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What Is Ocella?

Ocella is a prescription combined oral contraceptive containing drospirenone, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. It is used to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. Each 28-day pack contains 21 active hormonal tablets and seven inactive tablets. Ocella works through hormonal mechanisms that prevent pregnancy when taken correctly. It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections and carries risks associated with estrogen-containing contraception.

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What Is Ocella?

Ocella is a prescription combined oral contraceptive containing drospirenone, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. It is used to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. Each 28-day pack contains 21 active hormonal tablets and seven inactive tablets. Ocella works through hormonal mechanisms that prevent pregnancy when taken correctly. It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections and carries risks associated with estrogen-containing contraception.

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How Does Ocella Prevent Pregnancy?

Ocella primarily prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, reducing the release of eggs from the ovaries. The hormones also thicken cervical mucus, making sperm movement more difficult, and alter the uterine lining. Drospirenone has antiandrogenic and antimineralocorticoid activity, while ethinyl estradiol contributes to menstrual cycle regulation and ovulation suppression. These actions work together to reduce the chance of pregnancy. Contraceptive effectiveness depends on consistent administration and the absence of certain interfering medications.

Who Can Use Ocella for Birth Control?

Ocella is prescribed for pregnancy prevention in females of reproductive potential who are appropriate candidates for combined hormonal contraception. A healthcare professional reviews medical history, blood pressure, smoking status, and medications before prescribing it. Ocella should not be used in people with certain blood clotting disorders, significant cardiovascular risk factors, severe liver disease, kidney impairment, adrenal insufficiency, or current or previous breast cancer. It is not appropriate for everyone seeking hormonal contraception.

How Should Ocella Be Taken?

Ocella is taken as one tablet orally at the same time every day, following the order printed on the 28-day blister pack. Each pack contains 21 active yellow tablets with 3 mg drospirenone and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol, followed by seven inactive white tablets. Start the next pack immediately after finishing the previous one, without an additional break. Missed-pill instructions depend on the number and timing of missed active tablets. Follow the package directions for backup contraception when needed.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Ocella?

Common side effects include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and irregular menstrual bleeding. Serious risks include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly in patients with certain cardiovascular risk factors. Combined oral contraceptives are contraindicated in women older than 35 who smoke. Drospirenone can increase potassium levels, especially in patients with kidney or adrenal conditions or those taking potassium-raising medications. Sudden vision changes, severe headaches, chest pain, or leg swelling require urgent medical evaluation.

Common Questions About Ocella

Is Ocella the same as Yasmin?

Ocella and Yasmin contain the same active hormones, drospirenone 3 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg, in a 21-active-tablet and seven-inactive-tablet regimen.

Does Ocella contain estrogen?

Yes. Ocella contains ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, together with drospirenone, a progestin.

Can Ocella cause blood clots?

Yes. Ocella carries a risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The risk is greater in certain patients, particularly those with additional clotting risk factors.

Does Ocella protect against sexually transmitted infections?

No. Ocella prevents pregnancy but does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting certain infections.

References

DailyMed - OCELLA (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) tablets. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0d729f4d-2fa3-47f6-8a1f-d8cfea4cff37. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Drospirenone. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/67392-87-4. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20645-drospirenone-ethinyl-estradiol-tablets. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Ethinyl Estradiol and Drosperinone (Oral Contraceptive). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a625047.html. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Ethinylestradiol. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ethinyl-estradiol. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.