Camrese Lo
Camrese Lo is a birth control pill that helps prevent pregnancy. It's a combined oral contraceptive (COC), meaning it contains 2 hormones: levonorgestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Camrese Lo is an extended cycle birth control that follows a 91-day schedule. You take one active pill every day for 84 days, then a very low-dose estrogen pill for the next 7 days. This birth control lets you have a period once every three months, instead of monthly. Some potential side effects include nausea, spotting, and breakthrough bleeding.
Camrese Lo is a generic of the discontinued brand name LoSeasonique. Other generics that are like Camrese Lo include Lo Simpesse and LoJaimiess.
What is Camrese Lo?
What is Camrese Lo used for?
- To prevent pregnancy
How Camrese Lo works
Camrese Lo is a combined contraceptive that contains two hormones: ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin). Both hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:
- Stopping ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary)
- Changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement
- Creating an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg by changing the lining in the uterus (womb)
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Camrese Lo, Lo Simpesse, LoJaimiess |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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Side effects of Camrese Lo
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (33%)
- Irregular and/or heavy vaginal bleeding (13%)
- Period cramps (11%)
- Nausea and/or vomiting (11%)
- Back pain (8%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Mood changes
- Acne
- Weight gain
Camrese Lo serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
- Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
- Serious liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, stomach pain
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The following Camrese Lo side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Increase in blood pressure
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- New or worsening migraines or headaches
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
- Worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
- Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
- Nausea
- Weight gain
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Pros and cons of Camrese Lo
Pros
- Once-daily dosing
- Lower dose of hormones compared to other birth control pills
- Period once every 3 months, instead of monthly
- Works better to prevent pregnancy than some other birth control methods
Cons
- Not safe for females over 35 years old who smoke
- Can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches
- Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Must take it at the same time every day for it to work well
Pharmacist tips for Camrese Lo
- Before starting Camrese Lo, discuss your full medical history with your prescriber. This medication can worsen certain conditions. Some examples are chloasma (a condition that causes dark skin patches) and hereditary angioedema (episodes of severe swelling in your body). If you have chloasma, limit sun exposure while taking Camrese Lo.
- You can begin taking Camrese Lo on the first Sunday after your period starts (even if you're still bleeding). If your period starts on a Sunday, then start taking Camrese Lo on that day. You'll need to use a non-hormonal method of birth control (e.g., condom or spermicide) for 7 days to give the medication time to work.
- Set an alarm to help you remember to take Camrese Lo at the same time every day. Forgetting to take your pill raises the chance of getting pregnant.
- If you miss a dose, refer to the instructions that came with your prescription or call your prescriber for further instructions.
- You might have some spotting or feel nauseous after starting Camrese Lo. These are some of the more common side effects of this birth control. Your symptoms should get better over time. But if they don't, contact your prescriber.
- If you have vomiting or diarrhea, or take certain medications, Camrese Lo might not work as well for you. Always use a back-up birth control method until you're able to check with your healthcare professional.
- Contact your optometrist right away if you wear contact lenses and notice vision changes when wearing them or when wearing your glasses while taking Camrese Lo.
- Oral contraceptives like Camrese Lo can lower the amount of breast milk you're able to produce while breastfeeding. If you're breastfeeding, ask your prescriber about alternative birth control options.
- If you've been taking Camrese Lo as instructed and have missed two periods in a row or feel like you might be pregnant, call your prescriber. Studies haven't shown a risk of birth defects in females who've used birth control pills before pregnancy or during early pregnancy, but it's no longer necessary to take them once you're pregnant.
- Camrese Lo has been prescribed specifically for you, so don't share it with anyone who wants to take birth control. Their healthcare professional should evaluate them to make sure they get a safe option.
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Risks and warnings for Camrese Lo
Camrese Lo can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems
- Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke cigarettes
If you smoke cigarettes, using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) like Camrese Lo raises your risk for serious health problems, such as strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Females aged 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk for these problems. If you smoke, talk with your healthcare professional about safer birth control alternatives.
Blood clots and strokes
- Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke | Females over 40 years old who don't smoke | Recent surgery with a long period of bed rest | Starting Camrese Lo less than a month after childbirth | High blood pressure | People identified as obese | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen
Camrese Lo raises your risk of blood clots. These clots can occur anywhere in your body, including your lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE), legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot:
- Brain: weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, trouble speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion
- Eyes: trouble seeing, bulging eye, double vision
- Heart: chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness
- Lungs: trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough
- Legs: cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness
If you need to have surgery, tell your healthcare professional you're taking Camrese Lo. They might have you stop taking it 4 weeks before the surgery up until 2 weeks after your surgery to lower your risk of blood clots.
Risk of breast and cervical cancer
- Risk factors: History of breast cancer | Taking COCs for a long time
Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Camrese Lo and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.
