Estarylla Birth Control: In-Depth Review

In a world where knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions about our health, access to effective birth control options has never been more crucial. Enter Estarylla, the frequently prescribed oral contraceptive that stands as a cornerstone in women’s reproductive health choices. This widely-used birth control method has impacted countless lives, and in this comprehensive review, we’ll unveil the information you need to empower your own choices and embrace your health’s future. Welcome to the exploration of Estarylla birth control’s key aspects and what they mean for you.

Related: Viatris Birth Control (Formerly Mylan): What You Must Know!

What is Estarylla Birth Control?

Estarylla is a combination oral contraceptive pill (cOCP) that contains the hormones norgestimate (0.25mg) and ethinyl estradiol (0.035mg). It is used to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, changing cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration, and changing the endometrium to reduce implantation. Estarylla is also prescribed to treat acne in women.

Related: Loryna Birth Control: The Good, The Bad, and The Unbelievable!

How does the Estarylla birth control pill work?

 It works by:

• Preventing ovulation: Estarylla inhibits the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle, preventing fertilization.
• Changing cervical mucus: The pill thickens the vaginal fluid, making it difficult for sperm to penetrate the cervix and reach the egg.
• Changing the endometrium: Estarylla alters the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to a fertilized egg and reducing the chances of implantation.

Related: Is Vienva Birth Control Your Right Match? Find Out!

How is Estarylla Birth Control used?

To use Estarylla Birth Control effectively, follow these instructions provided in the Patient Information Leaflet:

1. Read the Patient Information Leaflet: Before you start using Estarylla and each time you refill your prescription, carefully read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. This leaflet contains crucial information about when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.
2. Take it Orally: Take Estarylla by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Choose a specific time of day that is easy for you to remember and ensure you take your pill at the same time every day.
3. Chewable Tablets: If you are using the chewable tablet version, you can either swallow it whole or chew it thoroughly and then swallow it. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific brand.
4. Consistency is Key: It’s crucial to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Some birth control pills, including Estarylla, have varying amounts of estrogen and progestin in each active tablet during different phases of your menstrual cycle. Following the package instructions is essential. Begin with the first tablet in the pack and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses, as missing pills, starting a new pack late, or taking your pill at a different time of day than usual increases the risk of pregnancy.
5. Vomiting or Diarrhea: If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, it can affect the effectiveness of your birth control pills. In such cases, you may need to use a backup birth control method, such as condoms or spermicide. Refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for instructions and consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
6. Timing to Minimize Side Effects: Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help if you have stomach upset or nausea. Alternatively, you can choose a time of day that suits you best while maintaining a consistent 24-hour interval between doses. If you have any questions about the dosing schedule, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
7. 21-Day Cycle: Your pill pack contains 21 pills with active medication and may also include 7 reminder pills with no medication. Take one active pill (containing hormones) once daily for 21 consecutive days. If you are using a product with 28 tablets, take an inactive pill once daily for 7 days in a row after completing the last active pill, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you are using a product with 21 tablets, do not take any tablets for 7 days unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Your period should occur during the fourth week of the cycle. Start a new pack the day after you have taken the last inactive tablet or after 7 days without an active tablet, even if your period has not begun. If you do not get your period, consult your doctor.
8. First-Time Use: If you are using this medication for the first time and not transitioning from another form of hormonal birth control, take the first tablet in the pack on the first Sunday following the beginning of your menstrual period or on the first day of your period. If your period starts on a Sunday, begin taking the medication on that day. During the first cycle of use only, use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy until the medication has had sufficient time to work. If you start on the first day of your period, there is no need for backup birth control during the first week.
9. Switching from Other Forms: If you are transitioning from other forms of hormonal birth control to Estarylla, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on how to make the switch. If any information is unclear, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet or seek advice from your healthcare provider.

Related: A Comprehensive Guide to Sprintec Birth Control

What is the Estarylla Birth Control Dosage?

