What is Mercilon?
Mercilon is a combined contraceptive pill containing hormones, oestrogens and progestogens that can be taken to avoid pregnancy.
Mercilon is a widely-used combined oral contraceptive pill, designed to provide effective protection against pregnancy. This popular contraceptive contains two synthetic hormones, ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms) and desogestrel (150 micrograms), which mimic the naturally occurring female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. By working together, these hormones prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to impede sperm movement, and alter the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant.
Description
Mercilon as a Contraception
Contraceptive medications are used to prevent unwanted pregnancy and can also help to alleviate symptoms of menstruation. Mercilon is a form of combined contraception that is taken to prevent unwanted pregnancy for women. It is an oral birth control pill to be taken consecutively for 21 days with a 7-day break or alternatively, depending on your consultation with the GP or doctor. It also helps alleviate symptoms of menstruation.
What is Mercilon and how does it work?
The pill contains synthetic progesterone and oestrogen. These hormones are also produced by the body. Mercilon works by altering the hormonal balance of the body to prevent ovulation by making the lining of the uterus less receptive to egg implantation.
Is Mercilon right for me?
If you are looking for an effective oral contraceptive, Mercilon may be right for you. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:
- If you are hypersensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients
- If you have ever had a blood clot or are at risk of a blood clot
- If you need an operation or if you are off your feet for a long time
- If you have severe heart, liver or kidney problems
- If you have (or have ever had) pancreatitis
- If you have high or low blood pressure
- If you have ever had a migraine with aura
- If you are suspected of having breast cancer
- If you have unexplained bleeding from the vagina
- If you are taking medication for hepatitis C
- If you are (or could be) pregnant
How to take Mercilon?
Always take Mercilon exactly as prescribed by your doctor or advised by the pharmacist.
- Mercilon should be taken every day for 21 days
- Take your pill at the same time every day
- Start by taking a pill marked with the correct day of the week
- Follow the directions of the arrows on the strip and take a pill every day until you have finished all 21
- Then have 7 pill-free days
- Start your next strip of Mercilon after the 7 pill-free days, even if you are still bleeding
- It can be taken with or without food, if necessary with a small amount of water
- You must not take Mercilon if you are pregnant
- It is not advised to take Mercilon while breast-feeding
Side Effects
All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of Mercilon. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of Mercilon, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Tender breasts
- Stomach problems
Warnings and Precautions
Mercilon may not be safe if taken with other medication or recreational drugs. Please inform the prescriber if you are taking any of the listed medications.
DO NOT take Mercilon if you are taking:
- ciclosporin (medicine used for the treatment of suppression of tissue rejection following transplant surgery)
- St. John's wort (herbal remedy to treat depression)
- primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, rufinamide, perampanel to treat epilepsy
- rifampicin for tuberculosis
- Medicines for HIV and Hepatitis C Virus infections (so-called protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as ritonavir, nevirapin, efavirenz)
- griseofulvin for fungal infections
- bosnetan for increase of blood pressure in the lung vasculature
- modafinil for sleeping disorders
The above-listed warnings are not exhaustive, please consult a doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you have further questions on the use of this medication or potential interactions with other medicines.
Mercilon Patient Leaflet
To view Mercilon Patient Leaflet click here.
To view PDF patient leaflet click here.
Additional Information
Mercilon is an oral birth control for women taken consecutively for 21 days.
It is 99% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy if taken correctly.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Welzo does not endorse or sell the medication discussed, nor do we recommend using this information as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or medical treatment. Welzo assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.