Exploring Various Options, Applications, Potential Risks, and Further Details Regarding Twirla
The Twirla contraceptive patch is a brand-name prescription option for females who can become pregnant and have a body mass index (BMI) less than 30. This article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the key factors to consider before using Twirla.
Twirla contains the active ingredients levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, and it's crucial to tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take while using Twirla. Certain medical conditions, such as a history of migraine, depression, heart attack, breast cancer, liver problems, stroke, cervical cancer, gallbladder problems, hereditary angioedema, chloasma, high blood pressure, and uncontrolled high cholesterol, may affect your suitability for using Twirla.
If you have a history of unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe migraine with aura or other symptoms such as numbness or weakness, or a history of seizures, you should not use Twirla. It's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor before starting the use of Twirla.
Twirla may cause side effects such as headache, application site reactions, menstrual cramps, weight gain, nausea, and mild breakthrough bleeding or spotting. More serious side effects include liver problems, hypertension, gallbladder disease, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, cervical cancer, darkened areas of skin, severe breakthrough bleeding, depression, cardiovascular problems, period changes, pregnancy-like symptoms, allergic reactions, and cardiovascular symptoms.
Financial and insurance assistance is available from Agile Therapeutics Inc., the manufacturer of Twirla, including a copay card. The cost of Twirla can vary depending on insurance, location, and pharmacy. A 90-day supply may be available and could potentially lower costs.
Twirla is replaced once per week for 3 weeks in a row. It should be worn for 28 days, with one patch every 7 days, then taken off for the fourth week. A new cycle should start by applying a new patch on the following Sunday.
Alternatives to the Twirla contraceptive patch include other hormonal birth control options such as the Xulane patch, progestin-only oral contraceptives ("mini-pills"), contraceptive implants, injectables, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). The Xulane patch is another skin patch contraceptive that also contains estrogen and progestin, similar to Twirla, and has been available longer as a generic option. Progestin-only oral contraceptives are a pill-based alternative that contains only progestin without estrogen, making them suitable for women who cannot take estrogen.
Consulting a healthcare provider is advised to select the best alternative tailored to individual health and preferences, as effectiveness, convenience, side effects, and contraindications vary across these methods.
- For females considering contraception, it is important to consider the Twirla contraceptive patch, a prescription option suited for those with a BMI under 30, which contains the active ingredients levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about any medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take while using Twirla, as certain medical conditions may affect your suitability for using this contraceptive.
- If you have a history of medical conditions such as migraine, depression, heart attack, breast cancer, liver problems, stroke, cervical cancer, gallbladder problems, hereditary angioedema, chloasma, high blood pressure, or uncontrolled high cholesterol, you should discuss your options with your doctor before using Twirla.
- While using Twirla, be aware of potential side effects such as headaches, application site reactions, menstrual cramps, weight gain, nausea, and mild breakthrough bleeding or spotting. More serious side effects may include liver problems, hypertension, gallbladder disease, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, cervical cancer, darkened areas of skin, severe breakthrough bleeding, depression, cardiovascular problems, period changes, pregnancy-like symptoms, allergic reactions, and cardiovascular symptoms.
- If you decide against using the Twirla contraceptive patch, alternative hormonal birth control options include the Xulane patch, progestin-only oral contraceptives ("mini-pills"), contraceptive implants, injectables, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Consult a healthcare provider to discuss the best alternative options tailored to your individual health and preferences.
