Mercilon 28

Uses
Mercilon 28 (Ethinylestradiol/Desogestrel) is an oral contraceptive prescribed to prevent pregnancy. It works by acting on the ovaries to prevent ovulation and egg fertilization. The medication also thickens mucous to discourage sperm from fertilizing a released egg and alters the lining of the uterus to prevent an egg from implanting.

Dosage and Administration
Follow your doctor`s instructions for using Mercilon 28 (Ethinylestradiol/Desogestrel) to ensure the correct results from treatment. The medication should be taken once each day as scheduled. Your doctor may prescribe another regimen based on your health condition, symptoms, or responses to other treatments. Do not self-medicate as this could cause health problems or render the treatment ineffective.

When taking your doses, swallow the tablets unaltered along with a full glass of water. They can be administered on an empty stomach, but a meal is recommended if you experience an upset stomach. Never crush, split, or chew the contents of the tablets to prevent destroying them or altering their effects. You should also take the doses at the same times each day to get the most effective treatment by keeping a consistent amount of medication in the body at all times.

Attend regular doctor consultations to make sure the treatment is having the proper results. After observing your response to treatment, symptoms, and health condition, you may be instructed to adjust your dosage or frequency of administration until the best results occur. Follow these directions and ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about the medicine to ensure the correct usage.

Side effects
As with any medication, the use of Mercilon 28 (Ethinylestradiol/Desogestrel) may cause side effects in some patients. These may be mild or severe and should always be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible. Some of these may require reduced doses or frequency of application to prevent further complications. If more serious health problems are indicated, medical assistance may also be needed.

Side effects that may occur are:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation
• Nausea, stomach cramps, or vomiting
• Unusual weight or appetite changes
• Tenderness or swelling of the breasts
• Darkened patches or freckles on the facial skin
• Vaginal irritation or discharge
• Decreased sex drive
• Disturbed menstrual cycles

More serious symptoms requiring medical attention include:

• Sudden migraine, difficulty speaking, confusion, or balance
• Numbness or weakness of one side of the boy
• Chest or shoulder pain
• Coughing or choking sensation
• Chest pain, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
• Pain or swelling of the extremities
• Severe mood changes (Depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts)
• Lump in the breast
• Intense stomach pain or swelling
• Discoloured urine or stools
• Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Precautions
Mercilon 28 (Ethinylestradiol/Desogestrel) should not be used in patients who have known or suspected pregnancy, are breast feeding, have breast cancer, porphyrias, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Also discuss any conditions you have that may cause complications with treatment. These include upcoming surgery, prolonged mobilization, gallbladder disease, history of stroke, liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, clotting disorders, diabetes, history of migraines, jaundice, or high triglyceride levels. These can require reduced doses or other changes to treatment to prevent these health problems from occurring.

Seek immediate medical attention or proceed to your nearest accident and emergency department if you suffer a hypersensitive or allergic reaction. Symptoms usually present during a reaction of this nature include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the limbs or face, tight chest, hives, and skin rashes.

Mercilon 28 (Ethinylestradiol/Desogestrel) may not be safe or suitable for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.