norgestimate / ethinyl estradiol

Smoking cigarettes while taking combined oral contraceptives (COCs), like Sprintec, can raise the risk of serious heart problems. The risk gets higher as you get older, especially if you're over 35 years old, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. Females over 35 years old who smoke shouldn't take Sprintec because of this risk.

Sprintec 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:

People who take Sprintec can sometimes experience irregular bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 3 months of taking this medication. Irregular bleeding can vary from slight staining to bleeding similar to a regular period. This problem might be temporary, so continue taking your medication as directed. Let your provider know if the bleeding is a problem for you and they can change your birth control. Some people might not have any bleeding while taking or after stopping Sprintec. If you missed your period(s), contact your provider or get a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant.

Sprintec can raise your blood pressure, so make sure you check your blood pressure while you're taking this medication. The risk is higher in females who are older and have been taking birth control for a long period of time. Sprintec can't be taken by females who have high blood pressure that's not under control or high blood pressure with blood vessel problems. Speak to your provider if this medication raises your blood pressure and they can help pick a different method of birth control that's safer for you.

Sprintec can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Females who have high triglycerides (a type of cholesterol) might have a higher risk of experiencing pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) when taking COCs. Speak with your provider before starting Sprintec if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or high cholesterol. If you choose to take Sprintec with those health conditions, your provider will monitor you regularly.

Let your provider know if you experience new or worsening migraines or headaches while taking Sprintec. You will have to stop your medication if your migraine or headache doesn't go away or becomes severe.

Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Sprintec and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

Don't take Sprintec if you have liver problems, such as sudden liver infection caused by a virus, severe (decompensated) scarring of the liver, or liver tumors. Although rare, Sprintec can raise your risk of benign liver tumors. If you experience signs of liver problems, you should stop taking Sprintec and ask your provider for a different type of birth control. Signs of liver problems can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), along with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, or dark colored urine.