How does it work?

This contraceptive medicine is commonly known as 'the mini pill' or progesterone-only pill. It contains levonorgestrel, which is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. The progesterone-only pill acts by affecting the natural mucus at the neck of the womb. Levonorgestrel increases the thickness of this mucus making it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb. By preventing sperm entering the womb, successful fertilisation of an egg, leading to pregnancy, is less likely. Levonorgestrel also acts to change the quality of the womb lining (endometrium). This prevents the successful implantation of a fertilised egg onto the wall of the womb, thereby preventing pregnancy. Levonorgestrel may also prevent the release of an egg from the ovary, however, this may not occur in all women who take the mini-pill.

What is it used for?

Contraception

Warning!

Women taking this contraceptive pill for the first time may experience menstrual irregularities such as spotting and missed periods. If two consecutive menstrual periods are missed, a test must be done to exclude pregnancy.

Women taking oral contraceptives should have regular medical check-ups.

Additional methods of contraception such as condoms should be used in the first 14 days of taking this medicine.

If pregnancy occurs, there is a greater risk of it occuring outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy) in progesterone-only pill users than in other women. For this reason, any abnormal abdominal pain occurring with an irregular menstrual cycle should be reported to your doctor.

Your pill should be taken at the same time each day. If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember, and the next one at your normal time. If you are more than 3 hours late, you are not protected and an additional method of contraception (e.g. condoms) should be used for the next 14 days, whilst continuing with normal pill taking. Read the instructions on your pack carefully regarding missed pills.

Vomiting and severe diarrhoea may interfere with the absorption of this medicine, thereby decreasing its effectiveness as a contraceptive. If you have repeated vomiting or prolonged diarrhoea, an additional method of contraception (e.g. condoms) should be used and continued for 14 days after the symptoms have gone.

Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if any of the following occur whilst taking this medicine: migraine or severe headaches, disturbance in vision, stabbing pains in the legs, pain on breathing or coughing, significant rise in blood pressure, itching of the whole body, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), severe abdominal complaints or if you become pregnant.

Discuss with your doctor if you are to undergo surgery and are taking an oral contraceptive pill. It may be recommended that you stop taking the pill for a certain period before planned surgery.

It is important to be aware that all women taking the oral contraceptive pill appear to have a small increase in the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, compared with women who do not use the pill. However, this risk must be weighed against the benefits of taking the pill which can be discussed with your doctor.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

High blood pressure

History of migraines

Older women who smoke

Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy

Women with one fallopian tube missing

Not to be used in

A history of blood clots in the blood vessels (thromboembolism)

Abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

Anaemia caused by a hereditary blood disorder where abnormal haemoglobin is produced (sickle cell anaemia)

Breast cancer or history of breast cancer

Current or previous liver cancer

History of heart attack

History of herpes infection during pregnancy

History of jaundice or generalised itch during pregnancy

History of stroke

Inherited disorder of bile excretion that causes jaundice (Rotor syndrome)

Metabolic disorder that runs in families and causes mild jaundice (Dubin-Johnson syndrome)

Pregnancy

Severe diabetes associated with circulatory problems

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. The effect on the baby is not known. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Irregular menstrual cycle

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Stopping or absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhoea)

Fluctuation in sex drive

Weight changes

Depressed mood

Headache/migraine

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved