Novelon®

Novelon� tablet What kind of medication is this? Novelon� is a low-dose combination oral contraceptive pill that is used as an effective method of birth control to prevent unintended pregnancies. The tablet is marketed under the brand name Novelon. The oral contraceptive pill known as Novelon� has a mixture of two hormones, each of which is present in modest quantities. Each bottle of Novelon� has a one-month supply of tablets, including 21 hormone-containing pills and 7 placebo (non-hormonal) pills. This configuration of pills ensures that each monthly cycle will conclude with a withdrawal bleed. If you use Novelon� as a method of birth control, you will probably find that your periods become more regular. You may also experience menstruation that is lighter and less painful, as well as an improvement in pre-menstrual symptoms such as bloating, swelling, or weight gain related to fluid retention. Additionally, you may notice an improvement in acne and a reduction in the amount of greasiness that your skin and hair have. How does Novelon� work? The Novelon� contraceptive pill contains a mixture of two hormones, ethinyloestradiol, which is a synthetic oestrogen, and desogestrel, which is a synthetic progestogen. These hormones function in tandem to prevent an unintended pregnancy from occurring. The female sex hormones that are produced by the ovaries are oestrogen, which stimulates ovulation, and progesterone, which prepares the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation of an embryo. In addition, other regulating hormones are produced by the hypothalamus in the brain and the pituitary gland. The preparation for pregnancy depends on a complex interaction between these hormones, as well as other hormones that are produced by the hypo The combined hormonal contraceptive Novelon� works by interfering with the normal menstrual cycle, preventing egg maturation and suppressing ovulation, and preventing development of the endometrium. As a result, a fertilized egg is unable to implant and grow within the uterus, which eliminates the possibility of a pregnancy. The cervical mucus, which typically changes consistency at ovulation to become thinner, remains thick when taking the Novelon� pill, producing a physical barrier that sperm cannot cross. This is another one of the pill's contraceptive actions. Several synthetic progestogens contain androgenic activity, however the active ingredient in Novelon�, desogestrel, has extremely low levels of androgenic activity. This has a positive impact on androgen-related skin conditions such as acne and hirsutism (unwanted hair). Before I start using this medication, what should I discuss with my health care providers? You should not use Novelon� if any of the following apply to you: you have an allergy to ethinyloestradiol or desogestrel, or to any of the other substances found in Novelon� contraceptive tablets. have a history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or liver disease, either personally or through family members; suffer from high blood pressure, lipid disorders, or migraines; have suffered from deep vein thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, heart attack, or stroke; or have a history of smoking. diabetes accompanied with alterations to one's blood vessels. irregular vaginal bleeding with no apparent reason are pregnant or making plans to get pregnant are diabetic and taking Novelon� contraceptive tablets your glucose tolerance may be affected, and you may need to discuss using other antidiabetic drugs with your doctor. If you are taking other medications that may interact with Novelon�, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, barbiturates, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, the antifungal griseofulvin, antibiotics like penicillin, preparations containing St. John What is the correct way to take this medication? You are instructed to take one contraceptive tablet of Novelon� each day at the same time each day with a full glass of water. Each container of Novelon� birth control pills includes 28 individual tablets, enough for a whole cycle of one month's treatment. These pills, which are designed to prevent pregnancy if they are regularly taken, are sold in packs of three. The last seven tablets are a placebo and do not contain any hormones; the first 21 pills in the pack contain the hormones that make the birth control effective. You should expect to have menstrual bleeding when you are taking these placebo tablets. Once you have completed one pack, you should begin a new pack the next day. If within three to four hours of taking your hormone tablet you experience gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea, this is the same as skipping a pill and you should take additional contraceptive precautions for the next seven days. Using Novelon� as a method of birth control The birth control tablets known as Novelon� contain a mixture of two hormones: ethinyloestradiol, which is a synthetic oestrogen, and desogestrel, which is a synthetic progestogen. These two hormones collaborate to give an effective method of birth control by preventing conception. The contraceptive pill known as Novelon� works by preventing egg maturation and suppressing ovulation. Additionally, it prevents the development and thickening of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) in preparation for implantation. As a result, a fertilized egg would not be able to implant and grow into a baby if it were to be exposed to the pill. You must take your Novelon� birth control pills continuously to ensure that they are effective in preventing pregnancy. After taking hormonal birth control pills for 21 days, you will then switch to non-hormonal birth control pills for 7 days. During this time, you will experience a menstrual period that may be lighter and less painful than usual. What should I do if I forget a dose? In the event that you forget to take your Novelon� medication, the following recommendations might assist you in determining what steps to take next: Weeks 1 to 3 (large white hormonal pills) If you have been forgetting to take your medication for less than 12 hours, you should take it as soon as you recall and then continue with your regular schedule for the following dose. You are not at risk of becoming pregnant at this time. If you forget to take your medication by more than 12 hours, take the most recent tablet as soon as you recall, and then take the following one at your regular time, even if it means taking two doses in a single day. If you do not take further preventative measures to avoid becoming pregnant in the following week, your ability to prevent pregnancy may be compromised, increasing the likelihood that you will become pregnant. Week 4 (little white non-hormonal tablets) (small white non-hormonal pills) Take the next medication as directed, but throw away the one you just forgot. There is no possibility of you becoming pregnant at this time. What other substances could react with this medication? Some drugs can have an adverse interaction with the contraceptive pill Novelon�, rendering it ineffective and hence raising the user's probability of becoming pregnant. It is possible that you will need to take additional contraceptive measures if you are using any of the following medications: anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and carbamazepin barbiturates anti-infectives such as rifampicin, rifbutin, nevirapine, griseofulvin antibiotics such as penicillin formulations containing St. John's Wort anti-depressants such as escitalopram What potential negative reactions may I have to this medication? Breast tenderness, breast discomfort, abdomen pain, nausea, oedema, and headache are the adverse reactions that have been reported by patients using Novelon� contraceptive tablets the most frequently. Other documented adverse reactions include skin rash and itching, sleeplessness, and depression. Migraines, fluid retention, changes in body weight, and shifts in libido are among the adverse effects that occur less often. What side effects should I be on the lookout for when using this medication? Try to limit your time spent in the sun and indoor tanning booths. Dapsone may make it easier for you to get a sunburn. Before you go outside, make sure to protect yourself by donning protective gear and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Where should I store this prescription medication? Your Novelon� birth control pills should remain in their calendar pack until they are ready to be used. Keep at or below 25 degrees Celsius at room temperature.