Cyclafem 7/7/7

FAQ

• How Cyclafem 7/7/7 Works

  Cyclafem 7/7/7 comes in packs of 28 pills that you must take every day at the same time for it to be most effective. Skipping pills or forgetting to take them consistently can reduce Cyclafem's efficacy. If you need help remembering to take the pill, set a daily reminder or pick a convenient time of day, such as during lunch, to take it.

  Each pack of Cyclafem 7/7/7 includes 21 active, hormone-containing pills and seven inactive, placebo pills. You take the 21 active pills, followed by the seven inactive pills, then start your next pack. You will have your period during the week of inactive pills.

  Store Cyclafem in a dark, dry place that stays at room temperature. Keep it away from kids and pets.

• Is Cyclafem 7/7/7 Easy to Get?

  You must have a prescription to get Cyclafem 7/7/7. If you do, it's available from most pharmacies and online platforms as a generic form of Ortho-Novum 7/7/7. If you have health insurance, your plan might cover the cost of generic birth control pills, including Cyclafem.

• What Precautions Should I Take Before Using Cyclafem 7/7/7?

  Before taking Cyclafem 7/7/7, share your medical history with your health care provider. Tell him or her if you have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, gallbladder problems, cancer, high cholesterol, swelling disorders, severe headaches or migraines, heart problems, stroke, liver or kidney disease, jaundice, or thyroid problems. Also, tell your provider if you are allergic to estrogen or progestin.

  Being in a sitting or reclined position for a long time can increase your risk of blood clots, particularly if you're taking hormonal birth control. Your doctor or dentist might recommend you stop taking Cyclafem or take preventive steps if you'll be having surgery or be in a situation where you'll be sitting for a prolonged period, such as on a long flight.

  If you're pregnant or think you might be pregnant, stop taking Cyclafem, and tell your medical provider right away. If you're breastfeeding, be aware that the hormones in the active pills can reduce your milk supply.

  Cyclafem 7/7/7 can cause skin discoloration, particularly on your face. To help prevent this from happening, wear sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, and limit the time you spend in the sun.

• Are There Any Known Side Effects?

  The hormones in Cyclafem 7/7/7 can cause a variety of side effects, most of which are mild and short-lived. Many women don't experience any at all. However, be aware of common side effects such as:

  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Headaches.
  • Tender breasts.
  • Mood changes.
  • Spotting between periods.
  • Missed or irregular periods.
  • Bloating or weight changes.
  • Swollen ankles and feet.
  • Reduced libido.
  • Increased vaginal discharge.

  These side effects most commonly occur during the first few weeks and months of taking Cyclafem 7/7/7. If they don't go away after a few months or begin to worsen, talk to your Nurx health care provider. If you've missed more than one period, it could be a sign you're pregnant and also warrants a call to your provider.

  Less common, yet more serious side effects of Cyclafem 7/7/7 include:

  • Blood clotting.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Severe abdominal pain.
  • Severe headaches.
  • Breast lumps.
  • Dark urine.
  • Blotchy skin.
  • Yellowing of your eyes or skin.
  • Vision changes or difficulty wearing contacts.
  • Allergic reactions with symptoms of rash, dizziness, itching, and difficulty breathing.

  If you experience any of these side effects, call your medical provider right away.

• Can I Take Cyclafem 7/7/7 With Other Medications?

  Certain medications and supplements can potentially affect Cyclafem's efficacy, including:

  • Rifamycin antibiotics.
  • Certain HIV drugs.
  • Certain drugs used to treat seizures.
  • The narcolepsy treatment modafinil.
  • The antifungal griseofulvin.
  • St. John's wort.

  Some medications might also cause adverse reactions when taken with Cyclafem 7/7/7. These include:

  • Aromatase inhibitors.
  • Estrogen modulators.
  • Muscle relaxers such as tizanidine.
  • Ospemifene.
  • Tranexamic acid.
  • Some chronic hepatitis C treatments.

