Low-Ogestrel-28 is a monophasic hormonal contraception. The main components are ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel.
Contents:
Indications for use
It is prescribed for hormonal contraception. As an alternative treatment, Low-Ogestrel-28 may be used for acne vulgaris treatment. Sometimes, it is intended for a postmenstrual syndrome.
Mechanism of action
The contraceptive effect is associated with several mechanisms. As a progestin, the derivative contains the 19-nortestosterone derivative, norgestrel, which is superior in activity to the hormone of the yellow body, progesterone (and the synthetic analog of the latter is praegninum), acts at the receptor level without any preliminary metabolic transformations. The estrogen component is ethinyl estradiol. Under the influence of norgestrel, the blockade of the releasing factors (LH and FSH) of the hypothalamus takes place, suppressing the secretion of the pituitary gland by gonadotropic hormones. It leads to inhibition of egg maturation and release of the ovum (ovulation) ready for fertilization.
The contraceptive effect is enhanced by ethinyl estradiol. It preserves the high viscosity of the cervical mucus (making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterine cavity). Along with the contraceptive effect with regular intake, it normalizes the menstrual cycle and helps prevent the development of a number of gynecological diseases, including. tumor etiology.
Mode of application and dosage
The regimen for taking birth control medications is similar to that for other commonly used hormonal contraceptives. The drug is taken 1 pill/day for 28 days without a 7-day break. During this 7-day intake of inert tablets, menstrual bleeding may occur.
For ensuring a constant content of hormones in the blood the interval between doses of Low-Ogestrel-28 should not exceed 36 hours, it should be maintained, on average, at 22-26 hours.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy;
- Hormone-dependent mammary glands or uterine tumors;
- Severe hepatic dysfunction;
- Hepatic tumors;
- Idiopathic jaundice or pruritus during the preceding pregnancy;
- Herpes of pregnant women in the anamnesis;
- Otosclerosis with worsening in previous pregnancies;
- Severe dysfunctions of fat metabolism;
- Severe degree of diabetes;
- Transferred or existing thromboembolic diseases, blood clotting of arteries and veins;
- Severe cardiovascular system disorders;
- Sickle-cell anemia;
- Angiography of severe form;
- Dubin-Johnson syndrome;
- Rotor syndrome.
If you smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day and you are older than 35 years you should arrest Low-Ogestrel-28 application because there is an increased risk of severe cardiovascular dysfunctions appearance. The risk is increased considerably. Consult your doctor and get to know all the details concerning smoking and birth control pills intake.
Side effects
Low-Ogestrel-28, as a rule, is well tolerated, but there may be some not expressed side effects. There may manifest:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- headache;
- mammary gland tension;
- weight gain or loss;
- libido changes;
- depressed mood;
- intermenstrual bleeding;
- discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
However, these phenomena are temporary and pass on their own. With a longer intake, chloasma can rarely occur. Sometimes there are: increased blood plasma triglycerides, increased blood sugar, decreased glucose tolerance, enhanced blood pressure, thrombosis and thromboembolism of various locations, hepatitis, gallbladder disease, jaundice, skin rashes, hair loss, changes in vaginal secretion, mycosis of the vagina, increased fatigue, diarrhea.
Interactions
Ethinyl estradiol:
- rifampicin, phenobarbital derivatives, anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine), phenylbutazone, ketoconazole, broad-spectrum antibiotic (with tetracyclines, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, neomycin);
- anticoagulants – derivatives of coumarin or indanedione (control of prothrombin time and changes in the dose of anticoagulant);
- tricyclic antidepressants, maprotiline;
- beta-blockers (increased bioavailability and therefore toxicity of these drugs);
- oral antidiabetic drugs, insulin (the need for dose changes);
- bromocriptine – a decrease in efficacy;
- hepatotoxic drugs, especially with dantrolene – the risk of increased hepatotoxicity, especially in women over 35 years of age.
Norgestrel: Drugs that may reduce the effectiveness of norgestrel: barbiturates (including primidone), phenytoin, carbamazepine, preparations containing St. John’s wort, rifampicin, ritonavir, rifabutin, griseofulvin.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose you should apply the pill at the moment you remember this fact. Within 12-hours delay, the additional methods of contraception should not be used. If the delay takes more than 12 hours it is better to take a pill immediately plus use the additional contraceptive methods.
If you have any question relating to this aspect, you are welcome to visit a gynecologist.
Low-Ogestrel-28 and pregnancy
Low-Ogestrel-28 is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. At admission, it is necessary to weigh all the risk factors that can harm a newborn. There is a great risk of the breast milk enter breast milk. During breastfeeding, it is better to withdraw this birth control drug.