especially if you also have trouble sleeping, tiredness, loss of energy, other mood changes, or if you are thinking of harming yourself
- menstrual bleeding that is unusually heavy or that lasts a long time
- lack of menstrual periods
Caution
Before taking drospirenone, inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to it, any other progestins (such as desogestrel, norethindrone), or have any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive components that could lead to allergic reactions or other complications.
Prior to using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have adrenal gland problems, blood clots, blood clotting disorders, abnormal breast exam, cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer), depression, diabetes, severe headaches/migraines, heart problems, history of yellowing eyes/skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control, kidney disease, liver disease, stroke, swelling (edema), or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Smoking increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and high blood pressure when using hormonal birth control. The risk of these severe complications increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.
If you have diabetes, this medication may affect your blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Inform your doctor if you have had or will be undergoing surgery, or if you will be immobile for an extended period. These conditions increase the risk of developing blood clots, particularly if you are using hormonal birth control. You may need to discontinue this medication for a period or take special precautions.
This medication may increase your potassium levels. Prior to using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication may cause the development of blotchy, dark areas on your skin (melasma). Exposure to sunlight may worsen this effect. Refrain from prolonged sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning booths. Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
It may take longer for you to become pregnant after discontinuing birth control pills.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. If you have recently given birth, experienced a pregnancy loss, or had an abortion after the first three months, consult your doctor about reliable forms of birth control and when it is safe to commence birth control.
This medication passes into breast milk in minimal amounts but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Slynd is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Slynd tablet:
- 4mg
FAQ
Can you skip the sugar pills on Slynd?
If you forget one of these tablets, this has no effect on the reliability of Slynd.
What happens if you don’t get your period on Slynd?
This is normal and may occur during the first few months of use. With continued use, you may not experience periods at all while taking Slynd.
Resources
- https://mydr.com.au/medicines/slinda/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20taken%20the,on%20the%20reliability%20of%20Slinda
- https://slynd.com/faqs/#:~:text=This%20is%20normal%20and%20may,cycles%2C%20call%20your%20healthcare%20provider
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-177410/slynd-oral/details
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/slynd
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a621011.html
- https://www.drugs.com/slynd.html
