If you are like millions of other women, you may choose oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. Birth-control pills are convenient and one of the most effective methods of pregnancy prevention. In fact, less than 1 percent of women become pregnant if they take the pill as directed each day. The drug Zovia is a hormonal contraceptive containing both estrogen and progestin. As with other birth-control pills, Zovia can cause serious cardiovascular side effects. These effects increase if you are a smoker.
Drug Information
Zovia is a combination birth-control pill containing estrogen and a synthetic form of progesterone called progestin. The active ingredients in Zovia are ethinyl estradiol and ethynodiol diacetate. This type of oral contraceptive prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs. It also changes your uterine lining and cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to join an egg. Your doctor may prescribe Zovia for other reasons than to prevent pregnancy. It can be used to treat endometriosis, hormonal imbalances and acne. The drug is also prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles.
Potential Complications
Zovia side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, bloating, breast swelling and changes to your menstrual cycle. These are considered common effects of the drug. More severe complications affecting the heart, lungs and circulatory system may develop and can be life-threatening. These include chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, fatigue and a severe, sudden headache. Pain or swelling in the legs as well as numbness or tingling in the limbs are also serious side effects. Get immediate medical attention if you develop these symptoms.
Effect of Smoking
Being a smoker increases your chances of developing serious complications when taking Zovia. The drug carries an FDA-required warning stating that you should not smoke while taking it. Taking contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin may increase your risk of having a heart attack, stroke or blood clot. This risk increases as you get older and if you already have risk factors for these conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity. Smoking also increases your risk of having cardiovascular problems because it narrows blood vessels and can weaken the aorta, the body's main artery. The combination of smoking and the active ingredients in Zovia increase your chances of complications even more. You are at the most risk if you take this drug and smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day.
Reducing Your Risk
Be sure your doctor knows your medical history, especially if you have cardiovascular risk factors or had health problems in the past. It's vital that you stop smoking if you are prescribed Zovia or a similar drug. You can also lower your likelihood of having complications if you can prevent or reduce other medical problems, including high blood pressure and blood sugar. Losing weight if you're overweight or obese can also cut your risks of having side effects to Zovia.
