Lybrel, a female combination oral contraceptive, stops ovulation, makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reduces chances of implantation. Lybrel also inhibits a woman's normal menstrual cycle. According to Wyeth, the drugs manufacturer, a woman typically will not have a regular period while taking Lybrel. She can, however, still experience occasional bleeding or spotting. Before using Lybrel, a woman should discuss associated risks with her doctor.
Contraindications
The use of Lybrel can exacerbate certain medical conditions, according to eMedTV.com. Some of the conditions that potentially worsen when a woman takes Lybrel include gallbladder disease, kidney disease, migraines, high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, migraines, depression, liver disease and past cardiovascular issues. A woman needs to review her full medical history with her doctor before using Lybrel to minimize health risks.
Smoking
Smokers should not use Lybrel. Smoking while using Lybrel increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as strokes, blood clots and heart attacks. Smoking-related risks increase for women who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day and who are older than the age of 35, according to Wyeth.
Pregnant or Breast-feeding
Women who are pregnant or contemplating becoming pregnant should not use Lybrel, according to Wyeth. Further, women who are breast-feeding should not use this medication as the contraceptive hormones contained in Lybrel pass through the mother's breast milk to the nursing infant, according to eMedTV.com.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The use of Lybrel does not protect a woman from HIV and other sexually transmitted disease. While Lybrel will help prevent conception, a woman will need to use a condom during intercourse to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects can result from the use of Lybrel. A woman should seek emergency medical assistance if she experiences any signs of an allergic reaction to the medication, according to Drugs.com. Allergic symptoms include difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue. A woman should cease using medication and contact her doctor if she experiences any of the following side serious effects: sudden headache, pain behind eyes, problems with speech, vision or balance, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, breast lumps or discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting, swelling of fingers, ankles, legs or hands, leg or calf pain, dark urine or coughing up blood, according to Drugs.com.
Pregnancy Risk
The risk of pregnancy when using Lybrel is low. Wyeth reports that the method fails for approximately 1.55 in 100 women who used the drug correctly. According to Drugs.com, the risk of pregnancy increases with every missed dosage of Lybrel.
