MERCILON ® is a drug based on ethinyl estradiol + desogestrel
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Systemic hormonal contraceptives - Progestin and estrogens, fixed combination
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications MERCILON ® - Contraceptive Pill
MERCILON ® is used as an oral contraceptive.
Mechanism of action MERCILON ® - Contraceptive Pill
The presence of desogestrel as a progestin in MERCILON ® allows the classification of this drug among third-generation oral contraceptives.
Born with the main objective of eliminating some of the most common and annoying side effects of oral contraception, such as weight gain and skin disorders, contraceptives belonging to this new generation have proven to be effective in preventing these disorders but related at the same time with a significant increase in cardiovascular risk, the main topic of discussion in the various international organizations.
The contraceptive action is instead guaranteed by the presence of an estrogen such as ethinyl estradiol and a progestogen such as desogestrel which at the dosages used are able both to inhibit the secretion of gonadotropins and the consequent ovulation that the rise of the spermatozoa in the female genital tract, thanks to the induction of chemical-physical variations of the cervical mucus.
The half-life of both active ingredients, estimated at around 24 hours, guarantees maximum contraceptive coverage by simply administering one tablet a day.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. MERCILON AND PATTERN OF BLOOD
Clinical trial showing that contraceptives such as MERCILON, consisting of desogetrel and ethinyl estradiol at doses of 150 mcg / 20 mcg, exhibit a bleeding pattern comparable to that of the most widely used contraceptives.
2. MERCILON AND METABOLIC PARAMETERS
Study carried out to evaluate the effects of a contraceptive therapy based on ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel on some metabolic parameters such as haemostatic balance, lipid concentrations and glucose metabolism. Also in this case the results seem to coincide with those of other more used contraceptives, without justifying the increase of embolic thrombus episodes described following the intake of third-generation oral contraceptives.
3. THIRD-GENERATION CONTRACEPTIVES AND POLYCHISTIC OVEN SYNDROME
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease characterized by hyperandrogenism, metabolic pathologies such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. The administration of third-generation oral contraceptives has proven useful in reducing blood concentrations of testosterone but at the same time dangerous due to the increased risk of cardiovascular events due to the increase induced on the concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Method of use and dosage
MERCILON ® tablets coated with 20 mcg of ethnyl estradiol and 150 mcg of desogestrel:
the maximum contraceptive coverage of the drug is guaranteed by the daily intake, preferably at the same time, of a single tablet.
Generally the dosage scheme is formulated in such a way as to foresee uninterrupted intake cycles of 21 days interspersed with 7-day periods of suspension in which suspension bleeding similar to the physiological menstruation should take place.
The intake of MERCILON ® should start from the first day of menstruation, if it represents the first oral contraceptive strategy used, considering that the maximum coverage is achieved only after the second treatment cycle.
In the case in which came from alternative hormonal contraceptive methods, from recent pregnancies or abortions the timing of assumption could suffer variations.
Before taking this contraceptive, a medical consultation is required followed by a careful gynecological examination.
Warnings MERCILON ® - Contraceptive Pill
The intake of combined hormonal contraceptives must necessarily be preceded by a careful gynecological examination in order to evaluate the prescriptive appropriateness and the possible presence of conditions such as to interfere with the normal biological activities of the drug.
Given the increased risk of developing thromboembolic diseases and disorders of various kinds, related to the intake of oral contraceptives, patients with cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases in place or past, liver and kidney diseases, neurological and psychiatric disorders, metabolic pathologies such as diabetes and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as obesity or smoking should carefully evaluate with their doctor the cost / benefit ratio that would result from taking these drugs, and the need to undergo periodic checks.
It would also be useful for the doctor to inform the patient meticulously of the potential side effects, and the signs with which they manifest themselves, so that they can be recognized promptly, make useful remedies or decide to suspend therapy.
MERCILON ® contains lactose so that its intake in patients with lactase enzyme deficiency, glucose / galactose malabsorption or lactose intolerance, could be associated with severe gastrointestinal disorders
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Administration of MERCILON ® during pregnancy is contraindicated both from a conceptual and an experiential point of view, given the uselessness of contraceptive therapy and the absence of studies able to fully characterize the safety profile of this medicine.
Oral contraceptives are also contraindicated during the subsequent breastfeeding period due to the ability of both estrogen and progestogen to pass through the breast filter and concentrate in breast milk.
Interactions
It is known that the hepatic metabolism of the hormones contained in MERCILON ® supported by enzymes belonging to the cytochrome P450 class, exposes it to numerous possible drug interactions capable of inducing significant variations from the pharmacological point of view.
In fact, the simultaneous intake of inducers of these enzymes such as rifampicin, phenytoin, barbiturates, antiretrovirals, antibiotics, herbal remedies such as St. John's wort could cause significant changes in the blood concentrations of the two hormones, reducing the contraceptive power of the drug.
In this regard it would be advisable to consult your doctor before taking other medications at the same time and at the same time resorting to contraceptive methods of coverage.
Contraindications MERCILON ® - Contraceptive Pill
MERCILON ® is contraindicated in case of current or previous venous thrombosis, stroke, hypertension, metabolic pathologies such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia, alterations of liver and kidney function, malignant pathologies, neuro-psychiatric disorders, motor disorders, undiagnosed gynecological disorders and in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
Despite the presence of desogestrel as a progestin and low-dose estrogen, the use of MERCILON ® is often accompanied by side effects such as: nausea, headaches, mood changes, eye irritation, bleeding spotting, increased breast tension and tenderness.
Certainly more important enough to require the suspension of treatment are some adverse reactions, fortunately observed only in a few cases and especially in predisposed patients, characterized by arterial and venous thromboembolic accidents, hypertension and coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia and cholestatic jaundice.
Note
MERCILON ® is salable only under medical prescription.
