Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.
 
This is a combination of two medicines called ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. You should take 1 tablet by mouth once daily. It's very important to take your dose at the same time each day, and to take the tablets in the same order as they are in the package.

When starting this medicine, you should take the first dose on the first day of your menstrual cycle, or when your doctor advises. 

Most patients take this medicine to help prevent pregnancy, but it has other uses, too, like treating acne.

For the first few months, you could have light bleeding or spotting, mild headaches, nausea or breast tenderness. These are normal and should go away. You may also gain weight or notice your contact lenses fit differently. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking it, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

In rare cases, serious side effects can occur, like blood clots, heart attack or stroke. To reduce the risk of these, it is very important to not smoke cigarettes. 
 
This medicine may not protect you from pregnancy if you miss doses or start a new medicine. So, review the 'package insert' if you miss a dose, and call your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines, especially antibiotics.

You should also know this medicine does not protect you from sexually-transmitted diseases.

For best results, take your dose regularly, plan ahead for refills and read the 'patient package insert' for full information.