Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does LYBREL® work?
A: LYBREL is a birth control pill that delivers the same low dose of hormones every day. Like other birth control pills, it prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation. But when you take LYBREL, the lining of your uterus does not go through the changes needed for menstruation, and therefore, you do not have regular menstrual periods or a pill period. For more information, visit our How LYBREL Works page.
Q: Is it OK to not have my period?
A: Many health care professionals agree that there is no need to have a period while taking the Pill. Just ask your health care professional; he or she can help you determine whether LYBREL is right for you.
Q: If I don't have my monthly period, where does the blood go?
A: LYBREL is a birth control pill that is taken every day. When you take LYBREL, the lining of your uterus does not go through the changes needed for menstruation, and therefore, you do not have regular menstrual periods. For a more detailed explanation, go to How LYBREL Works.
Q: How do I take LYBREL?
A: Simply take 1 LYBREL pill once a day as directed, at the same time every day. For more information, visit our Taking LYBREL section.
Q: What do I do if I miss a pill?
A: Take the missed pill as soon as you remember. THEN, take the next pill at your regular time. This means you may take 2 pills in 1 day. You COULD BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex during the 7 days after you restart your pills. You MUST use a nonhormonal birth control method (such as condoms and/or spermicide) as a backup for those 7 days. For information on what to do if you miss 2 or more pills, visit our If You Miss a Pill page.
Q: What if I want to get pregnant?
A: Stop taking LYBREL. A pregnancy can occur within days of stopping LYBREL. However, there may be some delay in becoming pregnant when you stop using oral contraceptives, especially if you had irregular menstrual cycles before using them.
Q: How can I be sure I'm not pregnant?
A: You are not likely to get pregnant if you take LYBREL at the same time every day as directed by your health care professional. Because regular monthly bleeding does not occur while taking LYBREL, a pregnancy may be difficult to recognize. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, or if you have symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea/vomiting or unusual breast tenderness, you should take a pregnancy test and contact your health care professional. Stop taking LYBREL if you are pregnant. Visit our Effectiveness of LYBREL page to learn what to do if you think you may be pregnant.
Q: Will I have spotting or breakthrough bleeding while taking LYBREL?
A: Unscheduled bleeding or spotting is likely to occur while you are taking LYBREL, and occurs most often during the first six months of LYBREL use. This usually decreases over time. For some this may continue, but regardless of any unexpected breakthrough bleeding or spotting, LYBREL remains highly effective birth control. To see results from a clinical study tracking breakthrough bleeding and spotting in women taking LYBREL, visit our Breakthrough Bleeding and Spotting page.
Q: What's the difference between breakthrough bleeding and spotting?
A: Breakthrough bleeding requires sanitary protection. Spotting does not require any sanitary protection. Learn about breakthrough bleeding and spotting while taking LYBREL.
Q: Will I gain weight with LYBREL?
A: As with all oral contraceptives, women may experience weight gain or weight loss. Learn about other side effects of taking LYBREL.
Q: What are the most common side effects reported on LYBREL?
A: In a clinical study, the most commonly reported side effects were headache, menstrual cramps, upper respiratory infection, vaginal bleeding, and nausea. For more details, please see Side Effects and Safety.
Q: How do I get LYBREL?
A: Talk to your health care professional so he or she can help determine if LYBREL is right for you. To help start the conversation, you can print out a customized discussion guide to take with you to your appointment.
Q: What if I still have questions about LYBREL?
A: Please talk to your health care professional.