Vienva is a low-dose combination birth control pill containing 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 100 mcg of levonorgestrel. It's designed for daily use, involving taking one white pill for 21 consecutive days, followed by seven days of peach-colored inactive pills. When starting Vienva, it's recommended to use a backup form of birth control during the first week. This article explores the potential side effects of Vienva, particularly focusing on weight gain, and provides essential information for women considering or currently using this medication.
How Vienva Works
Vienva, like other combination birth control pills, works primarily by preventing ovulation. The hormones in the pill prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries. Additionally, it thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg, and thins the uterine lining, making it less receptive to implantation.
Common Side Effects of Vienva
The risk of experiencing negative side effects with Vienva is generally low. However, some women may experience mild side effects, including:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Spotting
- Bloating
- Water retention
- Breast tenderness
Some women might also notice slight increases in blood pressure or blood sugar levels. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, often subsiding as the body adjusts to the medication.
Does Vienva Cause Weight Gain?
One of the most common concerns among women considering birth control pills is weight gain. While it's possible that taking Vienva and other birth control pills can contribute to small amounts of weight gain, this is usually due to fluid retention rather than true body fat.
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Hormonal birth control pills can affect fluid balance in the body, leading to temporary water retention. This can result in a slight increase in weight, but it is not the same as gaining fat mass. In most cases, this fluid retention is temporary and resolves within a few months of starting the pill.
Serious Side Effects and Precautions
Although rare, Vienva may increase the risk of blood clots. It is crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of blood clots and seek immediate medical attention if they occur. These symptoms may include:
- Pain in the chest, groin, or legs (especially the calves)
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden, severe headache
- Slurred speech
- Sudden loss of coordination
- Vision changes
Other potential serious side effects
- Increased risk of breast or reproductive organ cancers.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Liver problems (symptoms include pain or tenderness in the stomach, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin).
- Vision changes.
- Gallbladder disease.
Important precautions
- Smoking: Do not use Vienva if you smoke cigarettes or are over 35 years of age. Smoking while using ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel combination increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. This risk is even higher if you are over age 35, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or are overweight.
- Medical history: Estrogen-containing birth control like Vienva may not be right for you, depending on your medical history. Make sure your doctor is aware of any pre-existing conditions.
- Pregnancy: Although you are using this medicine to prevent pregnancy, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm your unborn baby.
- Hepatitis C: Do not use this medicine together with medicine to treat hepatitis C virus infection, including ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir.
Vienva and Bone Health
For women under the age of 30, some medical professionals do not recommend low-dose birth control pills like Vienva. This is because at least 30 mcg of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) is needed for optimal bone health.
How to Take Vienva
Vienva is easy to use. You take one white pill per day for 21 days in a row, then take a peach-colored inactive pill for seven days. Also, when starting birth control pills for the first time, expert birth control doctors recommend using a backup form of birth control during the first week.
Managing Side Effects
Most side effects associated with Vienva are mild and temporary. However, if you experience persistent or bothersome side effects, it is important to consult with your doctor. They may recommend adjusting the dosage or switching to a different birth control pill.
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The Role of Regular Check-ups
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may also be needed to check for unwanted effects. Your doctor may also want to check your blood pressure while taking this medicine.
Alternatives to Vienva
If Vienva is not suitable due to side effects or other concerns, several alternative birth control options are available. These include:
- Other combination birth control pills with different dosages or types of progestin
- Progestin-only pills (mini-pills)
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Birth control implants
- Birth control shots
- Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms)
Accessing Vienva
Vienva requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. Online prescription services offer a convenient way to obtain a prescription without the need for an in-person doctor's visit.
Cost of Vienva
The cost of Vienva without insurance can vary. Flexible payment options are available to ensure access to necessary birth control.
Drug interactions
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.
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Vienva vs. Lessina
Vienva and Lessina are generic equivalents, meaning that they contain the same active ingredients (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) in the same amounts. Therefore, their effects and side effects are expected to be the same.