Like Depo-Provera, Lunelle is a type of hormonal birth control shot that may be used in order to prevent pregnancy. Similar to other hormonal birth control methods, Lunelle injections combine synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones and require monthly visits to a health care provider or pharmacy as well as a birth control prescription. But how safe is the Lunelle birth control method and how effective is Lunelle in preventing pregnancy?
How Lunelle Injections Work
Lunelle injections are given according to a prescribed schedule once a month in order to effectively prevent pregnancy and will be administered in the arm, thigh or buttocks. The Lunelle birth control shot contains synthetic hormones that mimic the natural estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body similar to the hormonal combinations found in some birth control pills.
The synthetic hormones affect the female reproductive system and the ovulation and menstruation cycles in the following ways:
- Lunelle prevents an egg from being released from the ovaries
- Lunells thickens the cervical mucus hindering sperm travel
- Lunelle changes the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg
When the prescribed schedule of Lunelle injections is followed, Lunelle is considered to have a failure rate of less than 1% each year. However, Lunelle does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and other methods should be used in order to reduce the risk of infection.
Getting the Birth Control Shot
The Lunelle birth control shot must be administered every 28 to 30 days, and must not exceed 33 days following the date of the previous Lunelle injection.
The first Lunelle injection will be given during the following periods:
- within the first 5 days of the onset of a menstrual period
- within 5 days of a first trimester abortion
- after a minimum of 4 weeks following the birth of a baby if the mother is not breastfeeding
- after a minimum of 6weeks following delivery if the mother is breastfeeding
If properly administered, the Lunelle injection should be an effective means of birth control during the first cycle.
Birth Control Side Effects
Like all hormonal birth control methods, Lunelle is associated with a variety of birth control side effects and an increased risk of developing potential health complications. Some of the side effects associated with Lunelle include the following:
- vaginal bleeding or changes in menstruation including pain or bleeding
- weight change
- breast pain or tenderness
- acne
- change in appetite
- nausea
- headache
- nervousness
- depression
- mood changes
- changes in libido
- dizziness
- hair loss
- rash
- vaginal infections
In addition, women who experience the following symptoms while using Lunelle should contact a doctor or health care provider as these may be signs of serious health complications:
- swelling of the fingers or ankles, or a rise in blood pressure due to fluid retention
- vision changes or inability to wear contact lenses
- chest pain, coughing blood or sudden shortness of breath which may indicate a blood clot in the lungs
- pain in the calf (blood clot)
- heaviness in the chest or chest pain (heart attack)
- severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, vision or speech disturbance, weakness or numbness in limbs (stroke)
- sudden loss of vision (blood clot)
- breast lumps
- severe abdominal pain
- difficulty sleeping or fatigue (depression)
- jaundice (liver disease)
- pain, pus or bleeding at injection site (infection)
- unusually heavy vaginal bleeding
Birth Control Risks
Depending on a patient’s medical history, some women should not use hormonal contraceptives as these may have adverse effects on health. A history of the following may put a woman at a greater risk of developing health complications when using Lunelle:
- heart attack or stroke
- blood clots in legs, lungs or eyes
- chest pain
- known or possible cancer of the breast, cervix, vagina or uterine lining
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- jaundice during pregnancy or previous hormonal contraceptive use
- liver tumor
- diabetes
- elevated cholesterol
- epilepsy or migraines
- fibrocystic disease
- allergy to Lunelle ingredients
In addition, women who suspect that they may be pregnant or who are over the age of 35 and are considered regular smokers should not use Lunelle.
Lunelle may increase the risk of developing certain health complications such as:
- gallbladder disease
- liver tumors
- reproductive cancers
- breast cancer
- changes in bone density
- heart attack
- stroke
Speak to a health care provider for more information about birth control options and potential risks.
