Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Visanne (Dienogest).
Birth control: Visanne (Dienogest) is not a birth control pill. While taking Visanne (Dienogest) a non-hormonal method of birth control should be used, such as condoms or a diaphragm. Hormonal methods of birth control (e.g., birth control pills, patches, rings) should not be used in combination with Visanne (Dienogest).
Blood clots: Visanne (Dienogest) may increase the risk of developing blood clots in the lungs and legs. This risk also increases with age, a personal or family history of blood clots, smoking, and Obesity. The risk of blood clots is also increased if you are immobilized for prolonged periods and with major surgery. If possible, Visanne (Dienogest) should be stopped 4 weeks before major surgery. Talk about the risk of blood clots with your doctor.
Breast Cancer: Some studies have shown that the risk of developing breast cancer does not appear to be increased by using progestin-only medication such as Visanne (Dienogest). However, more studies are needed to confirm that there is no increased risk. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are increasing age and a strong history of breast cancer in the family (sister or mother).
Let your doctor know if you notice any breast lumps. Talk to your doctor about regular breast exams.
Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious side effects on the heart and blood vessels. This risk increases with age and becomes significant after age 35. Do not smoke if you use Visanne (Dienogest), especially if you are over 35. Consider stopping smoking before taking Visanne (Dienogest). If you smoke, discuss with your doctor how Visanne (Dienogest) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Visanne (Dienogest), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Depression: Hormones, such as estrogen and progestins, have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Visanne (Dienogest) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Visanne (Dienogest), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Visanne (Dienogest) contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetes: As with other progestins, Visanne (Dienogest) may cause changes in blood glucose control. Women with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose closely to detect any changes in blood glucose control that sometimes occur with use of hormones. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Visanne (Dienogest) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Visanne (Dienogest), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of high blood glucose such as increased need to urinate at night, a fruity odour to your breath or wounds that require longer than normal to heal, contact your doctor.
Irregular menstruation: Irregular menstrual patterns are common among women taking progestin like Visanne (Dienogest). If you notice changes in your usual menstrual patterns, check with your doctor. If you go a prolonged time without bleeding, you should have a pregnancy test.
Liver disease: Visanne (Dienogest) may affect liver function. Visanne (Dienogest) is not recommended for people with liver problems. If you have a history of liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Visanne (Dienogest) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Visanne (Dienogest), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Osteoporosis: Visanne (Dienogest) may decrease estrogen levels in the body and increase the risk of osteoporosis (a condition where parts of the bone become weak and prone to fracture). When Visanne (Dienogest) is taken by adolescents, it may cause a decrease in the development of bones and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. If you are at an increased risk of osteoporosis, your doctor will monitor you while you are taking Visanne (Dienogest).
Pregnancy: Visanne (Dienogest) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Visanne (Dienogest), contact your doctor immediately. Women who become pregnant while taking Visanne (Dienogest) are at a slightly increased risk of having an Ectopic Pregnancy (a pregnancy where the embryo develops outside the uterus).
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Visanne (Dienogest) passes into breast milk. Visanne (Dienogest) should not be taken while breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Visanne (Dienogest) have not been established for females who have not begun to menstruate.
