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Why choose Lunelle?
How does it work?
Side effects
Risks
Why choose Lunelle?
Lunelle frees you from worrying about taking a pill every day, yet gives you protection against pregnancy all month. Plus, you're protected the moment you get your first injection - as long as you get it within the first 5 days of your period. When you receive your injection each month on time, Lunelle gives you over 99% protection against pregnancy. You can get your prescription filled on the Web or by mail like the Pill. However, you must go to a healthcare professional to have it injected.
How does it work?
Lunelle is a prescription hormonal birth control that is given as an injection in your arm, thigh, or buttock once a month by your healthcare professional. It contains the hormones that work just like the natural hormones estrogen and progesterone produced by your body. You get a peak of progesterone and estrogen and then a gradual decrease similar to what happens during your natural monthly cycle. As long as your injection is within 28 to 30 days of your previous injection, and no later than 33 days after your last injection, you will be protected from pregnancy for the entire month.
With Lunelle, sometimes it takes a bit for your body to fully adjust to a monthly cycle. This is because your initial injection is given when you have your period. This causes you to have a second period that same month approximately three weeks after your injection. The good news is that it usually happens only after your first injection - not subsequent ones. It's important to remember, though, that no matter when you get your period, your injection should be 28 to 30 days from the last one.
Side effects
During the first few months of taking Lunelle, most women will have a change in their periods, which may include no bleeding, irregular bleeding, or spotting. If this continues or is serious, discuss it with your healthcare professional. For most women, a monthly period will return. Some women may gain weight while taking Lunelle. In clinical studies, women generally gained an average of 4 pounds during the first year. Generally, most side effects aren't serious. It is important, though, to talk with your healthcare professional if side effects bother you.
Upon discontinuation of Lunelle, most women start ovulating 2 to 3 months after their last injection. Some women start ovulating at the very next cycle. It varies from woman to woman, so you need to be prepared immediately for the possibility of pregnancy.
Risks
Pregnant women, women who think they may be pregnancy, or women with blood clots, chest pains, certain cancers, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or a history of liver disease, stroke or heart attacks should not take Lunelle. Women over 35 who smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day should not take Lunelle. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had any of these conditions or if you are on any medication.
The use of any hormonal birth control containing estrogen can increase the risk of serious side effects that can be life threatening including blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Smoking increases these risks, especially if you are over 35 and smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day. Discuss these risks with your healthcare professional.
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