Medical Review by DeAnna McGarity MD
Summary:
- Sprintec® is an oral contraceptive that contains both estrogen and progestin. These hormones work together to prevent ovulation, regulate your menstrual cycle, and thicken cervical mucus.
- Sprintec® works to reduce the intensity of these cramps by decreasing the production of chemicals in the body called prostaglandins, which cause the uterine muscles to contract during menstruation.
- Sprintec® is a highly effective form of contraception that reduces the risk of unintended pregnancy.
- Sprintec® can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking it and use only as directed.
What is Sprintec® & how does it work?
Sprintec® is a type of hormonal birth control medication that uses a combination of two different hormones—estrogen and progestin—as a highly effective form of contraception. More than 500 million women who are alive today are estimated to have used this type of birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Below, we explore the way Sprintec® works, as well as its benefits, potential side effects, and more. Use this information when talking to a qualified medical professional about whether Sprintec® might be right for you.
Acne reduction
Combined oral contraceptives like Sprintec® can help reduce acne by regulating hormones called androgens that often contribute to skin issues. By making androgens less available to bind to the glands that produce oil, Sprintec® can help your pores from becoming clogged and leave you with clearer skin.
Endometriosis management
Birth control medications like Sprintec® have often been used as a treatment to relieve pain caused by endometriosis, a common gynecological condition. However, it’s important to note that there is limited evidence available to support this claim, and there have been calls for further research.
Decreased risk of certain cancers
Long-term use of combination oral contraceptives like Sprintec® has been associated with a reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. This protective effect is an added benefit of using Sprintec® as part of a long-term contraceptive strategy.
The science behind Sprintec®
This combination oral contraceptive contains two types of hormones—estrogen and progestin. These hormones cause the following changes to your body to prevent pregnancy:
- Regulates your menstrual cycle by stabilizing the lining of your uterus, which reduces the risk of irregularities in your menstrual cycle and can lower the risk of accidental pregnancy.
- Thickens the mucus in your cervix to prevent male sperm cells from being able to enter.
- Prevents ovulation by stopping your ovary from releasing an egg (so that there isn’t one available to be fertilized).
How effective is Sprintec®?
Oral contraceptives like Sprintec® have been shown to be highly effective, with a low percentage of women per year who take them reporting pregnancies.
When taken consistently on schedule and as directed, these medications have been found to be even more effective—but some people forget to take the medication consistently or miss a dose for other reasons. However, it does not protect against HIV, AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.
Additional benefits of Sprintec®
In addition to preventing pregnancy and regulating menstrual cycles, oral contraceptives like Sprintec® can offer several other benefits:
Reducing pain from menstrual cramps
Combined oral contraceptives like Sprintec® have been shown to be effective at reducing pain caused by menstrual cramps. The pain caused by these cramps can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
The side effects of Sprintec®
Although Sprintec® is generally effective, it can have side effects. You should be aware of these side effects and discuss them with a qualified healthcare provider who can help you make an informed choice about whether or not to use it. The medication may also affect the dosing of other drugs taken, so please discuss with your healthcare provider, if taking other medications.
Common side effects
Some of the more common side effects of Sprintec® include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Mood changes, including depression
- Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
- Changes in menstrual flow
- Weight changes
- Acne
- Increased hair growth in unusual areas
- Complications with breast milk
Serious side effects
Serious side effects can include an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), heart attack, or stroke, especially in women who smoke and are over 35 years old.
If you experience any severe symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe headaches, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
It is also vital to consult with a healthcare provider to review your medical history and evaluate your risks before starting Sprintec®.
Who should not use Sprintec®?
Sprintec® is suitable for many, but not all. It may not be prescribed for you if any of the following risk factors are present:
- A history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
- A history of heart attack or stroke
- Known or suspected breast cancer (or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancers)
- Liver tumors or liver disease
- Pregnancy (or suspected pregnancy)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Severe high blood pressure
- Diabetes with complications involving blood vessels
- Smoking past the age of 35
- A history of migraines with aura
- Certain types of heart conditions or heart valve problems
- Currently taking certain medications for Hepatitis C
When you talk to your healthcare provider about Sprintec®, you’ll be asked specific questions about your medical history during the consultation. This will help them determine whether Sprintec® is the right choice for you.
