Vylibra, Sprintec 28, Mono-linyah, Previfem, Norgestimate Ethinyl Estradiol, Mili, Nymyo, Estarylla, Femynor
Sprintec is a brand-name medication prescribed for preventing pregnancy. Sprintec belongs to a group of drugs called oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD on May 30, 2023
Written by Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS
This article describes Sprintec’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of Sprintec.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with cigarette smoking
Sprintec has a boxed warning about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems in people who smoke cigarettes. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for Sprintec” section below.
Side effects of Sprintec
Sprintec may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Sprintec and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about Sprintec’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for Sprintec.
* To view Sprintec’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with Sprintec are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Sprintec’s side effects, see the prescribing information* for Sprintec.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Sprintec oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- headache or migraine
- abdominal pain
- vaginal infection or discharge
- breast pain or enlargement
- mild allergic reaction†
* To view Sprintec’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Sprintec” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Sprintec are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Sprintec’s side effects, see the prescribing information* for Sprintec.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Sprintec’s serious side effects include:
- blood clots
- heart attack or stroke
- depression
- increased risk of breast cancer
- liver problems, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- gallbladder problems, such as gallstones
- increased blood pressure
- increased cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- boxed warning: risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with cigarette smoking†
- severe allergic reaction†
* To view Sprintec’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Sprintec” section below.
Uses of Sprintec
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Sprintec for certain conditions. Approved uses for Sprintec are described below.
Use for pregnancy prevention
Doctors may prescribe Sprintec oral tablet to help prevent pregnancy. It’s used for this purpose in females.* The drug may be prescribed to adolescents who have started their periods and adults who have not gone through menopause. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Sprintec is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill). It comes in a pack containing 21 blue pills and 7 white pills. The blue pills contain two hormones, ethinyl estradiol (a form of estrogen) and norgestimate (a form of progesterone). The white pills are inactive. You’ll take one pill every day, starting with the blue pills.
The hormones in the blue pills help prevent pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. While you’re taking the white pills, the levels of these hormones fall in your body. You’ll usually have your period while taking the white pills.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Common questions about Sprintec
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Sprintec.
Can Sprintec be used for acne or PCOS?
Sprintec isn’t approved for acne or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but doctors may prescribe it off-label for these uses. (PCOS is a disorder that affects hormones.) With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
The hormones in Sprintec can help reduce acne, including acne related to PCOS. They can also help reduce other symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular periods and excessive facial hair growth.
If you’re interested in taking Sprintec for acne or PCOS, talk with your doctor.
Will I skip a period while taking Sprintec?
You might. Most people taking Sprintec have their period during the 7 days of taking the white inactive pills. But some people find their periods get much lighter or even stop while taking Sprintec.
If you skip a period while taking Sprintec, keep in mind that no form of birth control is 100% effective. It’s still possible to become pregnant while taking Sprintec, especially if you miss doses.
If you skip your period, missed doses of Sprintec, and had sex without using a barrier method of birth control (such as a condom) that month, you may be pregnant. In this case, it’s recommended that you see your doctor or take a pregnancy test. If you skip your period but you took all your doses that month, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be pregnant. But if you skip two periods in a row, you should take a pregnancy test or see your doctor.
What do I do if I miss a dose of Sprintec?
If you miss a dose of Sprintec, you may not be protected from pregnancy. What to do depends on where you are in your pack, how many pills you miss, and whether you’ve had sex without using a barrier method of birth control. You can find detailed instructions in the medication guide that comes with Sprintec. If you’re not sure what to do, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is weight loss a side effect of Sprintec?
Possibly. Some people may have weight changes while taking Sprintec. This could be weight loss or weight gain. But this isn’t a common side effect.
If you’re concerned that Sprintec might affect your weight, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.
How does Sprintec work? And how long does it take to start working?
Sprintec contains hormones that work in three ways to help prevent pregnancy. The hormones stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. They also thicken the mucus in your cervix. These actions help prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. In addition, Sprintec stops the lining of your uterus from building up as usual each month. This makes it harder for any fertilized egg to implant into your uterus.
How long Sprintec takes to work depends on a few factors, including where you are in your menstrual cycle when you start taking it.
Your doctor can tell you how soon you’ll be protected after starting Sprintec. You may be protected from pregnancy right away, or it may take 7 days before you’re protected. In this case, you should either avoid sex or use an extra method of birth control for the first 7 days of taking Sprintec.
To learn more about how Sprintec works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage of Sprintec
The dosage of Sprintec is one pill once per day, starting with the blue pills. (Each package of Sprintec contains some blue and some white pills.)
Taking Sprintec
Sprintec pills are taken by mouth, with or without food. It’s recommended that you take your Sprintec dose at the same time every day.
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take Sprintec and when to start taking it. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
Overdose of Sprintec
You should not take more Sprintec than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much Sprintec, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Sprintec coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for Sprintec by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for Sprintec, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Interactions and warnings for Sprintec
Below, you’ll find information about Sprintec’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of Sprintec
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take Sprintec, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription medications
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Sprintec” section below.
Warnings for Sprintec
Some people should not take Sprintec, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with cigarette smoking
Sprintec has a boxed warning about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems in people who smoke cigarettes. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Sprintec increases the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. These include blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Though rare, these side effects were reported in studies of the drug. Smoking cigarettes while taking Sprintec raises your risk of these side effects. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and with age. It isn’t recommended to take Sprintec if you’re over 35 years old and you smoke.
