Slynd

The active ingredient in Slynd is drospirenone. It is a progestin-only pill (POP). Unlike other birth control pills available on the market, it does not contain the estrogen component, ethinyl estradiol. In people with a certain medical history (such as postpartum, migraines with aura, blood clots, etc.), POPs are preferred over combined hormonal contraceptives. Progestin helps in preventing pregnancy by suppressing ovulation. Other POPs available include those containing norethindrone.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Slynd. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Slynd:

• Slynd should be used exactly as prescribed.
• Typically, you will take one pill with or without food at the same time every day. There are 24 active pills in each 28-day dosing cycle. If you miss the window in which you are to take it, you may have to use some form of backup contraception for a certain amount of time.
• If you have never used birth control, Slynd should be started on the first day of your menstrual cycle by taking 1 of the white or active pills followed by 1 of the green or inactive pills until you finish the pack. If you are switching from another kind, you will start Slynd on the same day you would start your next pack and stop using your old one.
• If you experience vomiting or diarrhea within 3-4 hours of taking your white/active pill, you will need to take a new one within 12 hours of the usual time you take it. Continue taking the rest of the pack as per usual. Because you had to use an extra white/active pill, you will start your next pack 1 day earlier than scheduled. Continue with this new schedule.
• Do not skip pills. The more missed doses you have, the greater your chances of pregnancy.
• Some women on hormonal birth control may miss their period even if they are not pregnant. However, if you miss two or more periods or miss a period while taking Slynd correctly, contact your healthcare provider for a pregnancy assessment. If you have a positive pregnancy test, you will need to stop Slynd.
• If you miss one white/active pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if you have to take two white/active pills in 1 day. Then, continue with your regular dosing schedule until you finish the pack.
• If you miss 2 or more white/active pills, take 1 as soon as you remember, even if you have to take 2 white/active pills in 1 day. For 7 days after missing these pills, you will need to use backup contraception. Continue with your regular dosing schedule. Note that by the end of the pack, you may have one or more missed white pills remaining. These are wasted doses and should not be taken.
• If you miss 1 or more green/inactive pills, skip the missed pill and continue with your regular dosing schedule until you finish the pack. Note that by the end of the pack, you may have 1 or more green/inactive pills remaining.

The most common side effects of Slynd seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Acne
• Headache
• Breast pain
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain
• Menstrual cramps
• Breakthrough bleeding and spotting in between menstrual periods
• Nausea
• Low sex drive

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Slynd. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of hyperkalemia or high blood potassium levels, such as weakness or numbness in your limbs, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, racing heart, nausea, vomiting, severe chest pain, and shortness of breath
• Signs of a blood clot such as leg pain that does not go away, a sudden and severe headache unlike any you have experienced, a sudden and severe shortness of breath, a sudden change in vision, chest pain, weakness or numbness in your limbs, and trouble speaking
• Increased risk of cervical cancer
• High blood pressure
• Signs of liver problems such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Signs of an ectopic pregnancy, such as severe abdominal pain
• Increased risk of high blood sugar in those with diabetes
• Changes in your menstrual cycle or menstrual bleeding
• Depression

These are not all of the possible side effects of Slynd. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Slynd, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• History of deep vein thrombosis or blood clots in your legs
• History of pulmonary embolism
• History of stroke or heart attack
• History of or current depression

Do not use Slynd if you have:

• Kidney disease or kidney failure
• Adrenal gland insufficiency
• A history of or current cancer, especially cervical cancer
• Liver disease, including liver tumors
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

If taken on the first day of your period, Slynd will start working right away. If taken on any other day, it takes approximately 48 hours for Slynd to start working.

When Slynd is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Efavirenz
• Phenytoin
• Barbiturates
• Carbamazepine
• Oxcarbazepine
• Bosentan
• Felbamate
• Griseofulvin
• Rifampicin
• Rifabutin
• Rufinamide
• Aprepitant
• St. John’s Wort
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole
• Voriconazole
• ACE inhibitors
• ARBs
• Potassium-sparing diuretics, like spironolactone
• Potassium supplements
• Heparin
• Aldosterone antagonists
• Indinavir
• Boceprevir
• Clarithromycin

Slynd is available as a 28 tablet blister pack, 24 of which contain 4 mg of drospirenone (white tablets - these are the active tablets) and 4 green inactive pills.

Slynd should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Slynd is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Exeltis USA, Inc.

No, there is currently no generic of the brand name Slynd available.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Slynd.

Slynd should not be used during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.