What are the possible side effects of the Oral Contraceptive (OCs) Pill?

Despite the benefits it offers many women, OCs may nevertheless have side effects. These are usually short-lived and may go away within the first few months of using oral contraceptives. However, you should not stop taking your pills until you have checked with your doctor first. Possible side effects include:

• Breakthrough bleeding or "spotting"

Spotting is not uncommon during the first 3 cycles of OC use. It may take up to 4 cycles for your body to adjust to the hormones. If the problem persists after the 4^th cycle, talk to your doctor.

• Weight change

Minimal weight change may occur within the first few months of using OCs. With today's low-dose pills, however, weight gain should be negligible.
• Dark spots on the face

Also known as "chloasma" dark patches on the face are often a response to the estrogen in OCs. The use of sunscreen may help prevent this problem as sun exposure tends to worsen the problem.
• Nausea

Nausea may occur during the first three cycles of OC use. Taking the pill at bedtime or with food may be helpful.
• Breast tenderness

Breast tenderness is usually nothing to worry about, it will usually improve with time. If you are concerned talk to your doctor.
• Rare warning signs

If you experience any of the following, you should go to a hospital or healthcare facility at once:
• sharp chest pain, coughing of blood, or sudden shortness of breath
• pain in the calf
• crushing pain or heaviness in the chest
• sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, disturbances of vision or speech, weakness of numbness in an arm or leg
• sudden partial or complete loss of vision
• breast lumps
• severe pain or tenderness in the stomach area
• difficulty sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, or change in mood
• jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyeballs frequently accompanied by fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark colored urine or light colored bowel movements.