Mood changes, mass gain, skin pigmentation, vaginal candidiasis, gall bladder disease, gastrointestinal irritation and fluid retention may occur. Case reports have been published of benign hepatic tumours in women on oral contraceptives for a prolonged time, but a causal relationship has not been established. The preparation should be discontinued if persistent upper abdominal pain develops. The efficacy of the contraceptive pill may be decreased when it is administered concomitantly with other medicines such as the anti-epileptic agents, rifampicin, phenylbutazone and ampicillin. With vomiting and diarrhoea, the absorption of oral contraceptives may be diminished and women should be advised to use additional methods of contraception at the time of such disorders.
Surgery is more likely to be associated with an increased incidence of thrombotic side effects.
Adequate precaution should be taken. Under no circumstances should the oral contraceptive tablet be stopped without having adopted a satisfactory alternative method of contraception. Such light bleeding will usually disappear by itself. However, if heavier bleeding occurs and persists, the patient should consult her doctor. If the patient should miss one period completely, she should consult her doctor.