Stezza is a combination pill that is used to prevent pregnancy. Each carton contains 24 active tablets with a small amount of female hormones, nomegestrol acetate and estradiol and 4 placebo tablets.
Like all contraceptives, Stezza has some side effects and you should always talk to your doctor before starting treatment. When this contraceptive is taken correctly, the chance of getting pregnant is very small.
How to take
The Stezza carton contains 24 white tablets containing the acetate hormones nomegestrol and estradiol, which are taken every day at the same time for 24 days, following the direction of the arrows in the carton. On the following days the remaining yellow tablets should be taken for 4 days and the next day, start a new carton, even if the menstruation has not finished.
For people who are not taking any contraceptives and wish to start Stezza, they should do so on the first day of menstruation, which is the first day of the cycle.
What to do if you forget to take
When forgetfulness is less than 12 hours you should take the forgotten tablet and the rest at the usual time, even if you have to take 2 tablets on the same day. In these cases, the pill's contraceptive effect is maintained.
When the forgetfulness is greater than 12 hours the contraceptive effect of the pill is diminished. Here's what to do in this case.
Who should not use
The contraceptive Stezza is contraindicated in the following situations:
- Allergy to oestradiol, nomegestrol acetate or any component of the medicine;
- History of venous thrombosis of the legs, lungs, or other organs;
- History of heart attack or stroke;
- History of cardiovascular problems;
- Diabetes with compromised blood vessels;
- Very high blood pressure;
- Cholesterol or high triglycerides;
- Disorders affecting blood clotting;
- Migraine with aura;
- Pancreatitis associated with high concentrations of fat in the blood;
- History of severe liver disease;
- History of benign or malignant liver tumor;
- History of breast or genitalia.
In addition, if the person is pregnant, suspects that you are pregnant or is breastfeeding, you should not take Stezza. If any of these conditions appear for the first time while the person is already taking the contraceptive, you should stop the treatment and talk to the doctor.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of Stezza are acne onset, changes in the menstrual cycle, decreased sexual appetite, mood changes, headache or migraine, nausea, intense menstruation, pain and tenderness in the breasts, pain pelvic and weight gain.
Although it is more rare, this contraceptive may also cause increased appetite, fluid retention, swollen abdomen, increased sweating, hair loss, generalized itching, dry or oily skin, limb heaviness, irregular menses, breast augmentation, pain of sexual intercourse, dryness of the vagina, spasm of the uterus, irritability, and increased liver enzymes.
