Norgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol
Indication :
- Contraception
- Severe dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Dysmenorrhea
Dosing :
Available as 28 day pack containing norgestrel/ethinyl
estradiol 0.5 mg/50 mcg tab x 21 days and inert tab x 7 days.
Contraception, Dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis:
1 tab OD PO. Start on day 1 of menstrual cycle.
Severe dysfunctional uterine bleeding:
1 tab PO every 4 hourly until bleeding subsides and then 1 tab 6 hourly for 4 days and then 1 tab 8 hourly for 3 days followed by 1 tab twice a day for 2 weeks. Subsequently maintain at 1 tab OD.
Emergency contraception:
2 tabs PO every 12 hours x 2 doses. Start as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, preferably within 72 hours.
Adverse Effect :
Common Reactions: Musculoskeletal, pain, abdominal cramps/distension, dyspepsia, nausea/vomiting, constipation, cervical secretion changes, headache, fluid retention, insomnia, mood changes, vulvovaginal candidiasis, glucose intolerance, weight changes, libido changes, contact lens intolerance, vision changes, rash, melasma/chloasma, alopecia, hirsutism, breast development.
Serious Reactions: Thromboembolism, hypertension, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine hyperplasia, fibroid enlargement, hypercalcemia, cholestatic jaundice, gall stones, pancreatitis, hepatic hemangioma enlargement, depression, dementia, migraine, chorea exacerbation, seizure disorder exacerbation, asthma exacerbation, porphyria aggravation, SLE exacerbation, hypersensitivity reaction, anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, ischemic colitis, intestinal obstruction, vaginal erosion/ulcer.
Hepatic Dose :
Use is contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment.