Eloine (drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol) is a widely-used combined hormonal contraceptive, more commonly known as a birth control pill. It is the same product---containing the same active ingredients in the same amounts---as Yaz.

Like all combined oral birth control pills, Eloine contains two active ingredients:

• Ethinyl Estradiol is a synthetic estrogen hormone that helps stop ovulation, prevent ovarian cancer, inhibit bone reabsorption, and a range of other benefits.
• Drospirenone is a progestin (synthetic progestogen) which reduces the odds of certain uterine disorders in women with an intact uterus who are taking an estrogen supplement. It is rare for a women with an intact uterus---even after menopause---to take an estrogen without a progestin.

Together these two ingredients prevent 99% of pregnancies, if used correctly. Eloine is also commonly used to treat:

• Moderate to severe acne in young women at least 14 years of age.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS.
• Folate deficiency in women at high risk of certain birth defects while pregnant.

Though similar to other birth control pills in effectiveness and side effects, Eloine is one of only a handful which contain the ingredient drospirenone, particularly useful in treating PMDD.

For Birth Control

Eloine comes in blister packs, each of which contains 24 active pills and 4 reminder pills. Reminder pills are inert---containing no active ingredient---but help patients keep track.

As with other birth control pills, one pill is taken daily starting either on the first day of a period or on the Sunday following the first day of a period. Treatment continues uninterrupted for as long as pregnancy prevention is desired. In other words:

• Treatment begins either on the first day of a period or on the first Sunday following the start of a period.
• Starting with an active pill, 1 pill is taken daily for as long as pregnancy is undesired.
• If 1 dose is missed, 2 pills may be taken at the next dose.
• If 3 or more consecutive doses are missed, treatment should start over.

For best results Eloine should be taken around the same time each day; too much variance can render the pills ineffective.

At the start of treatment, if a doses are missed, or if severe illness involving diarrhea or vomiting occurs, extra contraception methods should be utilized for the next seven days.

During the first month of treatment, or if treatment is interrupted, there may be some spotting and menstruation may be delayed or missed entirely for a month. By the second month the body will have adjusted and periods will be regular.

For Acne

The hormones in Eloine also help clear up certain types of acne. Though usually prescribed for teenagers at least 14 years old, adult women sometimes use Eloine to clear up skin as well. Acne is typically moderate to severe, and the young woman in question should have had her first period before treatment begins.

Treatment for acne is much the same as for birth control; one pill a day. Generally it's taken for several months at a stretch, with the occasional pause to determine if treatment needs to continue. For some lucky women skin clears up permanently; others will need to occasionally repeat treatment for several months at a stretch.

Eloine is not effective on all types of acne. If results are not noticeable within one month of treatment, speak with a doctor about alternative options.

For PMDD

PMDD is similar to premenstrual syndrome or tension (PMS or PMT) but much more severe. Most women suffering from PMS can work, attend school, and otherwise engage in daily activities with little trouble; PMDD can prevent these activities and otherwise be very disruptive. Symptoms include:

• Heart palpitations
• Migraines
• Joint or body aches
• Severe mood swings
• Extreme fatigue
• Extreme depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Panic attacks
• Difficulty controlling emotions
• Inability to concentrate
• Insomnia or hypersomnia

While most oral contraceptives help alleviate PMS symptoms to some extent, many women prefer Eloine because the progestin drospirenone---not found in most oral contraceptives---is particularly effective at reducing PMDD symptoms.

Typically one pill is taken daily for several months at a time, with the occasional break for a month or two to see if symptoms persist.

To supplement Folate

Eloine is prescribed to help supplement folate in relatively unique circumstances. Doctor instructions and duration of treatment will vary by individual.

Adverse Effects

Some women are at a higher risk of dangerous side effects when taking Eloine or any combined oral contraceptive. Speak to a doctor about risks if the below apply:

• Smokers, especially if over 35
• History of any kind of blood clotting disorder
• Kidney or liver impairment
• Any hormone-responsive cancer

Eloine is known to be harmful to unborn and breastfeeding infants. It should be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding only with explicit doctor instruction.

In otherwise healthy women, side effects are usually very mild and only call for medical attention if severe or persist for an unusually long time:

• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Weight gain
• Nausea

Other medications, such as antibiotics, can interfere with Eloine's effectiveness. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications with Eloine.