Understanding Althea Pills
Althea is a type of combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill. Each active pill contains Ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen, and Cyproterone Acetate, a progestin with anti-androgenic properties. This combination works primarily by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It also thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and alters the lining of the uterus to make implantation less likely. Beyond contraception, Althea is often prescribed to manage conditions like acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Before You Start: Essential Precautions
Before you learn how to use Althea pills, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. They will assess your medical history to ensure this medication is safe for you. Althea is contraindicated in individuals with certain conditions. These include:
- A history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), stroke, or heart attack.
- Known inherited or acquired blood clotting disorders.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Certain types of migraine headaches (especially with aura).
- History of breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent tumors.
- Severe liver disease or liver tumors.
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
- Women over 35 who smoke are at a significantly increased risk of serious cardiovascular events and should not use COCs like Althea.
It is also vital to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as some drugs can reduce Althea's effectiveness. These include certain anticonvulsants, antibiotics like rifampicin, and the herbal supplement St. John's Wort.
How to Use Althea Pills: A Step-by-Step Guide
Althea comes in a 21-pill pack. Following the schedule correctly is key to its effectiveness.
Starting Your First Pack
There are a few ways to begin your first pack, with the 'First-Day Start' method being the most common for immediate protection:
- First-Day Start: Take your first pill on the first day of your menstrual period. With this method, you are protected against pregnancy right away and do not need a backup contraceptive method.
- Quick Start: You can start on any day you get your prescription, as long as you are reasonably sure you are not pregnant. If you use this method, you must use a backup form of contraception, such as condoms, for the first 7 days of taking the pill.
The 21-Day Routine
Once you've started, the routine is straightforward:
- Take one pill at the same time every day for 21 consecutive days. Taking it at the same time helps maintain stable hormone levels and makes it easier to remember.
- Follow the arrows on the pack to ensure you take the pills in the correct order.
The 7-Day Pill-Free Interval
After you finish all 21 pills in the pack, you enter a 7-day break where you do not take any pills. During this week, you will likely experience withdrawal bleeding, which is similar to a period. This bleeding typically starts 2-4 days after taking the last pill. You are still protected from pregnancy during this 7-day interval, provided you took the previous 21 pills correctly and start the next pack on time. Start the new pack on the 8th day, even if you are still bleeding.
What to Do If You Miss a Pill
Forgetting a pill can happen, and the course of action depends on how many you've missed.
- If you miss ONE pill: Take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Then continue taking the rest of the pack as usual. If you take the missed pill within 12 hours of the scheduled time (less than 48 hours since your last pill), you generally do not need backup contraception.
- If you miss TWO or MORE consecutive pills: Your protection against pregnancy is reduced. Take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember and discard the other missed pills. Continue taking the remaining pills at your usual time. You must use a backup method of birth control, like condoms, for the next 7 days. If you missed pills in the last week of the pack (days 15-21), you should finish the active pills in your current pack and skip the 7-day break, starting a new pack immediately the next day.
Benefits and Side Effects
Like all medications, Althea has both benefits and potential side effects.
Common Benefits
- High Contraceptive Efficacy: When used perfectly, the pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Menstrual Cycle Regulation: It can lead to lighter, more regular, and less painful periods.
- Skin Improvement: Due to its anti-androgenic properties, Althea is effective in treating acne and reducing oily skin.
- Reduced Cancer Risk: Long-term use of COCs is associated with a lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Potential Side Effects
Some users may experience side effects, which often subside after the first few months. Common ones include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, slight weight changes, and mood changes. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods can also occur, especially during the first few cycles. More serious, though rare, risks include an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke, particularly for those with pre-existing risk factors.
Althea vs. Other Oral Contraceptives: A Comparison
| Feature | Althea (Cyproterone Acetate/Ethinylestradiol) | Levonorgestrel-Based Pills (e.g., Altavera) | Progestin-Only Pills (Mini-Pills) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hormone Type | Combination (Estrogen + Anti-androgenic Progestin) | Combination (Estrogen + Progestin) | Progestin-Only |
| Primary Benefits | Contraception, acne treatment, hirsutism control, cycle regulation | Contraception, cycle regulation | Contraception, suitable for those who cannot take estrogen (e.g., breastfeeding mothers) |
| Missed Pill Window | Approx. 12 hours before protection may be reduced | Approx. 12 hours | Much stricter window, often only 3 hours |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, breast tenderness, headache, risk of blood clots | Similar to other COCs, though some types may have a lower risk of blood clots than others | Irregular bleeding is more common |
Conclusion
Althea is an effective combined oral contraceptive that offers additional benefits for skin and menstrual regulation for suitable candidates. Understanding how to use Althea pills correctly—starting the pack properly, taking one pill at the same time daily, and knowing what to do if a dose is missed—is essential for maximizing its contraceptive protection and minimizing risks. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine if Althea is the right choice for you and to receive personalized guidance based on your health profile.
For more detailed information, consult the patient information leaflet provided with your medication or visit a resource like the Mayo Clinic's guide to combination pills.
