Microgynon

Other names used:

• Alesse®
• Levlen®
• Nordette®

Active Ingredients:

• Ethinyl estradiol (30mcg) and levonorgestrel (150 mcg)

How does Microgynon work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Microginon is an oral low-dose monophase progestin-estrogen birth control medication. Levonorgestrel is 19-nortestosterone derivative. Contraceptive effect of levonorgestrel is associated with blocking the release of gonadotropin-releasing-hormone and inhibiting the secretion of pituitary gonadotrophic hormones (FSH and LH) This ultimately results in suppression of ovulation.

Contraceptive effects is also related to increasing the viscosity of cervix mucous making the movement of sperm cells in the uterine nearly impossible.

Along with contraceptive effect Microgynon normalizes menstrual cycle and help prevent the development of many gynecological diseases, inclusive of malignant origin.

Which conditions are treated with Microgynon?

• Oral contraception (prevention of undesirable pregnancy)
• Functional disorders of menstrual cycle (dysmenorrhea, uterine bleedings)
• Premenstrual syndrome

What should a patient know before using Microgynon?

The Microgynon should not be used in cases of:

• Pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding)
• Hepatitis, jaundice, decompensated cirrhosis, liver failure, congenital hyperbilirubinemia (Gilbert syndrome, Dubin-Johnson and Rotor syndrome), hepatic tumors (hemangioma, liver cancer, porphyria;
• Herpes infection or a history of herpes infection during pregnancy
• Otosclerosis (aggravated during previous pregnancies)
• Thrombosis and thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), coagulopathy with a tendency to thrombosis
• Severe diseases of the cardiovascular system (coronary heart disease, angina, myocardial infarction, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart disease, myocarditis);
• Cerebrovascular disease including ischemic ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke);

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The side effects of Microgynon include:

• Digestive system: dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, hepatitis, gallbladder disease, jaundice, diarrhea, constipation.
• Endocrine system: tension, glandular enlargement, weight changes, libido changes, vaginal spotting, intermenstrual bleeding, vaginal candidiasis.
• Cardiovascular system: high blood pressure, thrombosis and embolism.
• Central nervous system: mood changes, fatigue, headache, migraine.
• Other: chloasma (pigmentation, which is intensified with prolonged exposure to the sun), skin rash, alopecia, muscles cramps, increase in triglycerides blood levels, decrease of glucose tolerance, increased blood sugar levels, intolerance of contact lenses.

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Microgynon?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Barbiturate medications
• Corticosteroids (Dexamethasone)
• Seizure medications
• Protease inhibitors
• Narcolepsy treatment (modafinil)
• Immunosuppressors (cyclosporine)
• Antibiotics
• Antiemetics (Aprepitant)
• Anti-steroid drug (Aminoglutethimide)
• Parkinson's disease treatment (Selegiline)
• St. John's wort
• Xantines (theophylline)

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient: Microgynon is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.