Seasonale and Pregnancy

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2003
Seasonale and Pregnancy
1
Wed, 07-14-2004 - 1:40pm
I have been taking bc for seven years now but recently (about a month and a half ago) switched to to the three month birth control seasonale. I have been taking it now for seven weeks, but for the past two weeks I feel like I am pregnant! I have been having dizzy spells, feeling extremely fatigued, having occassional spotting, and have been craving milk. The craving milk part is what really gets me since I am lactose intolerant and rarely drink milk, but now I am craving at least three glasses a day. Does anyone know of any increased chance of preganancy associated with switching from a 28 day cycle pill to the seasonale? Since I have one month left on the seasonal should I continue taking it or should I stop just to see if I have a period? I know that continuing to take birth control while pregnant can cause birth defects, but in the same instance I am not sure if I am being overly reactive. Also, since I am on birth control how long do I have to wait to take a home pregnancy test? Has any one had "pregnancy" symptoms from taking seasonale? I read the message posted a few weeks ago on seasonal but didn't see anyone who was having a string of symptoms like I am. Any help would be greatly appreciated! TIA!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 07-14-2004 - 7:10pm
Hi Rerter, welcome!

If you have been taking your pills correctly, on time, haven’t been sick and vomited or had diarrhea within two hours after taking your pill or been taking medicines or supplements that might reduce the effectiveness of your pills then you should be quite safe. Dizziness and appetite changes are noted as possible side effects it the prescribing information. Birth defects are also addressed on the Seasonale site at: http://www.seasonale.com/hcp/pi.asp

“5. Other side effects

Other side effects may include nausea and vomiting, change in appetite, breast

tenderness, headache, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash,

vaginal infections, and allergic reactions.”

“GENERAL PRECAUTIONS”

“…There is no conclusive evidence that oral contraceptive use is associated with an increase in birth defects, when taken inadvertently during early pregnancy.

Previously, a few studies had reported that oral contraceptives might be associated with birth defects, but these studies have not been confirmed. Nevertheless, oral contraceptives should not be used during pregnancy. You should check with your healthcare provider about risks to your unborn child of any medication taken during pregnancy.”

We don’t often hear of cravings on this board but it’s certainly possible that they occur while adjusting to BCPs. Irregular bleeding is very common on Seasonale for the first three extended cycle packs.

It might be a good idea to talk with your doctor about the side effects you are experiencing and get his or her take on what’s going on. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill