Belara® is an oral birth control that comes in the form of a tablet. There are two types of birth control pill. The mini-pill and the compbination pill. Belara® is known as a combination pill as it combines Estrogen and Progesterone components. It is made from a synthetic Estradiol (a type of Estrogen) called Ethinyl Estradiol and a Progestin called Chlormadinone Acetate (a synthetic form of progesterone).
Belara
is sold under various brand names like
Balanca.
Belara® is used primarily as birth control but it is also an excellent choice of medication for teenagers and older women with acne. Even if you are only taking Belara® as a form of birth control it can still have positive effects on your hair and skin. Belara® can also be used to help regulate irregular menstrual cycles, reduce heavy bleeding during menstruation and to reduce the pain and cramping associated with menstruation. It’s a very popular choice for birth control because of these added benefits.
Belara® birth control is generally well tolerated with little side effects. Most of the common side effects are the same as experienced when using other brands of birth control pills. They include stomach upsets, painful menstruation, changes in vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding like spotting and breakthrough bleeding, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, mood swings, hair loss or extra hair growth. If you start experiencing depression, increased blood pressure, water retention or severe weight gain then let your doctor know. You might need to try a different birth control instead.
Like all medications serious side effects can occur. For example, allergic reactions signified by numbness of the lips or tongue, rashes or hives, difficulty breathing etc.
Changes to skin tone and pigmentation, libido, fungal infections, back pain, muscle problem, visual discomfort and changes to vision, high blood pressure, varicose veins, thrombosis or deafness require medical attention so book an urgent appointment with your doctor. Your dosage might need to be adjusted or you might have to stop taking Belara® and use a different brand of birth control instead.
Using any birth control that contains Estrogen and Progesterone can lead to an increased risk of developing serious illnesses like cancer, tumors, inflammation of the bowls, vein or artery blockages.
Do not use Belara if you are pregnant – it can harm you and the fetus. It should also not be used immediately following the birth of a baby. You should wait a few months before beginning the course of treatment.
Avoid taking Belara if you suffer from blood pressure related problems or have suffered from cancer.
Avoid taking Belara® if you have suffered from organ diseases especially disorders of the lung, liver or kidneys. Heart patients should avoid taking Belara® or any other medication other than their heart medication. Stroke victims should also avoid using Belara®. Women who suffer from migraines, are overweight or suffer from cholesterol related problems should also not take Belara®.
Smokers should also avoid taking Belara as well as women over the age of 35. Smoking while on birth control medication can increase the chances of blood clots, stroke or heart attack
Taking Belara® alongside other medications like antibiotics, vitamin tablets, hepatitis C medication, HIV / AIDS medication, may reduce the effectiveness of Belara® – make sure you discuss this with your doctor!
Do not take Belara® if you have an under-active thyroid or history of depression. Likewise, Belara® should be avoided if you are Diabetic as it may affect the blood sugar levels in the body. Do not take Belara® if you suffer from seizures or epilepsy or have suffered from tuberculosis in the past, blood clotting or are sensitive to any of the ingredients of Belara®.
You should stop taking Belara® before going in for any surgery.
Belara® does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Belara® may interact with over the counter medications like vitamins, minerals and herbal products. It’s best to avoid new medicinal drugs when you are on Belara®. Belara® can specifically interact with medications such as barbiturates, Phenylbutazone, Rifampicin, Phyenytoin, Primidone and some other Anti Epileptics. This means that the combination of drugs might lead to Belara® not working as effectively as it should do even though you don’t miss doses and take it according to the instructions.
Belara® can affect women suffering from Diabetes as it alters the insulin levels.
Belara® can also react with Anti-Hypertensive drugs.
Taking St John’s Wart alongside Belara® can cause spotting in some women.
The information about Belara® on this site is purely educational; it does not replace a doctor’s consultation.