Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information on when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill at the same time each day.

It is very important to keep taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. With certain brands of birth control pills, the amount of estrogen and progestin in each active tablet will vary at different times in the cycle. Follow the package instructions to find the first tablet, start with the first tablet in the pack, and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill 12 hours later than the usual time.

If you have vomiting or diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours after taking your tablet, read the Patient Information Leaflet section titled "What to Do if You Miss Tablets." Follow the instructions as if you had missed your dose because vomiting/diarrhea can stop the tablet from working.

Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help if you have stomach upset or nausea with the medication. You may choose to take this medication at another time of day that is easier for you to remember. No matter what dosing schedule you use, it is very important that you take this medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart.

Your pill pack contains 26 pills with active medication. It also contains 2 reminder pills with no medication. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 26 days in a row. After you have taken the last active pill, take one reminder pill once daily for 2 days in a row unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You should have your period during the fourth week of the cycle. After you have taken the last reminder tablet in the pack, start a new pack the next day even if your period is continuing or if you do not have your period. If you do not get your period, consult your doctor.

If this is the first time you are using this medication and you are not switching from another form of hormonal birth control (such as patch, other birth control pills), take the first tablet in the pack on the first day of your period. For the first cycle of use only, use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) for the first 9 days to prevent pregnancy until the medication has enough time to work.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about how to switch from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as patch, other birth control pills) to this product. If any information is unclear, consult the Patient Information Leaflet or your doctor or pharmacist.