Dienogest+estradiol
About Dienogest+estradiol
Dienogest+estradiol belongs to the group of combined oral contraceptives used as a means of birth control in women who wish to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is also used in the treatment of irregular menstrual cycles. A combined oral contraceptive (COCP) is nothing but a birth-control pill, colloquially referred to as the pill, and it is used as a means of oral birth control by women. Menorrhagia is heavy menstrual bleeding lasting longer than seven days, whereas dysmenorrhea is painful periods.
Dienogest+estradiol is composed of Dienogest and Estradiol. It is essentially an ovulation inhibitor, which inhibits the release of potent eggs from the ovary, thereby preventing pregnancy. It also changes the cervical (cervix is the connection between the uterus and vagina) ambience, making cervical secretions thicker and hostile to any incoming sperm. Hence, it is a very potent contraceptive. In addition, the dienogest component inhibits gonadotropin (sex hormone) production and also suppresses the growth of uterine cells. Therefore, Dienogest+estradiol helps prevent pregnancy.
In some cases, Dienogest+estradiol may cause certain common side effects such as headache, abdominal pain, nausea, acne, breast discomfort, irregular periods and weight gain. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects consistently.
If you are allergic to Dienogest+estradiol or any of its components, please inform the doctor before using Dienogest+estradiol. Keep the doctor informed if you are on treatment for any cardiovascular disease, mental health disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine, liver disease, gallbladder disease or breast/uterine/cervical cancer. Before taking Dienogest+estradiol, inform your doctor of your entire medical and surgical history. Please consult your doctor before taking Dienogest+estradiol during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Do not consume Dienogest+estradiol with alcohol.
Uses of Dienogest+estradiol
Treatment of Heavy and/or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: Dienogest+estradiol is also used to manage heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce excessive bleeding, and relieve related symptoms such as pelvic discomfort and fatigue.
Medicinal Benefits
Dienogest+estradiol is a combined oral contraceptive and birth control pill. It contains Dienogest and estradiol. Dienogest+estradiol is used to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and changing the consistency of cervical secretions. In patients suffering from menorrhagia, Dienogest+estradiol reduces the intensity and duration of menstrual bleeding. It also relieves pain during periods (dysmenorrhea).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dienogest+estradiol
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Acne
- Breast discomfort
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain.
Drug Warnings
Dienogest+estradiol is not recommended for use in women over 35 who smoke. Dienogest+estradiol should not be used in case of any known allergy to either of the components. Dienogest+estradiol is not advisable for use in case of high risk or previous history of any mental health disorders, arterial or thrombotic disorders, cardiovascular health disorders, liver disease, gallbladder disease, history of breast/uterine/cervical cancer or any hormone-sensitive cancer. Women with a history of angioedema should exercise caution while taking Dienogest+estradiol as it may worsen the angioedema. Please consult the doctor before using Dienogest+estradiol during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is advisable not to consume Dienogest+estradiol with alcohol. Inform the doctor right away if you notice any dark urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, severe mood changes or any sudden heavy bleeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dienogest+estradiol is known to interact with antiepileptics (carbamazepine, phenytoin, felbamate, topiramate), antibiotics (rifampicin, rifabutin, clarithromycin, erythromycin), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, griseofulvin) antacids (cimetidine), antidepressants (nefazodone, fluvoxamine) and anti-HIV drugs (nelfinavir, ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: Grapefruit juice may interfere with the absorption of Dienogest+estradiol. Proceed with caution.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Dienogest+estradiol may interact with blood clotting disorders, hypertension, breast disorders, cancer, depression, diabetes, angioedema, heart problems, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, stroke, unexplained vaginal bleeding and or thyroid issues.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionExercise caution while consuming alcohol with Dienogest+estradiol as there may be a minor interaction.
Pregnancy
unsafeDienogest+estradiol is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Stop taking Dienogest+estradiol and consult a doctor immediately if you get pregnant while taking Dienogest+estradiol.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDienogest+estradiol is generally not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Other forms of contraception are advised as long as breastfeeding continues. Please consult the doctor.
