Oral contraceptives (birth-control pills), such as Mercilon, are used to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones, and combinations of these hormones work by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries). They also change the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy from developing and change the mucus at the cervix (opening of the uterus) to prevent sperm (male reproductive cells) from entering. Oral contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control, but they do not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)] and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Some brands of oral contraceptives are also used to treat acne in certain patients. Oral contraceptives work to treat acne by decreasing the amounts of certain natural substances that can cause acne.
Directions
The Mercilon 28 pack contains 28 white tablets: 21 large tablets with the active substances and 7 small tablets without active substances. At the back of each strip each tablet is marked with the corresponding day of the week. Tablets should be taken as instructed by your doctor, nurse or medical professional. Generally, tablets should be taken at the same time every day and should be swallowed whole with the help of some water if necessary.
Precautions
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. If you are using oral contraceptives for contraception you should understand how their benefits and risks compare to those of other birth control methods. This is a decision you, your sexual partner, and your doctor will make. For oral contraceptives, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens or progestins. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Diet
Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet.
Pregnancy
Oral contraceptives are not recommended for use during pregnancy and should be discontinued if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant. When oral contraceptives were accidently taken early in pregnancy, problems in the fetus did not occur. Women who are not breast-feeding may begin to take oral contraceptives two weeks after having a baby.
Breast-feeding
Oral contraceptives pass into the breast milk and can change the content or lower the amount of breast milk. Also, they may shorten a woman's ability to breast-feed by about 1 month, especially when the mother is only partially breast-feeding. Because the amount of hormones is so small in low-dose contraceptives, your doctor may allow you to begin using an oral contraceptive after you have been breast-feeding for a while. However, it may be necessary for you to use another method of birth control or to stop breast-feeding while taking oral contraceptives.
Teenagers
This medicine is frequently used for birth control in teenage females and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults. Some teenagers may need extra information on the importance of taking this medication exactly as prescribed.
Side Effects
Oral contraceptives may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach cramps or bloating
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue)
- increased or decreased appetite
- weight gain or weight loss
- brown or black skin patches
- acne
- hair growth in unusual places
- bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
- changes in menstrual flow
- painful or missed periods
- breast tenderness, enlargement, or discharge
- difficulty wearing contact lenses
- swelling, redness, irritation, burning, or itching of the vagina
- white vaginal discharge
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- severe headache
- severe vomiting
- speech problems
- dizziness or faintness
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- crushing chest pain or chest heaviness
- coughing up blood
- shortness of breath
- pain, warmth, or heaviness in the back of the lower leg
- partial or complete loss of vision
- double vision
- bulging eyes
- severe stomach pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- loss of appetite
- extreme tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy
- fever
- dark-colored urine
- light-colored stool
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
- depression, especially if you also have trouble sleeping, tiredness, loss of energy, or other mood changes
- unusual bleeding
- rash
Oral contraceptives may increase the chance that you will develop liver tumors. These tumors are not a form of cancer, but they can break and cause serious bleeding inside the body. Oral contraceptives may also increase the chance that you will develop breast or liver cancer, or have a heart attack, a stroke, or a serious blood clot. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using oral contraceptives.
Oral contraceptives may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Missed dose
If you miss doses of your oral contraceptive, you may not be protected from pregnancy. You may need to use a backup method of birth control for 7 days or until the end of the cycle. Every brand of oral contraceptives comes with specific directions to follow if you miss a dose. Carefully read the directions in the manufacturer's information for the patient that came with your oral contraceptive. If you have any questions, call your doctor or pharmacist. Continue to take your tablets as scheduled and use a backup method of birth control until your questions are answered.
Overdose Information
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose may include upset stomach and/or vaginal bleeding.
Storage
Store Mercilon protected from light and moisture between 2°C and 25°C (36°F and 77°C)
Additional Information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination every year, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test. Follow your doctor's directions for examining your breasts; report any lumps immediately.
Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you take oral contraceptives.
If you wish to stop taking oral contraceptives and become pregnant, your doctor may tell you to use another method of birth control until you begin to menstruate regularly again. It may take a long time for you to become pregnant after you stop taking oral contraceptives, especially if you have never had a baby or if you had irregular, infrequent, or complete absence of menstrual periods before taking oral contraceptives. Questions should be discussed with your doctor.
| 
