Slynd
Prescription Required
Indications
Slynd is a progestin-only birth control pill used to lower the chance for users to become pregnant.
Drospirenone is a progestin analogue of spironolactone that offers anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgenic activity. These properties allow Slynd to suppress ovulation without the use of estrogen.
This progestin-only pill has been found to offer effective pregnancy prevention with lower risks for adverse events than estrogen-based contraceptives. Slynd also provides a favourable bleeding pattern with its dosing regimen. You can also miss a single pill without losing efficacy.
Uses and Dosage
The way your doctor prescribes Slynd may vary depending on your body’s tolerability. Follow your doctor’s directions and read packaging labels carefully to ensure the best contraceptive results.
- Swallow tablets whole
- Take active and inactive tablets daily for 28 days
- Active tablets are white and should be taken day 1 to 24
- Inactive tablets are green and should be taken days 25 to 28
- Take your first dose on the first day of menses using the first white tablet
- Take the following white tablets each day at the same time
- After 24 days, take a green inert tablet daily for 4 days at the same time you took the others
- Begin each new pack the day after taking your last inactive green tablet
- Take Slynd the day your new pack of combined oral contraceptive would have started
- Begin Slynd the day your patch, vaginal ring, or injection would have occurred
- Take your first Slynd dose the day of removal of an implant or intrauterine contraceptive
- Follow your doctor’s instructions when switching contraceptive methods
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Side Effects
Slynd may cause some side effects to develop while suppressing ovulation. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns to learn more about the symptoms you may encounter when taking drospirenone.
Common Slynd side effects:
- Vaginal bleeding, menstrual cramps
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Decreased sex drive
Serious Side Effects
Some more serious adverse effects may occur when taking drospirenone. Stop taking Slynd and contact your doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- High potassium levels (nausea, weakness, tingling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement)
- Signs of a stroke (sudden numbness or weakness, sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance)
- Signs of a blood clot (sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs)
- Liver problems (loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice)
- Symptoms of depression (trouble sleeping, weakness, tiredness, changes in mood)
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop pain in your lower stomach or side. This could indicate a tubal pregnancy, a condition where pregnancy implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Tubal pregnancies are medical emergencies and should be treated right away.
Allergic Reactions
Do not take Slynd if you are allergic to drospirenone or any of the listed ingredients. If you develop any signs of an allergic reaction, stop taking these birth control pills and call your doctor.
Slynd allergy symptoms may include:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
Cautions
Do not take Slynd if you have kidney, liver, or adrenal disease because it could lead to serious heart and health problems by increasing your potassium levels too high. Some other medications may also increase potassium levels.
Tell your doctor if you take any of the following medications daily:
- Medicines to treat fungal infections
- HIV or hepatitis medications
- Clarithromycin
Do not take this birth control if you have any of the following:
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by a doctor
- Liver disease or cancer
- History of hormone-related cancer or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina
To ensure your safety when taking Slynd, tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following:
- High potassium levels in your blood
- Heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Liver or kidney disease
Stop taking Slynd if you become pregnant and call your doctor. Do not breastfeed while taking Slynd without consulting with a doctor first.
Slynd is not approved for use in any female who has not had a menstrual period.
Some other drugs can interact with drospirenone and cause adverse effects. To avoid this, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including over the counter medicines, but especially any of the following:
- St. John’s wort
- Antibiotic or antifungal medications
- Antiviral medicine for HIV or hepatitis C
Form and Strength
This progestin-only birth control is available in tablet form.
Slynd tablet strength:
- 4mg
The 4mg Slynd tablets are available in quantities of 28.
FAQ
How does Slynd work for contraception?
Slynd suppresses your ovulation by altering your hormone levels. The efficacy of this medication’s contraception depends on how well you follow the directions. Studies have found that only 4 out of 100 Slynd users become pregnant during their first year of treatment.
When can I start taking Slynd?
If you are not taking any hormonal birth control, you can take Slynd on the first day of your natural menstrual cycle. If you are switching from a different hormonal contraceptive, start your Slynd blister pack on the same day you would start the next pack of your previous contraception. Follow your doctor’s directions for use and ask them if you have any questions or concerns.
Resources:
Additional information
Brand Name: |
Slynd |
|---|---|
Scientific Name: |
Drospirenone |
Other Names: |
Slynd |
Strength(s): |
4mg |
Quantities Available: |
28, 84 |
Formulation: |
Tablet |