Driving
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of Dienogest+estradiol on driving. Do not drive if you experience any side effects that alter your thinking ability or concentration.
Liver
cautionDienogest+estradiol should be used with caution in those with liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney
cautionDienogest+estradiol should be used with caution in those with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Children
cautionUse before 18 is allowed. Use below the age of menarche (first period) is not indicated.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- As nausea and vomiting may occur with the use of Dienogest+estradiol, make sure to take it on light, small meals.
- Let your doctor know if you are planning to get pregnant.
- After starting Dienogest+estradiol, use another alternative non-hormonal contraceptive for at least ten days.
- Maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in promoting healthy female reproductive health. Make sure you exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. However, do not engage in very strenuous physical exercise as this can worsen bleeding.
- Regularly working night shifts can affect hormone production. Try to avoid night shifts.
- Maintain good sexual hygiene and prevent any sexually transmitted diseases by practising only safe sex.
- Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Dienogest+estradiol as this may interact with Dienogest+estradiol and affect its absorption.
- Increase your intake of red vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, spinach, nuts and beans as these help in new blood formation.
- Keeping your skin hydrated by drinking enough water can also do wonders for the overall quality of your skin.
- Always wash your makeup before sleeping. Never go to bed with makeup on.
- Exfoliate your skin lightly but regularly. This helps wash away dry and dead cells, cleansing the skin.
- Severe nausea or vomiting following the use of the tablet can be considered a missed dose. In this case, additional contraceptive measures are advised.
Special Advise
- Do not skip tablets or delay intake by more than 12 hours. In case of a missed dose, try to catch up as early as possible. However, if the time for the second dose has come too close, revert to your original schedule.
- Chart your menstrual cycle and take Dienogest+estradiol on Day 1 of your cycle, i.e. Day 1 of your period.
- Use a condom or any non-hormonal contraceptive for the first ten days after starting Dienogest+estradiol.
- Please inform the doctor immediately if you notice any breast lump, dark urine, yellowing of the skin, mood changes, headache, palpitations, severe fatigue or any alarming changes in vaginal bleeding.
- Call for the doctor right away in case of any stroke symptoms such as breathlessness, confusion, dizziness, left arm pain, jaw pain or sudden vision changes or any pulmonary embolism symptoms such as cough, leg pain and warmth, pain in calf etc.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Oral Contraception: It is birth control taken by mouth by women to prevent pregnancy. It is commonly referred to as the ‘’pill’’. Oral contraceptives contain hormonal preparations of female sex hormones for birth control.
Menorrhagia: Severe loss of blood during a period lasting more than seven days is called menorrhagia. It is a form of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Common signs and symptoms include having to use two pads at once, frequent spotting of clothes, blood clots the size of a coin or larger, having to change pads during the night, soakiness of pads and spillage.
FAQs
Dienogest+estradiol is used as a means of birth control in women who wish to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is also used in the treatment of irregular menstrual cycles.
Dienogest+estradiol works by suppressing ovulation and by changing cervical mucous thickness, thereby preventing pregnancy and acting as an effective birth control method.
Dienogest+estradiol is advisable not to use atleast for a minimum of 4 weeks after delivery after which you can resume its use. Please consult your doctor.
Dienogest+estradiol is not known to affect conception rates, as it has been found that women got pregnant pretty soon after discontinuing Dienogest+estradiol. Please consult your doctor.
Dienogest+estradiol is not recommended or indicated in the treatment of any breast tumours or cancers.
This is not one of the indicated uses of Dienogest+estradiol. For any concerns, please consult your gynaecologist.
You should not take this medicine if you have or have ever had a blood clot in your legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), diabetes, migraine, liver disease, tumors, vaginal bleeding, heart (heart attack), or brain (stroke). It is also not suitable for individuals with certain health conditions that increase the risk of blood clots or other serious complications. Always consult your doctor before starting this medication.
Dienogest+estradiol causes common side effects like headache, abdominal pain, nausea, acne, breast discomfort, irregular periods and weight gain. These side effects resolve on their own. If it persists, stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor.