Don't use Camrese Lo if you have breast cancer because some types of breast cancer grow faster in the presence of estrogen, an ingredient in this birth control pill. To help with early breast cancer detection, you can do monthly breast self-checks at home and yearly breast exams with your healthcare professional. Call your HCP if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.
Get medical help right away if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, or pain during sex, since these could be signs of cervical cancer.
Liver problems
- Risk factors: Liver problems or infection in the liver | Taking COCs with 50 mcg of estrogen or higher
Though rare, Camrese Lo can cause liver problems, such as liver damage and liver tumors. These problems are linked more with earlier formulations of COCs that contained higher levels of estrogen (50 mcg or higher), and less so with Camrese Lo since it at most only contains 20 mcg of estrogen. Don't use this medication if you already have liver problems. Call your HCP right away if you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as tiredness, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
Gallbladder problems
Some studies show that Camrese Lo can raise the risk of gallbladder disease since more progestin and estrogen can lead to higher chance of gallstones. Although the risk is low, talk to your prescriber if you a history of gallbladder disease before starting Camrese Lo.
High blood pressure
- Risk factors: History of high blood pressure | Older age | Long-term use | Kidney problems | High dose
A rise in blood pressure has been reported in females taking COCs like Camrese Lo. The risk is higher in older females and females who take COCs for a long period of time. Check your blood pressure regularly. If you notice your blood pressure is higher while you're taking this medication, contact your HCP. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, Camrese Lo might not be the best option for you.
High blood sugar and lipids (fats)
- Risk factors: Prediabetes or diabetes | Personal or family history of high triglycerides
Camrese Lo can raise your levels of blood sugar and triglycerides (a type of fat). If you've been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, your risk of having your blood sugar rise is much higher. This is because Camrese Lo can prevent your body from breaking down sugar efficiently. Additionally, this medication can also affect your level of triglycerides. High triglycerides might lead to a higher risk of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation). Speak with your prescriber before starting Camrese Lo if you have a history of high blood sugar or triglycerides. They might help you choose another birth control or monitor your blood work more closely if you take this medication.
Headache
Headaches are a common side effect of COCs like Camrese Lo. But, if you experience a new migraine, a migraine that's worse than normal, or a new headache that keeps coming back or is severe, call your prescriber so you can be checked out.
Depression
- Risk factors: History of depression
Let your care team know if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening depression while taking Camrese Lo. In cases of serious depression, your prescriber might have you stop taking it.
Irregular bleeding
Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common side effects of hormonal birth control pills. This is more common during the first 3 months of using Camrese Lo, and should get better over time. You might only get your period four times per year while taking this birth control pill. Let your prescriber know if you experience any vaginal bleeding outside of your period or if your period has stopped completely. There are other causes besides your birth control pills for irregular bleeding that your HCP will evaluate.
Interactions with other medications
Certain medications can make Camrese Lo get broken down faster in your body, making it less effective (not work as well) and can lead to pregnancy. Some examples include carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin). You'll likely need to use a back-up method or other form of birth control for several weeks after stopping any of these medications. Other medications can raise the amount of Camrese Lo in your body, which can lead to more side effects. Make sure to tell your prescriber or pharmacist all of your medications so they can make sure they don't interact with Camrese Lo.
If you have hepatitis C and need to be treated with Viekira Pak (dasabuvir / ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir), let your HCP know right away that you're taking a COC. You'll need to stop Camrese Lo before starting Viekira Pak because taking them together can cause liver problems. You can start Camrese Lo again 2 weeks after you stop Viekira Pak.
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Camrese Lo dosage
Package| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91 tablets | 1 package | $30.59 | $30.59 |
Typical dosage for Camrese Lo
Camrese Lo (and other branded generics) comes in a 91-day pack. Your medication might look different depending on which branded generic your healthcare professional (HCP) prescribes. Please take the medication as instructed by your HCP or by following the directions on the package.
There are 91 tablets and they contain different dosages of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. In general:
- Day 1 through 84: 0.1 mg levonorgestrel and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol
- Day 85 through 91: 10 mcg ethinyl estradiol only
The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth at the same time every day for 91 days, following the order instructed on the package.
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Camrese Lo contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Camrese Lo will not be safe for you to take.
- Smoking and age 35 and older
- Currently have or history of DVT, PE, or other blood clotting problems
- Cerebrovascular disease (problems with blood flow in the brain)
- Coronary artery disease (problems with blood flow in the heart)
- Certain heart valve or heart rhythm problems
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Diabetes with blood vessel problems
- Certain types of headaches with neurological symptoms
- Age 35 years and older with any migraines
- Currently have or have a history of breast cancer
- Liver tumors
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Taking hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir
What are alternatives to Camrese Lo?
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