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UPDATE: Migraines on off-week..

I had my appointment with my doctor and she has changed my BCP to Mircette (gen: Kariva) Has anybody else used this one? Like? Dislike? I, unfortunetly, have JUST started my month with Ocella so I get to look fwd to another round of Migraines in a few weeks. However, she said to increase my migraine med when I need to take it and if I need more to just give her a call and she will call in a prescription for me.. and if the increased dose doesn't work I can come in for a shot again.

 

I am nervous about the switch in BCP. I have never been on that kind, dont know anybody who has been on it... Anybody have experiences with Mircette/Kariva?  

Daisypath Vacation tickers

Re: UPDATE: Migraines on off-week..

  • I had the same issue with migraines on other BCPs (worst when I was on Yaz) and switched to Mircette a few years ago.  I do get headaches occasionally, but they are nowhere near as bad as they were previously.  
  • That is reassuring somewhat. Ocella is generic for Yasmin ... Yaz & Yasmin (and I guess Beyaz now) are related.

     

    Has the Mircette worked well for you otherwise? (Breakthrough bleeding and BC?)

    Daisypath Vacation tickers
  • Yes, it has worked well for me so far.  In the first few years I was on it, I didn't have any issues with breakthrough bleeding.  In the past month I had one or two days of very light spotting.  It has made my periods a lot lighter as compared to other birth control pills as well.  
  • I have taken Yasmin/Yaz for years now...and suffer from on-again-off-again migraines.  I never thought that they could be due to my birth control! What made you determine that was the cause and not something else?
  • I find it odd that your doctor would continue to prescribe BCPs considering you have migraines. Migraine while on the pill creates an increased risk for stroke. I'd get a second opinion with another doctor.

    The above reason is why I stopped taking BCPs all together. 

  • I hate to say this, but....I have now been switched BC pills about 7 times due to horrid migraines about twice a month...Ive had never test done, hospital stays, and more and its all from hormones...lovely huh? I was given Imitrex and other migraine fighters and put on Topamax for a few years...nothing helped and im getting used to it now...Im currently on Lutera BC Pills and love them and my dr lets me back them up up to 4 months (yay for 3-4 periods a year lol) and Ive been ok thus far (about a yr) but still a few migraines here and there i just know now what to do in most cases. Oh and I prefer Excedrine Migraine or the Store Brand Comparison to the reallly strong prescription migraine meds...

     Wish you great luck! I know how bad Migraines are! I am 25 and got them back when I was 14...even before my period started! 

     If you have questions feel free to ask. 

    ---Alana---- My Heart and Life Belong to Cory :) "Don't every forget to LOVE. And LOVE Yourself as well and Others!"
  • imagecwalker1:
    I have taken Yasmin/Yaz for years now...and suffer from on-again-off-again migraines.  I never thought that they could be due to my birth control! What made you determine that was the cause and not something else?

    It co-insides with my off week... I do a Friday start and the last 3 months I have had a migraine I couldn't rid for 3 days starting Monday. By the end of the week Excedrin Migraine could handle it but nothing yet for the first 3 days. My MD is trying to find the right dose of Imitrex that that will work for me and we think we have it figuered out. I have to finish out this month of Ocella (yasmin) and one more round of guarnteed Migraine.. then I start Kariva next month. She said it has to do with the Estrogen levels in the B/C and the placebo week my body is going through with drawls, Kariva has a little bit lower estrogen.

     

    As for strokes on B/C..That is a possisble reaction of any birth control, not just the pills and from what I have read having a migraine while on b/c doesnt' increase the the chances of a stroke. I'm healthy, under the recommeneded age and a non-smoker.

    Daisypath Vacation tickers
  • Well, I haven't taken that type of BC but I did reply to your first post; I have the exact same issue with the estrogen withdrawals. I use Aviane now, and its been the best so far for me. And I take Relafen for the migraines during the off week..
  • imagecdlnmf:
    Well, I haven't taken that type of BC but I did reply to your first post; I have the exact same issue with the estrogen withdrawals. I use Aviane now, and its been the best so far for me. And I take Relafen for the migraines during the off week..

     

    Do you have to take that all 7 days on the off week?

    Daisypath Vacation tickers
  • I used to work in a women's clinic. We would have women that would have migraines on off-week. Due to the sudden withdrawal of hormones. Mircette was a good one because there are only a couple hormone-free pills. And it titrates you down to those, instead of suddenly taking them away for a week.

    The migraines don't always mean you CAN'T take the pill. It's just the withdrawal from suddenly having no hormone.

    Another good option if they are withdrawal migraines are taking a low dose pill and skipping the off week by going right to another pack. OR going on the mini pill. OR the nuva ring (and keeping it in the week you are supposed to be without it......then going right to a new one)

    I took mircette once (just because). I had lighter periods on it. So I liked it.

     

    (HINT* you could probably avoid a possible migraine this month. You *can* go right into your Mircette the day after your last active pill with your current BCP. Yeah, yeah...many doctors won't tell you to do it. It may cause you to have a lighter or no period during what was supposed to be your off week. or you might start a little early in the Mircette pack (your period) the first month or two.....but you are still protected and you *may* avoid the migraine) 

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  • That is an awesome thought... I didn't even think to do that! I am terrible about taking my pill and wanted the ring but my ins doesn't cover it very well and I refuse to pay that much for b/c ... (generics are $4 on my ins, brand $42.)

     

    Thanks for the info!!

    Daisypath Vacation tickers
  • I've been on Yasmin for...2.5 years? 3 maybe? Not sure, but a while. Up until a couple of months ago, I would get a headache on the day before my period actually started, or the day of, but nothing unmanageable. For the past few months, I've been getting increasingly worse headaches, and for more days (I was completely debilitated for 2 days last month). I'm going to try one more month of this, and then the doctor is getting a call. It's good to see I'm not the only one experiencing this, it's completely awful!
    Life is good today.
  • I do not have experience with Mircette/Kariva. I have delt with Migraines since my first AF. I have went through extensive testing, medications including a variety of BCP, and major lifestyle changes including modified eating plans (diets). It has been a very difficult time in my life considering I have been dealing with migraines since I was 14 years old. Around 5 years ago I was in the middle of some major changes in my life including a divorce, career changes, and educational expectations. I was being treated by my PCP and then seeing a chiropractor for alternative therapy. After seeing an endocrinologist I went for a chiropractic appointment. At this appointment he referred to a new doctor who is a holistic doctor who focuses in alternative therapies. I got my first shot of magnesium and it changed my life. I have continued with adjustment to my hormones including compound hormones and IV therapy. I have been migraine free for five years. Until my hospitalization for another major health issue I had been off of all medication except a thyroid medication. It has been amazing. Check our magnesium. It might really help!
    "You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because your reality is finally better than your dreams." ~ Dr. Seuss
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