The dosage of Estarylla is one pill per day, taken at the same time each day, with or without food. The pack contains 21 blue active tablets and 7 green inert tablets. After taking 21 days of the active pills, switch to the green inert pills for 7 days. These inert pills are there to help you maintain the habit of taking the pill every day and do not contain any hormones. 

Related: Discover If Slynd Birth Control Is Right For You

What should someone do if they miss a dose?

Here are some general guidelines:

• Estarylla Combination Pills:
  • Take the missed/late pill as soon as you remember.
  • Take the next pill at your regular time, even if that means taking 2 pills in one day.
  • Take the most recently missed pill as soon as you can, even if it means taking 2 pills the same day.
  • Take 1 pill a day until you finish the pack.
  • Throw away the inactive pills at the end of this pack and go straight into the next pack. You will most likely NOT have a period this month.
  • Use a backup form of contraception until you have been on active pills for at least 7 days.
  • If you had unprotected sex before you were back on the pill for 7 consecutive days, and that occurred within the last five days, you may need to take emergency contraception.

Related: Tri-Lo-Marzia Birth Control: The Pill You Need?

What precautions to take before taking Estarylla?

Before starting Estarylla, it’s crucial to take the following precautions as outlined:

1. Allergic Reactions: Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies, especially to estrogens (like ethinyl estradiol, mestranol) or progestins (such as norethindrone, desogestrel). Some inactive ingredients in this product may trigger allergic reactions, so consult your pharmacist for additional information.
2. Medical History: Disclose your medical history to your healthcare provider, particularly if you have a history of:
   • Blood clots, including in the legs, eyes, or lungs
   • Blood clotting disorders (e.g., protein C or protein S deficiency)
   • High blood pressure
   • Abnormal breast examinations
   • Cancer, especially endometrial or breast cancer
   • High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
   • Depression
   • Diabetes
   • Family or personal history of angioedema (a swelling disorder)
   • Gallbladder issues
   • Severe headaches or migraines
   • Heart problems (e.g., heart valve disease, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack)
   • History of jaundice (yellowing of the eyes/skin) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control
   • Kidney disease
   • Liver disease, including tumors
   • Obesity
   • Stroke
   • Swelling (edema)
   • Thyroid problems
   • Unexplained vaginal bleeding
3. Diabetes Monitoring: If you have diabetes, be aware that this medication can affect your blood sugar. Regularly check your blood sugar levels as directed by your healthcare provider and share the results with them. If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst or urination, inform your doctor. Adjustments to your diabetes medication, exercise regimen, or diet may be necessary.
4. Chewable Tablets: If you are using chewable tablets, be cautious if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit or avoid substances like sugar and aspartame in your diet.
5. Surgery and Extended Immobility: Let your doctor know if you’ve recently had surgery, are planning to have surgery, or will be immobile for an extended period (e.g., long plane flights). These conditions increase the risk of blood clots, especially when using hormonal birth control. Your doctor may recommend stopping this medication temporarily or taking specific precautions.
6. Informing Medical Professionals: Before any surgery or dental procedures, be sure to inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
7. Melasma Risk: This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma), and exposure to sunlight can worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
8. Vision Changes: If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, be aware that you may develop vision problems or have difficulty wearing your contact lenses. If these issues occur, contact your eye doctor.
9. Fertility After Discontinuation: It may take some time for you to become pregnant after discontinuing birth control pills. Consult your doctor for guidance in this regard.
10. Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. After giving birth or experiencing a pregnancy loss or abortion after the first three months, consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate time to begin using birth control methods containing estrogen, such as this medication.
11. Breastfeeding: Estarylla may decrease the production of breast milk, and a small amount may pass into breast milk, potentially affecting a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding if you are taking this medication.

Related: Junel Fe Birth Control: Your Life, Your Control

How does Estarylla interact with other medications?

Estarylla can interact with other medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of serious side effects.

