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Description
Mircette® is a "biphasic" oral contraceptive pill. This means that the hormones contained in the tablets are delivered in two stages. Mircette contains 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, and 150 mcg of desogestrel, a progestin. The last seven tablets start with two days of "inactive" pills, or placebos and 5 days of 10 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Since Mircette is a very low-dose oral contraceptive, that is it contains reduced amounts of the hormone estrogen, it may help prevent side effects such as nausea and breast tenderness.
This product combines natural or synthetic estrogens and progestins, similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced in a woman's body. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen and desogestrel is a progestin. These products can prevent ovulation and pregnancy. In general, a combination of estrogen and progestin works better than a single-ingredient product. Ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel tablets can also help regulate menstrual flow, treat acne or may be used for other hormone related problems in females.
HOW TO USE:
Take mircette pills by mouth. Before you start taking these pills decide what is a suitable time of day and always take them at the same time of day and in the order directed. Swallow the pills with a drink of water. Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Do not take more often than directed.
Most products (except Mircette™) contain a 21-day supply of pills containing the active ingredients. Some products contain an additional 7 pills containing iron or inactive ingredients to be taken during the week of menstruation; this reduces the chance of missing the first day of the next cycle. Most products are to be started on the first Sunday after you start your period or on the first day of your period. You may need to ask your health care provider which day you should start your packet.
If you are taking the Mircette™ product, most of the 28 tablets contain active hormones. This product should be started on the first Sunday after you start your period or on the first day of your period.
Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions.
Keep an extra month's supply of your pills available to ensure that you will not miss the first day of the next cycle.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Severe side effects are relatively rare in women who are healthy and do not smoke while they are taking oral contraceptives. On average, more women have problems due to complications from getting pregnant than have problems with oral contraceptives. Many of the minor side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, the potential for severe side effects does exist and you may want to discuss these with your health care provider.
The following symptoms or side effects may be related to blood clots and require immediate medical or emergency help: chest pain; coughing up blood; dizziness or fainting spells; leg, arm or groin pain; severe or sudden headaches; stomach pain (severe); sudden shortness of breath; sudden loss of coordination, especially on one side of the body; swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain; vision or speech problems; weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, especially on one side of the body.
Other serious side effects are rare. Contact your health care provider as soon as you can if the following side effects occur: breast tissue changes or discharge; changes in vaginal bleeding during your period or between your periods; headaches or migraines; increases in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes; increases in blood pressure, especially if you are known to have high blood pressure; symptoms of vaginal infection (itching, irritation or unusual discharge); tenderness in the upper abdomen; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your health care provider if they continue or are bothersome): breakthrough bleeding and spotting that continues beyond the 3 initial cycles of pills; breast tenderness; mild stomach upset; mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts; increased or decreased appetite; increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light; nausea; skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the skin; tiredness; weight gain.
PRECAUTIONS:
Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. You should have a complete check-up every 6 to 12 months. If you have any unusual vaginal bleeding contact your prescriber or health care professional for advice. If you miss a period, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered. See your prescriber or health care provider as soon as you can.
Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.
If you stop taking these tablets and want to get pregnant, a return to normal ovulation can take some time. You may not return to normal ovulation and fertility for 3 to 6 months. Discuss your pregnancy plans with your health care provider.
If you are taking oral contraceptives for the treatment of acne, hirsutism (male-like hair growth), endometriosis or other hormone related problems, it may take several months of continued treatment to notice improvement in your symptoms or condition.
Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking mircette, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
Oral contraceptives can increase your sensitivity to the sun and you may burn more easily. Use sunscreen and protective clothing during long periods outdoors. Tanning booths should be used with caution.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.
In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.
You may get a vaginal yeast infection. If you have never had a yeast infection before, see your prescriber or other health care provider to confirm the problem. If you have had yeast infections in the past and are comfortable with self-medicating the problem, get and use a nonprescription medication to treat the yeast infection.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking your contraceptive pills one month beforehand. Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.
Taking contraceptive pills does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.
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