Aurovela is a brand of combination oral contraceptive pills used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two female hormones, norethindrone acetate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), which work primarily by preventing ovulation. Different formulations of Aurovela exist, such as 21-day and 24 Fe (24 active pills with 4 iron placebo pills), each with specific dosing instructions that must be followed precisely.
General Daily Use Instructions
For all Aurovela formulations, consistency is the most critical factor for effectiveness. To achieve this, follow these general rules:
- Take one pill daily: Take a single tablet by mouth once every 24 hours.
- Maintain a consistent schedule: To build a routine and reduce the chance of missed doses, choose a specific time of day for taking your pill, such as after your largest meal or at bedtime. Taking it with food can also help reduce nausea.
- Follow the pack order: Always take the tablets in the order indicated on the blister pack. The days of the week are often pre-printed to help you stay on track.
Starting Your First Pack of Aurovela
Before beginning, it's important to consult the patient information leaflet that comes with your prescription for specific instructions, as there are two primary methods for starting your first pack.
Day-1 Start
- Take the first active pill on the very first day of your menstrual period.
- With this method, no additional backup contraception is needed from day one.
Sunday Start
- Take the first active pill on the first Sunday after your menstrual period begins.
- If your period starts on a Sunday, you should take the first pill that day.
- Important: You must use a backup, non-hormonal method of contraception, such as a condom, for the first seven days of your first cycle with a Sunday Start.
Handling Missed Aurovela Pills
What to do if you miss a pill depends on the type of pill, the number of pills missed, and where you are in your cycle. Always refer to your package insert for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
If you miss one active pill:
- Take the missed pill as soon as you remember.
- Take the next pill at your regularly scheduled time.
- You may take two pills in one day. You are unlikely to need backup contraception, but check your leaflet.
If you miss two or more active pills:
- Take the last missed pill as soon as you remember.
- Discard any earlier missed pills.
- Take the next pill at your regularly scheduled time.
- Use backup contraception for the next seven consecutive days while taking active pills.
- If missed pills occur in week 3 (for 21-day packs) or weeks 3-4 (for 24 Fe packs), it may require special instructions like skipping the inactive pills and starting a new pack immediately.
If you miss inactive pills:
- Discard any missed inactive pills.
- Continue taking one pill daily until the pack is finished.
- Begin your new pack on time. No backup contraception is necessary.
Comparison of Common Aurovela Packs
While all Aurovela formulations are taken once daily, they differ in their cycle length and composition. The following table compares two popular variants.
| Feature | Aurovela Fe 1/20 (28-day) | Aurovela 24 Fe (28-day) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Pills | 21 light orange tablets (1 mg norethindrone acetate / 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol) | 24 light yellow to yellow tablets (1 mg norethindrone acetate / 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol) |
| Inactive Pills | 7 brown tablets containing ferrous fumarate | 4 brown tablets containing ferrous fumarate |
| Hormone Free Days | 7 days (during brown pills) | 4 days (during brown pills) |
| When Period Occurs | During the 7 brown tablets | During the 4 brown tablets |
| Dosage Type | Monophasic | Monophasic |
| FDA Approval Status | Generic approved | Generic approved |
Important Safety Information and Drug Interactions
- Blood Clots and Stroke: Smoking while taking oral contraceptives significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially for women over 35.
- Medication Interactions: Certain drugs, including some antibiotics (like rifampin), anticonvulsants, and herbal supplements (like St. John's wort), can decrease the effectiveness of Aurovela. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist of all medications and supplements you are taking.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Severe vomiting or diarrhea can prevent your body from absorbing the hormones effectively. Treat it as a missed dose and use backup birth control.
- Liver Function: Aurovela is contraindicated for those with liver disease. Stop taking it immediately if you develop symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
- Monitoring: Regular checkups, including blood pressure monitoring, are recommended while on this medication.
Conclusion
Taking Aurovela correctly involves consistent daily use, understanding your specific pack's schedule, and knowing how to handle missed doses properly. While the medication is highly effective when used perfectly, any lapse in adherence can significantly increase the risk of pregnancy. Always read the patient information leaflet, discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, and use backup contraception as needed to ensure safe and effective use.
For more detailed prescribing information and safety guidelines, you can refer to authoritative sources like the DailyMed Aurovela 24 Fe package insert.
