Femilon – strip of 21 Tablets

Description

Femilon is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that contains two active ingredients: Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its composition and how each component works:

Composition (per tablet):

• Desogestrel (0.15 mg):
  • Desogestrel is a progestogen (synthetic form of progesterone), which primarily works by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries). It also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and alters the endometrial lining (uterine lining), which prevents implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Ethinylestradiol (0.02 mg):
  • Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic form of estrogen, which is responsible for stabilizing the endometrial lining and regulating the menstrual cycle. It also helps in controlling the menstrual bleeding patterns and works synergistically with the progestogen (Desogestrel) to prevent ovulation.
• Excipient(s) q.s. (Quantity sufficient):
  • The excipients are the inactive ingredients that make up the bulk of the tablet. These can include binders, fillers, stabilizers, and coatings that help maintain the integrity, stability, and appearance of the tablet. The exact excipients used may vary depending on the manufacturer but are generally safe and ensure the tablet functions as intended.

Mechanism of Action:

1. Prevention of Ovulation: Desogestrel inhibits the release of an egg from the ovaries.
2. Cervical Mucus Alteration: It thickens cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
3. Endometrial Changes: Alters the endometrial lining, preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Dosage and Administration:

• Femilon typically comes in a pack of 21 tablets, which is taken daily for 21 days.
• After finishing the 21 tablets, there’s a 7-day break during which the user typically experiences withdrawal bleeding (similar to a period).
• The next pack is usually started after the 7-day break, regardless of whether the bleeding has stopped or not.

Side Effects:

• Some potential side effects of Femilon (and other combined oral contraceptives) include nausea, headaches, mood changes, weight gain, and breakthrough bleeding. These side effects are not experienced by all users, and many people tolerate the pill well.

Contraindications:

• Femilon should not be used by women with certain health conditions, such as those with a history of blood clots, stroke, liver disease, or breast cancer. A healthcare provider will assess whether this pill is appropriate for the individual.

Effectiveness:

• When used correctly (taking the pill daily at the same time), Femilon is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Important Notes:

• If a dose is missed, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or healthcare provider. In general, a missed pill may need to be taken as soon as possible, and additional contraception (like condoms) may be recommended for a short period of time.
• Femilon doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so additional protection (such as condoms) is necessary for that purpose.

If you have specific questions about how to use Femilon, its side effects, or anything else, feel free to ask!