Marvelon

Marvelon is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing two hormones: desogestrel and ethinylestradiol.

It is prescribed to prevent pregnancy and is one of the most widely used hormonal contraceptives in clinical practice. When taken correctly, Marvelon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Marvelon works through three complementary mechanisms. It suppresses ovulation by inhibiting the release of an egg from the ovaries each month.

It thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It also thins the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of implantation should fertilisation occur.

In addition to contraception, Marvelon may be prescribed for the management of painful or heavy periods, premenstrual syndrome, and certain skin conditions such as acne.

It provides predictable cycle control and often reduces menstrual pain and blood loss.

Marvelon is taken in a 21-day cycle followed by a 7-day hormone-free interval during which a withdrawal bleed typically occurs.

Take one tablet daily at approximately the same time each day for 21 consecutive days. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

After completing the 21-day strip, take a 7-day break during which you will usually experience a withdrawal bleed. Start the next strip on the eighth day, regardless of whether bleeding has stopped.

If you miss a pill, follow the instructions in the patient leaflet.

A missed pill within 12 hours of the usual time does not reduce protection, but a delay beyond 24 hours may require additional precautions.

Each tablet contains 150 micrograms of desogestrel and 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol. One tablet is taken daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free interval.

Marvelon should be started on the first day of the menstrual period for immediate contraceptive protection.

If starting on days two to five, use additional barrier contraception for the first seven days.

Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100): headache, breast tenderness, mood changes, nausea, fluid retention, weight fluctuation.

Uncommon (1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000): decreased libido, migraine, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash, urticaria.

Rare (1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000): venous thromboembolism, arterial thromboembolism, hypertension, liver tumours.

Combined hormonal contraceptives carry a small increased risk of blood clots compared with non-use.

The absolute risk remains low but is higher in women who smoke, are obese, or have other predisposing factors. Report sudden leg pain, chest pain, breathlessness, or visual disturbances immediately.

Do not smoke while taking Marvelon, particularly if you are over 35, as this significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular side effects including blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop migraine with aura, jaundice, or persistent abdominal pain.

Marvelon does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Discuss your full medical history with your prescriber, including any family history of thromboembolic events.

Marvelon is contraindicated in women with a history of venous or arterial thromboembolism, migraine with aura, severe hepatic disease, known or suspected sex-steroid-sensitive malignancies, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, pancreatitis associated with severe hypertriglyceridaemia, or hypersensitivity to any component.

It should not be used during pregnancy or in women over 35 who smoke.