What is Jencycla?

Jencycla is a type of birth control called a mini pill. That means that unlike the combined pill, it only contains one hormone, a type of progestin.

Unlike many other birth control pills, Jencycla doesn’t contain any estrogen. So if you can’t take estrogen, or you’ve had side effects from the combined pill in the past, Jencycla might be the right option for you.

How does Jencycla work?

The active ingredient in Jencycla –what makes it work – is called norethindrone. Norethindrone is a progestin, or a synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone. It mimics the action of progesterone in your body, helping to prevent pregnancy.

Jencycla helps stop pregnancy in three ways. Most importantly, it prevents ovulation. This means no egg is released, so fertilization isn’t possible. Jencycla also makes the fluid in your cervix much thicker, which stops sperm from getting through to your uterus. Finally, it stops the uterine lining from growing as thick, so even if an egg was fertilized, it wouldn’t have anywhere to implant.

What doses of Jencycla are there?

There’s only one dose of Jencycla. It contains 0.35 mg of norethindrone, and you take one pill a day. You have to make sure to take Jencycla every day at the same time to make it as effective as possible.

The active ingredient in Jencycla, norethindrone, is sometimes used in higher doses to treat menstrual problems like endometriosis, because it stops the lining of the uterus from growing. Because of this effect, Jencycla can also help make your periods less heavy and painful.

How to take Jencycla

Before you start taking Jencycla, decide what time of day you want to take your pill. You’ll need to take it everyday at the same time, so make sure it’s a convenient time for you.

Swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing it. Drinking a glass of water with Jencycla can help you take it. You can take your tablet with or without food, so if always taking it with breakfast helps you remember, do that.

How long does Jencycla take to work?

That depends on if you’re switching from another kind of birth control, and where you are in your cycle.

If you start Jencycla on the first day of your period, it’s effective right away. If you’re switching from another type of mini pill, you can take Jencycla the day after you finish taking the last pill, and you’re already protected.

Switching from a combined pill? Just make sure you take Jencycla the day after your last active pill. If your last pill had no hormones, taking Jencycla the next day might not protect you right away. If you have any questions, just message our doctors from your Treated account.

What should I do if I make a mistake while taking Jencycla?

If you miss a pill, it’s important to take it as soon as possible. Then you’ll need to use a backup method of contraception for 48 hours to avoid pregnancy. Missing a pill of Jencycla means taking it three hours late or more.

If you are vomiting or have diarrhea within three hours of taking Jencycla, you should approach this in exactly the same way as a missed pill. Try your best to take Jencycla on time everyday. You can use a medication reminder app or alarm if needed.