Marvelon® is a low dose Pill. Each of the 21 tablets active contains small amount of hormones. There are 30micrograms of an estrogen - called ethinyl estradiol - and 150micrograms of a progestogen - called desogestrel. These hormones mimic the natural sex hormones from your own ovaries. (They are made from a special type of yam-plant that grows in Mexico).
Why is this drug prescribed?
Oral contraceptives such as Marvelon are highly effective means of preventing pregnancy. Marvelon consists of synthetic forms of two hormones produced naturally in the body: estrogen and progestin. These hormones regulate a woman's menstrual cycle, and the fluctuating levels of these hormones play an essential role in fertility.
This is an estrogen and progestin combination pill used for the prevention of pregnancy. It works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and pregnancy. It may also be taken to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.
28-day pack: Take one tablet daily for 21 days, then one "reminder" pill daily for seven days.
See the package insert for information on where in your cycle to start and what to do if you forget to take a pill.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Contraindications
This medication should not be taken by anyone who:
- has or has had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
- has or has had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., stroke)
- has had a heart attack
- has had coronary artery disease
- has active liver disease
- has or has had benign or malignant liver tumors
- has, has had, or may have breast cancer
- has, has had, or may have a tumour reliant on estrogen
- has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
- has any eye lesion resulting from vascular disease of the eye, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields
- is or may be pregnant
Side Effects
Nausea and vomiting are usually the most common side effects and occur in approximately 10% or less of women during the first cycle. Other reactions, as a general rule, are seen less frequently or only occasionally.
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