Combined Oral Contraceptive: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Combined oral contraceptives are prescription medicines containing an estrogen and a progestin. They are used to prevent pregnancy and may also help regulate periods, reduce acne, or manage symptoms such as endometriosis.
Take combined oral contraceptives exactly as directed and discuss personal risks and benefits with a doctor or pharmacist. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G03AA
- Generic
- Combined Oral Contraceptive
- Class
- contraceptive
- Brands
- Yaz, Loestrin, Ortho-Novum
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- X
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 24
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- blood-pressure, thrombosis
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1 tablet daily (21 active pills followed by 7 placebo pills)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily for 28 days per cycle
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1 tablet daily (21 active pills followed by 7 placebo pills)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily for 28 days per cycle
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1 tablet daily (21 active pills followed by 7 placebo pills)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily for 28 days per cycle
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
first trimesterdiscontinue immediately
do not use during pregnancy; discontinue upon confirmation of pregnancy
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingconsider progestin-only alternative
combined oral contraceptives may reduce milk production and pass into breast milk; progestin-only pills preferred for breastfeeding mothers
monitor infant weight gain and milk supply
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescentsuse standard adult dosing after menarche
not recommended before menarche; appropriate for post-menarchal adolescents with established menstrual cycles
regular blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
postmenopausalnot applicable
not indicated for use in postmenopausal women; alternative hormone therapy if needed for menopausal symptoms
none for contraception purposes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentuse with caution; consider lower dose or alternative
use with caution in severe renal impairment; ethinyl estradiol may accumulate
monitor blood pressure and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentdo not use
contraindicated in active liver disease, severe hepatic impairment, or history of hepatic tumors; avoid in cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy
liver function tests if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
First FDA approval year
First combined oral contraceptive approved by FDA
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic use of combined oral contraceptives
Contraceptive effectiveness
Typical use effectiveness rate for pregnancy prevention
Active ingredients
Combined hormonal composition
Drug interactions
1 documented interaction(s) with other medications in this knowledge base.
两者均可增加血栓形成风险（COX-2抑制剂抑制前列环素产生促血栓效应；复方口服避孕药升高凝血因子并降低抗凝血酶），合用可能产生叠加的静脉/动脉血栓栓塞风险
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy