ethylnodiol diacetate / ethinyl estradiol

Smoking cigarettes while taking combination oral contraceptives (COCs) like Kelnor can significantly raise the risk for blood clots. Sometimes, these blood clots can lead to serious complications, including heart attack and stroke. The risk is greater if you're over 35 years old and have a history of smoking cigarettes. Talk with your prescriber about safer birth control alternatives if you smoke.

Combination oral contraceptives like Kelnor can raise the risk for serious blood clots. Kelnor contains ethinyl estradiol, a type of estrogen. And estrogen is linked to clot formation.

It's not completely clear, but it's possible that COCs like Kelnor can raise the risk for breast cancer and cervical cancer. A study suggested that taking COCs for 5 years or more might put people at risk for cervical cancer. Some breast cancers also have tumor cells that can spread faster when there's estrogen around (like with COCs).

Don't take Kelnor if you have liver problems, such as liver infection caused by a virus (e.g., hepatitis) or liver tumors. Although rare, this medication can raise your risk of getting benign liver tumors. Stop taking Kelnor and speak with your prescriber if you experience signs of liver problems, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, or dark colored urine.

Some studies show that combination oral contraceptives like Kelnor can raise the risk for gallbladder disease and gallstones. Although the risk is low, talk to your prescriber if you have a history of gallbladder disease before you start Kelnor.

Kelnor can raise your blood sugar levels because it can prevent the body from processing sugar efficiently. The risk for a rise in blood sugar levels while you're taking Kelnor is higher if you have prediabetes or diabetes. Speak with your prescriber before you start Kelnor if you have a history of high blood sugar. They might recommend a different birth control method or suggest that you check your blood sugar more often if you take this medication.

Birth control pills like Kelnor can cause high blood pressure. The risk is greater if you're older and if you've been taking birth control for a long period of time. Talk with your prescriber about the benefits and risks of taking Kelnor, especially if you have a history of kidney problems or high blood pressure that's not controlled. Consider using a different kind of birth control if you're at risk for high blood pressure.

Let your prescriber know if you experience new or worsening migraines while you're taking Kelnor. Also call your prescriber if you develop headaches that keep coming back, don't go away, or are severe. You might need to stop taking your birth control pill so that your prescriber can figure out what's causing your headaches.

People who take Kelnor can sometimes have irregular vaginal bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 3 months of taking this medication. Irregular bleeding can range from slight staining to bleeding similar to a regular period. This problem is often temporary, so continue taking Kelnor as directed. Tell your prescriber if any vaginal bleeding doesn't stop, if it becomes heavier, or if you miss a period. They can examine you or perform blood tests to rule out other potential causes for irregular bleeding or no bleeding.

Some medications can interfere with how your body gets rid of Kelnor. This can affect the amount of Kelnor in your body, how well it works, and the risk for side effects. Let your prescriber and pharmacist know what other medications you’re taking or planning to take with Kelnor. They can check that your medications are safe to take together and make changes to your treatment plan to keep you safe if needed.