Aygestin is used for:

Treating certain menstrual problems or uterine problems (eg, abnormal bleeding, endometriosis). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Aygestin is a progestin hormone. It works by altering the lining of the uterus.

Do NOT use Aygestin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Aygestin
• you have vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, or if you have a history of blood clots, bleeding in the brain (eg, stroke), liver problems, known or suspected breast cancer, or genital cancer
• you are pregnant or may be pregnant

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Aygestin :

Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diabetes, seizures (eg, epilepsy), migraines, asthma, heart problems, kidney problems, or a history of depression

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Aygestin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Aprepitant, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), modafinil, nevirapine, rifampin, St. John's wort, or tetracyclines because they may decrease Aygestin 's effectiveness
• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), theophylline, or troleandomycin because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Aygestin
• Beta-adrenergic blockers (eg, propranolol) or lamotrigine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Aygestin

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Aygestin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Aygestin :

Use Aygestin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Aygestin. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Aygestin by mouth with or without food.
• Take Aygestin at the same time every day, with doses not more than 24 hours apart.
• If you miss a dose of Aygestin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aygestin.

Important safety information:

• Aygestin may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Aygestin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Aygestin may cause dark skin patches on your face. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Aygestin. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Diabetes patients - Aygestin may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Aygestin should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Aygestin if you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Aygestin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Aygestin , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Aygestin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Acne; changes in menstrual flow, including breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or missed periods; dizziness; drowsiness; fever; headache; hot flashes; nausea; nervousness; pain; rash; sleeplessness; stomach pain; weakness; weight gain or loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; depression; lumps in the breast or under the armpits; migraine headache; partial or complete loss of vision or changes in vision; shortness of breath; slurred speech; sudden loss of coordination; sudden or severe headache; swelling of fingers or ankles; tenderness, pain, or swelling of the calf; weakness, numbness, or pain in the arms or legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.