Mercilon

Mercilon is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill containing desogestrel and ethinylestradiol.

It is prescribed to prevent pregnancy and offers one of the lowest oestrogen doses available in a combined pill, making it a suitable option for women who are sensitive to higher oestrogen formulations or who experience oestrogen-related side effects with other pills.

Like other combined oral contraceptives, Mercilon works by suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to impede sperm passage, and thinning the endometrial lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation.

When taken correctly, it is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Mercilon is particularly valued for its lower oestrogen content (20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol compared with the 30 to 35 micrograms found in many other pills), which may reduce the incidence of oestrogen-related side effects such as headache, breast tenderness, and nausea whilst maintaining reliable contraceptive efficacy.

It also provides good cycle control in the majority of users.

Take one tablet daily at approximately the same time for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free interval. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

During the pill-free week, a withdrawal bleed should occur. Start the next strip on the eighth day, regardless of whether bleeding has stopped.

If starting for the first time, begin on the first day of your period for immediate protection. If starting later in the cycle, use additional barrier contraception for the first seven days.

Each tablet contains 150 micrograms of desogestrel and 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol. The regimen consists of one tablet daily for 21 days followed by 7 pill-free days.

No dose adjustment is required. If a tablet is missed by more than 12 hours, contraceptive protection may be reduced. Follow the specific missed-pill guidance in the patient information leaflet.

Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100): headache, mood changes, breast tenderness, nausea, abdominal pain, breakthrough bleeding or spotting.

Uncommon (1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000): decreased libido, migraine, fluid retention, vomiting, rash, weight change.

Rare (1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000): venous thromboembolism, arterial thromboembolism, hepatic adenoma, hypertension.

Breakthrough bleeding is more common in the first few cycles and usually settles.

The overall risk of venous thromboembolism with combined pills containing desogestrel is approximately 9 to 12 per 10,000 women-years.

Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular complications from combined hormonal contraceptives; women over 35 who smoke must not use Mercilon. Have your blood pressure monitored regularly.

Stop Mercilon and seek urgent medical attention if you experience signs of thrombosis, such as unusual leg swelling, sudden chest pain, breathlessness, or severe headache.

Inform your prescriber of any history of migraine, epilepsy, depression, or a family history of venous thromboembolism.

Mercilon is contraindicated in women with a history of or current venous or arterial thromboembolism, cerebrovascular disease, migraine with aura, known thrombophilic conditions, severe hepatic disease, sex-steroid-sensitive malignancies, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, pancreatitis with severe hypertriglyceridaemia, and hypersensitivity to any component.

It must not be used during pregnancy or by women over 35 who smoke.