  Before starting Cyclafem 7/7/7, tell your health care provider about any medications you're taking.

  Vomiting within two hours of taking your pill can also affect its efficacy because your body will not have fully absorbed the hormones. If you get sick after taking your pill, take the next active pill in your pack and use a backup form of birth control.

• How Effective Is Cyclafem 7/7/7?

  With perfect use, Cyclafem 7/7/7 is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. With normal use — meaning you sometimes miss a pill or forget to take it at the right time — it's 91-95% effective.

• How is Cyclafem 7/7/7 Used?

  You can take Cyclafem 7/7/7 on one of two schedules: a Sunday start or a Day 1 start. With a Sunday start, take the first active pill in the pack on the first Sunday after your period starts — even if your period begins that Sunday. Take the active tablets daily for 21 days, then take seven days of inactive pills. After you've finished the pack, start a new one immediately.

  With a Day 1 start, take the first active pill on the first day of your period, regardless of the day of the week. Take the active tablets daily for 21 days, then take seven days of inactive pills, then immediately start your next pack.

• How Do I Get a Prescription for Cyclafem 7/7/7 Through Nurx?

  You can submit a request to get a prescription for Cyclafem 7/7/7 through our online platform. Our health care team will review your request, ask you a few questions, then provide you with a prescription. To speak with one of our medical providers, you'll simply need to pay a $15 consultation fee.

• Can I Buy This Drug Online Through Nurx?

  Yes, you can buy Cyclafem 7/7/7 online through Nurx — typically in batches of three packs at a time. We'll ship them to you for free.

• How Long Would it Take to Deliver This Drug if I Bought it Online?

  You should receive your Cyclafem 7/7/7 shipment within three to five business days after our team at Nurx receives and approves your prescription request.

• Who Makes This Drug?

  The generic drug company Qualitest Pharmaceuticals makes Cyclafem 7/7/7.

• Is Cyclafem 7/7/7 the Same as Ortho-Novum?

  Yes, Cyclafem 7/7/7 is one of several generic versions of Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, including Alyacen 7/7/7, Dasetta 7/7/7, Necon 7/7/7, Nortrel 7/7/7, and Pirmella 7/7/7. These are all norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol combination pills.

• How Long Does it Take for Cyclafem 7/7/7 to Work?

  Cyclafem can effectively prevent pregnancy after you've taken it for seven days. For that first week, however, use a backup form of birth control, such as condoms or diaphragms, during sex.

• What if I Miss a Dose?

  If you miss one active pill, take two pills the next day, then continue taking your pills as normal. If you forget to take two active pills in a row during the first two weeks of the pack, take two pills a day for the next two days and use a backup form of birth control for the next week. If you forget to take two active pills during the third week of the pack, throw it away and start a new pack (or, if you're on the Sunday start schedule, keep taking the pills and begin a new pack on Sunday). If you miss three active pills in a row, start a new pack.

• Does Cyclafem 7/7/7 Cause Weight Gain?

  While some women report weight gain after starting Cyclafem, it's usually a result of bloating and water retention, not fat gain. You're most likely to experience this side effect within the first weeks or months of starting the pill.

• Does Cyclafem 7/7/7 Cause Acne?

  Most women do not experience increased acne as a result of taking Cyclafem. In fact, some health care providers prescribe it to women to help reduce their acne. The hormones in these pills lower the circulation of another hormone, androgen, which causes your glands to secrete the oils that can lead to breakouts.

• How Does Nurx Work?

  Nurx is a free platform offering easy online access to doctors and seamless delivery of medications. No more time-consuming trips to the clinic and no more frantic pharmacy runs. We put you in control of your own health, empowering you to get the care you need, when you need it. From diagnosis to delivery of prescriptions, we make every part of getting healthy and staying healthy, better.

  For more information and to sign up,  visit www.nurx.com and follow us @nurxapp on Twitter and Instagram.