KwikMed Only Prescribes and Ships Genuine Watson (now Actavis) ZARAH^®

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What is ZARAH^®?

ZARAH^® is a prescription oral contraceptive that is used primarily for the prevention of unplanned pregnancy. Each monthly pack of ZARAH^® includes 21 active tablets and 7 inactive tablets which are taken as normal during the week of a period. They serve as placeholders so that the schedule is not interrupted. The active ingredients in ZARAH^® include drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol which is why ZARAH^® is categorized as a combination oral contraceptive.

Oral contraceptives continue to be popular due to their relatively low risk of side effects. Women who smoke, especially those 35 years of age or older, may be putting their health at risk when taking oral contraceptives as risk of blood clots increases.

When oral contraceptives are taken perfectly (meaning, as directed), they have a high success rate of protecting against unplanned pregnancy. Another important aspect of oral contraceptives that should be brought to the user's attention is that ZARAH^®, or any other oral contraceptives, are not effective in protecting against HIV or any STDs or STIs. Safe sex practices should still be used. Some women with a history of depression may notice a negative impact on mood. If this happens, it's important to discuss other options with your physician. In some cases, certain laboratory tests may not show a true result as oral contraceptives can impact endocrine or liver function tests.

ZARAH^®, like any oral contraceptive, should be taken at approximately the same time each day in order for pregnancy protection to be at its highest.

Online Consultation - there is no fee for this consultation

Accurate information is required before any physician can write a prescription for any illness or condition. A U.S. licensed physician will review your online consultation and either approve or decline your prescription for ZARAH^®. If you are declined there will be no charge to you. If you are approved, you will be charged only for the cost of the ZARAH^®. There are no hidden costs.

How to Take ZARAH^®

ZARAH^® is an oral contraceptive that comes in a pack of 28 tablets. Of these, 21 are active, meaning they contain 3 mg of an active ingredient drospirenone and 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 7 are inactive tablets. ZARAH^® is a combination oral contraceptive because it contains both estrogen and progestin. This oral medication should be taken at the same time each day (every 24 hours) in order to be most effective in pregnancy prevention. Once prescribed, you have the option to begin taking it on the first day of your menstrual period (Day 1 start) or to start taking it the first Sunday after the start of the menstrual period (Sunday start).

Sunday Start Information

If you choose to begin taking ZARAH^® at the Sunday start date, begin by taking one blue tablet the first Sunday after your period begins. For 21 days, each of these tablets should be taken at the same time every 24 hours. On days 22 through 28 of the menstrual cycle, take one peach tablet daily. ZARAH^® should not be considered as an appropriate form of contraception until 7 consecutive days of taking the product have been completed. Before this time, ovulation or conception resulting from unprotected sex may occur.

Day 1 Start Information

If you choose to start on the first day of your menstrual cycle, this is considered a Day 1 Start. One blue tablet should be taken each day for 21 days at the same time every 24 hours. The peach tablet should be taken on menstrual cycle days 22 through 28. If you begin taking ZARAH^® later than the starting day of your menstrual cycle, it should not be considered as an effective way to avoid pregnancy until 7 days of continuous use. Prior to the seventh day passing, ovulation and therefore conception are a possibility.

Side Effects

Most women have little difficulty when taking oral contraceptives, however some of the most frequently reported side effects associated with ZARAH^® are breast pain or tenderness, nausea, headache, changes in menstrual cycle and stomach pain. Any side effect that remains for any length of time should be discussed with your doctor.

Precautions

Women with certain health conditions should not take ZARAH^®. This is why any current medication or health condition must be discussed before starting on this oral contraceptive. Those at the highest risk for complications include women who smoke (especially those over 35) or those who have cancer. Women who are breastfeeding, have an upcoming surgery or are pregnant must discuss these things with the prescribing doctor.

Drug Interactions

In women taking antibiotics, ibuprofen or blood thinners, there may be a potential drug interaction. There are other medications as well that may also have an interaction. These medications are associated with an increased risk for high potassium as well as other complications. This is why all medications (over-the-counter and prescription) need to be disclosed to the doctor.

ZARAH^® differs from other birth control pills because it's active ingredient drospirenone can elevate potassium levels. As a result some blood pressure meds as well as anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Advil^®, Motrin^®, Aleve^® etc.) diuretics and potassium supplements can increase potassium levels. It is important to disclose all medications both prescription and over the counter to your healthcare providers and potassium levels should be monitored especially when starting ZARAH^®.

Missed Dose

Any time that you forget to take your dose of ZARAH^®, you are increasing your chance of pregnancy. Depending on what type of pill it is, there are certain actions you can take.

If you forget to take a blue pill (active) then you should take it as soon as you remember, even if it is when you are supposed to take the next day's pill. If this is the only pill you have missed, there is no need for a backup method of pregnancy prevention.

If two blue (active) pills are missed consecutively during the first or second weeks of the pack, take two pills when you remember and two pills the following day in order to get back on schedule. A backup form of pregnancy prevention is required for the next 7 days.

If you forget to take any blue (active) pills during the third week of the pack (or three or more blue pills in a row any week of your cycle) you will need to look at the specific directions included in the pack which will vary slightly depending if you are a Sunday Start or a Day 1 Start.

If any of the peach (inactive) pills are missed, throw away the one(s) you forgot to take and continue taking the rest as scheduled. These are simply meant as placeholders so you are not thrown off your schedule.

Additional Information for Missed Doses

How to Store ZARAH^®

While taking ZARAH^® be sure to keep it stored in the original packaging because it has the days printed on it to help remind you when to take your medication. Additionally ZARAH^® should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Like any medication, it is important to keep these tablets out of the reach of children.

Notes

ZARAH^® is a prescription form of contraception and it should not be shared with others.