1. General Advice on Drug Interactions:

• Drug interactions can alter how your medications work or raise the risk of severe side effects.
• This document does not encompass all possible drug interactions. Maintain a record of all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products, and share this list with your doctor and pharmacist.
• Do not initiate, discontinue, or alter the dosage of any medications without your doctor’s approval.

2. Specific Medications That May Interact with Estarylla:

• Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, exemestane)
• Fezolinetant
• Ospemifene
• Tamoxifen
• Tizanidine
• Tranexamic acid
• Certain combination products used for treating chronic hepatitis C, such as ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir.

3. Medications That May Reduce the Effectiveness of Hormonal Birth Control (including Estarylla):

• Certain drugs can diminish the effectiveness of hormonal birth control by reducing the levels of birth control hormones in your body. This may lead to an increased risk of pregnancy. Examples of such drugs include:
  • Griseofulvin
  • Modafinil
  • Rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin)
  • Ritonavir
  • St. John’s wort
  • Medications used for treating seizures (e.g., barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate)
  • HIV drugs (e.g., nelfinavir, nevirapine), among others.

4. Additional Information:

• Whenever you begin taking a new medication, inform your doctor. Discuss whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods while on the new drug.
• If you experience new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, inform your doctor, as these may indicate that your birth control is not functioning effectively.

5. Lab Test Interference:

• Estarylla may interfere with certain laboratory tests, potentially leading to inaccurate test results. Be sure that laboratory personnel and all your healthcare providers are aware that you are using this medication.

Related: Hailey 24 Fe Birth Control Pills: End Period Woes!

How safe is Estarylla birth control pill?

Estarylla is generally safe and effective when used as directed. However, it may cause serious side effects, such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially in women who smoke or are over 35 years old.

What are possible side effects of Estarylla?

Possible side effects of Estarylla, include:

Common Side Effects:

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Headache
4. Bloating
5. Breast Tenderness
6. Swelling of the Ankles/Feet (Fluid Retention)
7. Weight Change
8. Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods (Spotting)
9. Missed/Irregular Periods

These common side effects may occur, especially during the first few months of use.

Serious Side Effects:

16. Blood Clots: Estarylla may rarely cause serious, sometimes fatal problems related to blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Chest/jaw/left arm pain
• Confusion
• Sudden dizziness or fainting
• Pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
• Trouble speaking
• Sudden shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Unusual headaches, including headaches with vision changes or lack of coordination, worsening of migraines, or sudden and severe headaches
• Unusual sweating
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Vision problems or changes, such as double vision or partial/complete blindness

Allergic Reaction:

17. Allergic Reaction: A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare, but it can occur. Seek immediate medical assistance if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

This list is not exhaustive, and if you experience other effects not mentioned above, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist. Additionally, you can report side effects to the relevant authorities in the US or Canada as provided in the text.

Related: Yaz Birth Control | In-Depth Guide (2023)

How to store and handle Estarylla Birth Control?

To store and handle Estarylla birth control, follow these instructions:

1. Storage:

• Store Estarylla at room temperature.
• Keep it away from direct light and moisture.
• Do not store it in the bathroom.

2. Keep Out of Reach:

• Keep all medications, including Estarylla, away from the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

3. Proper Disposal:

• Do not flush Estarylla down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so.
• When the medication is expired or no longer needed, dispose of it properly.
• Consult your pharmacist or a local waste disposal company for guidance on how to dispose of the product in an environmentally responsible manner.

Related: Mirena IUD: Birth Control That Also Helps With Heavy Periods

Where can one get Estarylla Birth Control?

Estarylla birth control can be obtained from various sources, including:

• Treated.com: Estarylla can be purchased online from Treated.com, a licensed US pharmacy that offers free delivery.
• Pandia Health: Pandia Health is an online pharmacy that offers Estarylla birth control pills with free delivery.
• Nurx: Nurx is an online healthcare provider that offers Estarylla birth control pills with free delivery.
• Push Health: Push Health is an online healthcare provider that offers Estarylla birth control pills with a prescription. After a consultation with a healthcare provider, the medication can be picked up at a nearby pharmacy.
• Blink Health: Blink Health is an online pharmacy that offers Estarylla birth control pills with a prescription.

