Answers to Common Questions

Q:
How does LYBREL® work?
A:
LYBREL is a birth control pill that delivers the same low dose of hormones every day. As with other birth control pills, it prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation. When you take LYBREL, the lining of your uterus does not undergo the changes needed for menstruation, and therefore, you do not have regular menstrual periods or a pill period.
Q:
Is it OK to not have my period?
A:
Many health care professionals agree that there is no need to have a period while taking the Pill. Just ask yours.

LYBREL is a combination birth control pill that you take every day, therefore, you do not have regular monthly periods. You are likely to experience breakthrough bleeding and spotting. This usually decreases over time.
Q:
If I don't have my monthly period, where does the blood go?
A:
LYBREL is a birth control pill that is taken every day. When you take LYBREL, the lining of your uterus does not undergo the changes needed for menstruation, and therefore, you do not have regular menstrual periods. For a more detailed explanation of this process, go to How LYBREL Works.
Q:
How do I take LYBREL?
A:
You take the same low dose LYBREL pill every day. Simply take 1 LYBREL pill once a day as directed, at the same time every day. LYBREL provides women with more hormonal exposure on a yearly basis (13 additional weeks of hormone intake per year) than conventional cyclic oral contraceptives containing the same strength of synthetic estrogens and similar strength of progestins.
Q:
What do I do if I miss a pill?
A:
Take the missed pill as soon as you remember. THEN, take the next pill at your regular time. This means you may take 2 pills in 1 day. You COULD BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex during the 7 days after you restart your pills. You MUST use a nonhormonal birth control method (such as condoms and/or spermicide) as a backup for those 7 days. For information on what to do if you miss 2 or more pills, visit our If You Miss a Pill page.
Q:
What if I want to get pregnant?
A:
Stop taking LYBREL. A pregnancy can occur within days of stopping LYBREL. However, there may be some delay in becoming pregnant when you stop using oral contraceptives, especially if you had irregular menstrual cycles before using them.
Q:
How can I be sure I'm not pregnant?
A:
You are not likely to get pregnant if you take LYBREL at the same time every day as directed by your health care provider. Because regular monthly bleeding does not occur on LYBREL, it may be difficult to recognize if you get pregnant. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, or if you have symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea/vomiting or unusual breast tenderness, you should take a pregnancy test and contact your health care professional. Stop taking LYBREL if you are pregnant. Learn more about the effectiveness of LYBREL and other forms of birth control.
Q:
Will I have spotting or breakthrough bleeding while taking LYBREL?
A:
Unscheduled bleeding or spotting is likely to occur while you are taking LYBREL. Unscheduled bleeding or spotting occurs most often during the first six months of LYBREL use. This usually decreases over time. For some, this may continue, but regardless of any unexpected breakthrough bleeding or spotting, LYBREL remains highly effective birth control.
Q:
What's the difference between spotting and breakthrough bleeding?
A:
Breakthrough bleeding requires sanitary protection. Spotting does not require any sanitary protection.
Q:
Will I gain weight with LYBREL?
A:
As with all oral contraceptives, women may experience weight gain or weight loss. Learn about other side effects of taking LYBREL.
Q:
What are the most common side effects reported on LYBREL?
A:
In a clinical study, the most commonly reported side effects were headache, menstrual cramps, upper respiratory infection, vaginal bleeding, and nausea. For more details, please see our Side Effects and Safety.
Q:
What if I still have questions about LYBREL?
A:
Please contact your health care professional.
Freedom Lady

Important Safety Information

  • The Pill does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

  • Unscheduled bleeding or spotting is likely to occur while you are taking LYBREL. The convenience of having no regular menstrual periods should be weighed against the inconvenience of unscheduled or unplanned breakthrough bleeding and spotting.

  • Some women should not use the Pill, including women who have blood clots; breast, uterine, or liver cancers; a history of heart attack, stroke, or breast cancer; as well as those who are or may be pregnant.

  • Serious risks associated with the Pill which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels from oral contraceptive use, especially if you are over 35. Women who use the Pill are strongly advised not to smoke.

  • LYBREL provides women with more hormonal exposure on a yearly basis (13 additional weeks of hormone intake per year) than conventional cyclic oral contraceptives containing the same strength of synthetic estrogens and similar strength of progestins.

  • Because regular monthly bleeding does not occur on LYBREL, it may be difficult to recognize if you get pregnant. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, or if you have symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea/vomiting or unusual breast tenderness, you should have a pregnancy test and you should contact your health care professional.

  • The most common side effects reported with LYBREL in a clinical trial were headache, menstrual cramps, upper respiratory infection, vaginal bleeding, and nausea.