Brand Name
Marvelon
Common Name
desogestrel - ethinyl estradiol
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02042487 | MARVELON 21 TABLET |
| 02042479 | MARVELON 28 TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Desogestrel - ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen and progestin combination
pill used for the prevention of pregnancy. It works by preventing
ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and causing changes in
the mucus of the cervix which make it difficult for sperm to penetrate
and for an egg to implant. It may also be taken to regulate the menstrual
cycle.
Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than
the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure
why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
21-day pack: Take one tablet daily for 21 days, then take no pills
for 7 days, and then begin the next pack
28-day pack: Take one tablet daily for 21 days, then take one
"reminder" pill daily for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.
Talk with your doctor about the best time to start your pills.
The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is known as "Day
1". Your doctor may have you start your pills on the first Sunday
after your period starts or on Day 1 of your period. The pills should
be taken approximately the same time every day.
It may be advisable to use a second method of birth control (e.g., latex
condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) for the first seven days of the first
cycle of pill use.
Many women have spotting or light bleeding or may feel sick to their
stomach during the first three months taking the pill. If you do feel
sick, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If
it does not go away, check with your doctor or clinic.
If you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take some medications such
as antibiotics, your pills may not work as well. If you start a new medication
while you are taking birth control pills, check with your doctor or pharmacist
to make sure that it will not reduce the effectiveness of the pills. Use
a back-up method of birth control, such as latex condoms and spermicidal
foam or gel, until you can check with your doctor or clinic.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such
as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Do not
change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your
doctor.
It is very important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed
by your doctor. If you miss pills at any time the risk of becoming
pregnant increases. If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember,
and take the next pill at the usual time. This means that you might take
two pills in one day.
If you miss two pills in a row during the first two weeks of your
cycle, take two pills the day you remember and two pills the next
day, then take one pill a day until you finish the pack. Use a second
method of birth control if you have sex in the seven days after you miss
the pills.
If you start your pills on Sunday, and you miss two pills in a row during
the third week of your cycle or three or more pills in a row anytime in
your cycle, keep taking one pill a day until Sunday. On Sunday, safely
discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack that day. If you start
your pills on Day 1, and you miss two pills in a row during the third
week of your cycle, or three or more pills at anytime during your cycle,
safely dispose of the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that
same day. Use another method of birth control if you have sex in the seven
days after you miss the pills. You may not have a period this month. If
you miss two periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Marvelon 21
Each white, round tablet contains desogestrel 0.15 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, starch, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide and vitamin E.
Marvelon 28
Each white, round tablet contains desogestrel 0.15 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, starch, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide and vitamin E. Each green, round tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, indigotine blue, iron oxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, starch, titanium dioxide and talc.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be taken by anyone who:
- has or has had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
- has or has had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., stroke)
- has had a heart attack
- has or has had coronary artery disease
- has active liver disease
- has or has had benign or malignant liver tumors
- has, has had, or may have breast cancer
- has, has had, or may have a tumour reliant on estrogen
- has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
- has any eye lesion resulting from vascular disease of the eye, such
as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields
- is or may be pregnant
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