Contraceptive pills are among the most popular birth control options. But these aren’t used just to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Birth control pills also help manage the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), regulate periods, and balance your hormones.
One of the most widely known brands of oral contraceptives is Althea.
Althea birth control pills are a combination pill, which means it has two hormones: estrogen and progestin. These two help prevent pregnancies by thickening the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an egg.
The Benefits of Althea Pills
Many women choose Althea because of its price. At less than P500 for 1 box (21 tablets), Althea pills are priced more affordably than other brands. The manufacturer of Althea is Trust, the same company that produces condoms and other oral contraceptives, like Daphne, Lady, and Trust Pill.
You can purchase Althea Pills through online pharmacy websites, such as Watsons and Southstar Drug.
Althea pills have the same active ingredients as Diane 35, another popular contraceptive pill brand. Both contain Ethinyl estradiol and Cyproterone acetate. The latter is an anti-androgen that can help treat pimples and prevent excessive hair growth.
So women use Althea to clear up severe acne or address hirsutism. Hirsutism is a condition in which a woman has excessive amounts of dark, coarse hair on their body, usually on the face, chest, and back. It’s due to excessive male hormones or androgens, which Althea counteracts with its anti-androgen content.
Potential Side-Effects
Like other oral contraceptive brands, Althea pills may also have side-effects. The pill’s effectiveness depends on how your body reacts to it.
Here are some potential side-effects according to Althea pill reviews:
- Skin or hair changes
- Weight changes and water retention
- Nausea and headaches
- Vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in sex drive
- Menstrual irregularities (e.g., breakthrough bleeding, spotting, absence of menstruation)
- Vaginal itchiness
- Acne
How to Take Althea Pills Correctly
For first-timers, the best time to take Althea pills is on the first day of your period. Although you can take your first pill any day as long as you’re certain that you’re not pregnant.
Take it religiously every day for 21 days after the first pill.
There’s no certain point in the day that makes the pill more effective, just make sure to take it at the same time each day. Once you’ve finished a pack, stop taking the pills for the next seven days.
Your menstrual period usually comes during the week-long break, although it’ll be lighter and shorter than usual. Take the pill again after the seven-day pause.
If you miss a pill, take it within 12 hours past your regular time. This means if you normally take it at 12 PM, you have until midnight to take the pill to ensure its effectiveness. After your missed day, continue to take the pill on your regular time, even if it means having two pills in a day.
If you miss two or more consecutive pills, be cautious when having sex. Take the most recently missed pill and discard the other missed ones. Continue your regular dosage, but abstain from sex or use a condom for the next seven days.
Precautions When Taking Althea Pills
If you’re planning to stop taking Althea pills or switch brands, you have to finish the 21-day pack first. Otherwise, you may experience bleeding.
Not all women can take Althea pills, although it’s generally safe. Althea is not prescribed to women with the following conditions:
- Liver-related conditions
- Lipid metabolism
- Estrogen-dependent neoplasm (e.g., breast and colorectal cancer)
- History of skin conditions and rare autoimmune skin diseases during pregnancy
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Severe or focal migraine
Never self-medicate.
Consult your OB if you want to go on the pill. They’ll ask about your menstrual cycle and medical history to determine which brand is best for you. Your doctor will also give you a list of other medications you can and can’t take when you’re on the pill.
If the pill gives you side-effects you can’t tolerate, this means it’s not compatible with your chemical composition. Tell your OB, so they can prescribe a different brand.