If you have concerns about the risk of heart and blood vessel problems with Sprintec, talk with your doctor. They can advise whether Sprintec is safe for you. They may also recommend ways to help reduce your risk of these side effects. If you smoke, they’ll likely recommend ways to help you quit.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other warnings
Sprintec could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Sprintec is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Sprintec, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Sprintec can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Sprintec or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Sprintec. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to Sprintec, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Sprintec
Information about Sprintec and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Sprintec and pregnancy
Sprintec is a form of birth control. It should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. If you become pregnant while taking Sprintec, you should stop taking it and see your doctor.
Sprintec and breastfeeding
Sprintec should not typically be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend using a different form of birth control.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes Sprintec’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about Sprintec or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Is Sprintec a low dose pill?
- Can anything make Sprintec less effective?
- How common are blood clots with Sprintec?
- How soon can I become pregnant after stopping Sprintec?
Article resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Sprintec (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) tablets, for oral use. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/90240210-0bca-4a55-99dc-19f2b40d8e3f/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
- Generic
- Tablet
- 84 of 0.25-35
- 1 Dispenser Pack
Dosage settings
Name
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate
Pronunciation
(ETH in il es tra DYE ole & nor JES ti mate)
Brand Names: US
Estarylla, Femynor, Mili, Mono-Linyah, MonoNessa [DSC], Ortho Tri-Cyclen (28) [DSC], Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo [DSC], Ortho-Cyclen (28) [DSC], Previfem, Sprintec 28, Tri Femynor, Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Linyah, Tri-Lo-Estarylla, Tri-Lo-Marzia, Tri-Lo-Mili, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, Tri-Mili, Tri-Previfem, Tri-Sprintec, Tri-VyLibra, Tri-VyLibra Lo, TriNessa (28) [DSC], TriNessa Lo [DSC], VyLibra
Warning
Smoking cigarettes while using this drug raises the chance of very bad heart and blood-related side effects. This chance is raised with age (mainly in women older than 35 years of age). It is also raised with the number of cigarettes smoked. It is strongly advised not to smoke. Do not use this drug if you smoke and are older than 35 years of age.
What is this drug used for?
It is used to prevent pregnancy. It is used to treat pimples (acne). It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
If you have an allergy to ethinyl estradiol, norgestimate, or any other part of this drug. If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you have had any of these health problems: Blood clots, blood clotting problem, breast cancer or other cancer where hormones make it grow, diseased blood vessels in the brain or heart, disease of a heart valve with problems, heart disease, chest pain caused by angina, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, liver tumor, very bad headache or migraine, or diabetes that affects blood flow. If you have had any of these health problems: Endometrial cancer, cancer of the cervix or vagina, or vaginal bleeding where the cause is not known. If you turned yellow during pregnancy or with estrogen-based or hormone contraceptive use. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take this drug if you are pregnant. If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. If you are taking ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir (with or without dasabuvir). This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. This drug may need to be stopped before certain types of surgery as your doctor has told you. If this drug is stopped, your doctor will tell you when to start taking this drug again after your surgery or procedure. This drug may raise the chance of blood clots, a stroke, or a heart attack. Talk with the doctor. Talk with your doctor if you will need to be still for long periods of time like long trips, bedrest after surgery, or illness. Not moving for long periods may raise your chance of blood clots. If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor. This drug may raise blood sugar. Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor. High blood pressure has happened with drugs like this one. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor. Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor. This drug may cause high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Talk with the doctor. Be sure to have regular breast exams and gynecology check-ups. You will also need to do breast self-exams as you have been told. If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor. This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this drug. Certain drugs, herbal products, or health problems could cause this drug to not work as well. Be sure your doctor knows about all of your drugs and health problems. This drug does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. If you have questions, talk with your doctor. Do not use in children who have not had their first menstrual period. If you have any signs of pregnancy or if you have a positive pregnancy test, call your doctor right away.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes. Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight. Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; fever with chills; bloating; or very upset stomach or throwing up. Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight. Depression or other mood changes. Feeling very tired or weak. Swelling. Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed. A lump in the breast, breast pain or soreness, or nipple discharge. Vaginal itching or discharge. Eyesight changes or loss, bulging eyes, or change in how contact lenses feel. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Weight gain. Headache. Upset stomach or throwing up. Gas. Feeling nervous and excitable. Stomach pain. Bloating. Feeling tired or weak. Enlarged breasts. Tender breasts. Period (menstrual) changes. These include spotting or bleeding between cycles. This drug may cause dark patches of skin on your face. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Take this drug at the same time of day. Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach. After starting this drug, you may need to use a non-hormone type of birth control like condoms to prevent pregnancy for some time. Follow what your doctor has told you to do about using a non-hormone type of birth control. If you also take colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours after you take this drug. Do not skip doses, even if you do not have sex very often. If you throw up or have diarrhea, this drug may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use an extra form of birth control, like condoms, until you check with your doctor. If you miss 2 periods in a row, take a pregnancy test before starting a new dosing cycle.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
If a dose is missed, check the package insert or call the doctor to find out what to do. If using this drug to prevent pregnancy, another form of birth control may need to be used for some time to prevent pregnancy.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Store at room temperature. Protect from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.