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Camila is a type of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) that only contains one type of hormone. This is a progestin called norethindrone, and helps to prevent pregnancy by making the cervical fluid in the womb thicker. By doing this, sperm can’t swim through to an egg quite as easily to fertilize it.
Progestin-only pills, or POPs, like Camila also stop ovulation in some women. This means that the ovary doesn’t release an egg. So even if a sperm did make it through the cervix, there would be no egg to fertilize.
Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) tend to be more widely taken than progestin-only pills. But POPs like Camila are recommended for women who can’t take combined birth control because they have a health factor that makes them sensitive to estrogen (such as migraines).
Nor-Qd, Nora-BE, Deblitane, Heather, Norlyda, Norlyroc, Tulana, Incassia, Jencycla, Jolivette, Lyza, Errin, Ortho Micronor, Norethindrone and Sharobel.
These pills contain (or did contain when they were available) 0.35mg of norethindrone, which is the same concentration of hormone in Camila. Pills are often known by multiple names because different pharmaceutical companies make their own versions.
They may look different and be supplied in different packaging, but there shouldn’t be any difference in how well they work. Clinically, they’re “bioequivalent,” which means that they do the same job and have the same side-effect profile.
Every month, your body goes through a checklist of things to prepare for pregnancy. During ovulation, the ovary releases an egg which travels through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus. If the egg is fertilized as it travels, it attaches to the uterine wall and starts growing. If it isn’t fertilized, you get your period and it’s better luck next time.
All of this happens because of rising and falling levels of hormones. Hormones trigger ovulation as well as smaller changes, like telling the wall of the uterus to become thicker so that it’s easier for a fertilized egg to attach itself there.
The hormone in Camila, norethindrone, is a type of progestin. Adding it to the hormones already in your body alters what happens every month. Progestin increases the density of cervical fluid, so sperm cannot swim through and reach an egg as easily. Some of the time, the progestin in mini pills totally overrides the normal hormonal cycle, preventing ovulation, so fertilization can’t happen.
The hormones in Camila change what happens in your body every month when it would normally get ready for pregnancy.
Camila makes fluid in the cervix more dense, which acts as a barrier to sperm and means that fertilization is much less likely. In some women, Camila also prevents ovulation. Without ovulation, no egg is released into the uterus.
Camila pills come in a blister pack, marked with arrows and days of the week. Take one pill at the same time each day, with water, following the arrows. You’ll take Camila continuously, with no break between strips.
You can start taking Camila any time if you’re not already using hormonal birth control. If you’re switching from something else, take your first pill on the day after the last pill in your previous pack.
Camila is also known as Nor-Qd, Nora-BE, Deblitane, Errin, Heather, Incassia, Jencycla, Jolivette, Lyza, Norlyda, Norlyroc, Norethindrone, Ortho Micronor, Sharobel and Tulana.
These aren’t all still in production. Some of these pills may have been discontinued by the manufacturer and no longer be available. But if you’re looking for this formulation, it’s likely that Camila will be just as suitable for you.
Irregular periods are the most frequently reported side effect of Camila. Most women will find that this settles after taking Camila for a short time, but if you become concerned or if this type of bleeding continues, you should speak to the doctor.
Make sure you read the package insert for Camila before you start taking it. You can read further safety information about the progestin-only pill at the link below.
Most common: change in menstrual bleeding, periods starting early or late, spotting between periods.
Less common: headaches, tender breasts, nausea and dizziness, weight gain, acne and excess hair on the face and body.
If you notice anything unusual, speak to a doctor or go to your nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