Estarylla is also available at local pharmacies with a prescription from a healthcare provider. It is important to note that the cost of Estarylla may vary depending on the pharmacy and insurance coverage.

Related: Marlissa Birth Control: An In-Depth Review of a Popular Contraceptive Option

What are Estarylla pill alternatives?

Estarylla is a combination oral contraceptive pill that contains the hormones progestin and estrogen. Here are some Estarylla pill alternatives:

• Lo Loestrin Fe: This is a low-dose birth control pill that contains both estrogen and progestin. It is taken daily and has a lower risk of side effects than other birth control pills.
• NuvaRing: This is a flexible vaginal ring that is inserted once a month and releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. It contains both estrogen and progestin and is an effective alternative to birth control pills.
• Sprintec: This is a combination birth control pill that contains both estrogen and progestin. It is taken daily and is an effective alternative to Estarylla.
• Depo-Provera: This is a progestin-only injection that is given every three months to prevent pregnancy. It is an effective alternative to birth control pills and is a good option for women who have trouble remembering to take a daily pill.
• Norethindrone: This is a progestin-only pill that is taken daily to prevent pregnancy. It is an effective alternative to combination birth control pills and is a good option for women who cannot take estrogen.
• Yaz: This is a combination birth control pill that contains both estrogen and progestin. It is taken daily and is an effective alternative to Estarylla.

Related: Weight Gain after Stopping Birth Control

What are some User reviews about Estarylla?

Here are some user reviews on WebMD about Estarylla birth control:

1. tootrill | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
   • Overall rating: 5.0
   • Effectiveness: 5 stars
   • Ease of Use: 5 stars
   • Satisfaction: 5 stars
   • Comment: Positive experience, regular periods, no side effects.
2. Yellowsky | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
   • Overall rating: 3.7
   • Effectiveness: Not specified
   • Ease of Use: Not specified
   • Satisfaction: Not specified
   • Comment: Switched due to heavy periods, didn’t notice side effects.
3. Kate | Patient
   • Overall rating: 5.0
   • Effectiveness: 5 stars
   • Ease of Use: Not specified
   • Satisfaction: 5 stars
   • Comment: No side effects, highly recommended.
4. Anonymous | 13-18 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
   • Overall rating: 3.7
   • Effectiveness: Not specified
   • Ease of Use: Not specified
   • Satisfaction: Not specified
   • Comment: Positive effects on mood and acne but decreased sex drive and nausea.
5. Bri | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
   • Overall rating: 1.0
   • Effectiveness: Not specified
   • Ease of Use: Not specified
   • Satisfaction: Not specified
   • Comment: Severe cramping, breast swelling, and other side effects.
6. annelee1107 | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
   • Overall rating: 4.7
   • Effectiveness: Not specified
   • Ease of Use: Not specified
   • Satisfaction: Not specified
   • Comment: Improved menstrual pain and acne.
7. Kate | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
   • Overall rating: 4.3
   • Effectiveness: Not specified
   • Ease of Use: Not specified
   • Satisfaction: Not specified
   • Comment: Possible weight gain and mood changes.
8. Sophie | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
   • Overall rating: 2.7
   • Effectiveness: Not specified
   • Ease of Use: Not specified
   • Satisfaction: Not specified
   • Comment: Severe nausea and mood swings.
9. BreeMarz | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
   • Overall rating: 1.7
   • Effectiveness: Not specified
   • Ease of Use: Not specified
   • Satisfaction: Not specified
   • Comment: Decreased libido, dryness, and other side effects.
10. KT | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months

• Overall rating: 4.3
• Effectiveness: Not specified
• Ease of Use: Not specified
• Satisfaction: Not specified
• Comment: Helped with PMDD symptoms but did not improve period pain.

Related: Acne after Stopping Birth Control

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)