Breastfeeding
For nursing mothers, choosing the right contraception is important for both your health and the baby’s well-being. It’s recommended to explore alternative forms of contraception until breastfeeding is complete. Combined oral contraceptives like Sprintec® have been known to potentially decrease milk supply, which may not align with breastfeeding goals. You should discuss contraceptive options with a healthcare provider to find the best solution that supports both maternal health and breastfeeding needs.
How to use Sprintec®
Taking Sprintec® correctly is essential if you want it to be as safe and effective as possible. Always make sure to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider to maximize the benefits and minimize your risks.
The following info comes from the patient information for this medication—read it in full to learn more.
Available dosages for Sprintec®
Sprintec® comes in blister cards with the same dosages. Each one has 28 tablets in two different categories:
- 21 blue tablets with 0.250 mg norgestimate (progestin) and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol (estrogen)
- 7 white tablets containing a non-hormonal placebo and inert ingredients
When to take Sprintec®
Starting Sprintec® and taking it at the right time is important for getting the results you want.
Timing your doses
It’s important to take Sprintec® at the same time every day.
Each pack contains 21 blue active pills and 7 white inactive pills. Take one pill each day, starting with the active pills for 21 days, followed by the inactive pills for 7 days, and then start a new pack immediately after finishing the last inactive pill.
When to start taking Sprintec®
Sprintec® can be started using either the Day 1 Start or the Sunday Start method.
- For a day 1 start: Begin taking Sprintec® on the first day of your menstrual period. You take one blue active pill daily for 21 days, followed by one white inactive pill daily for 7 days. Each new pack should begin the day after the last inactive pill.
- For a Sunday start: Take the first blue active pill on the first Sunday after your period begins. During the first 7 days of the initial pack, use an additional non-hormonal contraception method, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. Follow the same 21 days of active pills and 7 days of inactive pills, starting each new pack on Sunday after the last inactive pill.
Taking Sprintec® after a childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage
If you are starting Sprintec® after childbirth or a second-trimester abortion, you should wait at least 4 weeks if not breastfeeding due to the increased risk of blood clots.
After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, you can start immediately if within 5 days. Otherwise, use additional contraception, for the first 7 days. {use additional contraception, such a condom, to prevent pregnancy. }
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss one active pill, take it as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the regular time, even if it means taking two pills in one day. No additional contraception is needed.
If you miss two active pills in the first or second week, take two pills as soon as you remember and two pills the next day, then continue with one pill daily until the pack is finished. Use additional contraception for the next 7 days.
If you miss two active pills in the third week or miss three or more active pills at any time, the way you deal with it will depend on how you started the medication {medication]. {Please see below}
Day 1 start: Throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day.
Sunday start: Continue taking one tablet a day until Sunday, then throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day.
Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up, if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets.
- For a day 1 start: Discard the current pack and start a new one immediately.
- For a Sunday start: Continue taking one pill daily until Sunday, then start a new pack. Use additional contraception for the next 7 days.
If you experience severe vomiting or diarrhea within 3-4 hours of taking a pill, treat it as a missed dose and follow the missed pill instructions.
Find expert advice & support for your Sprintec® journey
Sprintec® is a reliable form of contraception that can improve your menstrual health in several different ways. But understanding how it works, what it can do for you, and what potential risks might be involved is essential for taking it responsibly.
Making an informed choice about Sprintec® or other birth control medication means finding support from a healthcare professional who is qualified to give you medical advice. Learn more about Lemonaid Health’s birth control services, which can make it easier for you to consult a provider and acquire a prescription for birth control if clinically indicated.
Sprintec® is a registered trademark of Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
