Taytulla

Description

Taytulla is a combination birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, and it provides a low daily dose of estrogen (20 micrograms). The hormones help prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg. They also thicken mucus in the cervix and make the lining of the uterus thinner. Unlike many birth control pills, Taytulla comes in soft gelatin capsules. Taytulla does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

Directions

Take one capsule by mouth at the same time every day, following the order on the blister pack. You may take it with or without food. Finish all 28 capsules and start your next pack the next day without taking a break. Taking it at the same time daily helps it work properly and may reduce spotting.

If you miss one pink capsule, take it as soon as you remember, then take the next capsule at your usual time. You do not need backup birth control. If you miss two pink capsules in a row during week 1 or 2, take two as soon as possible, take two the next day, and use condoms or another backup method for 7 days.

If you miss two pink capsules in a row during week 3 or 4, or miss three or more pink capsules at any time, follow the directions in the patient leaflet and use backup birth control. Ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are unsure what to do. Missing the maroon iron capsules will not reduce protection against pregnancy.

Ingredients

The active ingredients in the pink capsules are norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. Inactive ingredients in the pink capsules may include sesame oil, linoleoyl polyoxylglycerides, DL-alpha-tocopherol, dehydrated alcohol, gelatin, sorbitol, glycerin, FDandC Red #40, and titanium dioxide. Each maroon capsule contains ferrous fumarate along with soybean oil, lecithin, yellow beeswax, gelatin, sorbitol, glycerin, FDandC Blue #1, FDandC Red #40, and titanium dioxide.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Smoking increases the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems while taking combination birth control pills.
• Stop Taytulla and get medical help if a blood clot is suspected. It should also be stopped at least 4 weeks before and until 2 weeks after major surgery.
• After giving birth, wait at least 4 weeks before starting Taytulla if you are not breastfeeding.
• Combination birth control pills can reduce breast milk supply, so they are generally not recommended while breastfeeding.
• Stop taking Taytulla and contact a healthcare provider if the skin or eyes turn yellow, which can indicate a liver problem.
• Blood pressure should be checked during treatment. Taytulla is not appropriate for anyone with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Blood sugar and cholesterol can change, so people with prediabetes, diabetes, or high cholesterol should have their levels monitored.
• A significant change in headache pattern, or a new migraine, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• Spotting, irregular bleeding, or missed periods can happen, especially in the first few months. Bleeding that persists or a missed period should be checked and pregnancy ruled out.
• New or worsening depression should be reported.
• Taytulla is not for use during pregnancy. Stop taking it if you become pregnant.
• Medications and herbal products that speed up liver enzymes, including some seizure medications, rifampin, and St. John’s wort, can make birth control pills less effective, so a backup method may be needed.
• People with hereditary angioedema may find their symptoms get worse.
• Darkening patches on the face, called chloasma, can develop, and limiting sun exposure helps.
• Taytulla does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Smoking, if over age 35
• A high risk of blood clots in the arteries or veins, including a current or past deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, or an inherited or acquired clotting disorder
• Heart valve or heart rhythm problems that raise clotting risk, such as atrial fibrillation or subacute bacterial endocarditis with valve disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Diabetes with blood vessel complications
• Headaches with focal neurological symptoms, migraine with aura, or any migraine headaches over age 35
• Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or liver disease
• Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
• A current or past diagnosis of breast cancer or another hormone-sensitive cancer
• Use of hepatitis C treatments containing ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir

Side Effects

Common side effects of Taytulla include:

• Headache
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Nausea
• Menstrual cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Bacterial vaginitis
• An abnormal Pap smear result
• Acne
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Spotting or bleeding between periods

Get medical help for signs of a blood clot, such as leg pain or swelling, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or sudden vision changes. Contact a healthcare provider about yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe upper stomach pain, a new breast lump, a severe headache that is different from usual, or unusually heavy vaginal bleeding. Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat, need immediate medical attention.

References

Taytulla Prescribing Information. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.; 2023.

Taytulla Drug Label Information. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.; 2024.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....