Risks
Since Lybrel is an extended cycle oral contraceptive, it provides women with an additional 13 weeks of hormone intake per year than traditional oral contraceptives, which could cause some side effects not experienced with traditional oral contraceptives.
Blood Clots
The most serious risk associated with oral contraceptives are blood clots and blockage of blood vessels. The risk for developing a blood clost is highest during the first year of use. If you are going to be inactive for a prolonged period of time, it is advisable to discontinue use during your inactivity. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of blood clots, if you are a smoker you should consult with your health care professional before taking oral contraceptives.
Heart Attacks and Strokes
Oral contraceptives could also increase a woman's risk to develop a heart attack or stroke. Like blood clots, smoking can greatly increase the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke while taking an oral contaceptive. If you have migraines, you could also be at a greater risk.
Gallbladder Disease
If you have an existing gallbladder condition, taking oral contraceptives could make the condition worse. Oral contraceptives could also accelerate the devolpment of gallbladder disease in some women.
Cancer
Although there are conflicting studies in this area, some do show a link between oral contraceptive use and breat cancer. Regardless of whether oral contraceptives actually increase your risk of breast cancer, you should still have regular breat examinations by a health care professional.
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