Lolo is a type of birth control known as a combined oral contraceptive (COC). It contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin, and when taken reduces the chances of pregnancy.

Birth control pills such as Lolo help reduce the chances of pregnancy in two ways. Firstly they inhibit the monthly release of an egg(s) by your ovaries. Secondly, changes in both the endometrium (lining of the womb) and the mucus produced by the cervix (opening of the uterus) occur with the use of birth control pills.

Why is that important? It makes it less likely that a sperm will penetrate an egg, or for an egg to implant on the wall of the uterus.

Take 1 blue tablet daily for 24 days, then 1 white tablet daily for 2 days then 1 lilac-coloured tablet daily for 2 days. The blue tablets contain both norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, the white tablets contains ethinyl estradiol only and the lilac tablet contains no active medication

You can read more about when to start birth control here.

Yes. All low dose combination pills can be used for the treatment of acne. Most often, your practitioner will recommend a standard, low dose combined birth control pill like Alysena/Alesse, Mirvala/Marvelon or Tricira Lo.

There are some newer formulation of combined pills with progestins that are possibly better for acne. In some studies, combined birth control pills containing drospirenone (like Yaz) performed better at reducing acne. However, this form of birth control has possibly been correlated with increased risk of blood clots.

You can read more about birth control for acne here.

If you’re taking Lolo, please monitor for a rare but serious side effect of blood clots: shortness of breath, chest pain (particularly with deep breathing), coughing up blood, persistent leg pain, or redness, swelling, or warmth in your lower legs (usually one-sided) can all be indications of a blood clot in the legs or lungs, and should never be ignored. 

Please seek medical attention promptly if this occurs, in the emergency department.

You should not take Lolo if you are pregnant. In addition, if you have experienced any of the following conditions: Blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, breast disease, circulation problems, migraine with aura, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Smokers over 35 should not take Lolo.

There are many different options for birth control. You can learn more about deciding which option is right for you here.