About ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST
ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST is a combined oral contraceptive used as a means of birth control in women who wish to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Additionally, it is also used in the treatment of irregular menstrual cycles and moderate to severe acne. A combined oral contraceptive is a birth-control pill, colloquially referred to as the pill, and it is used as a means of oral birth control by women.
ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST is composed of Ethinyl estradiol and Dienogest. It is an ovulation inhibitor, which inhibits the release of potent eggs from the ovary, thereby preventing pregnancy. It also changes the cervical 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, ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST helps prevent pregnancy.
ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST may be taken on an empty stomach, but it is better to take it after having food. In some cases, ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST may cause certain common side effects such as nausea, breast soreness, headache and dizziness. 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 any of its components, please inform the doctor before using ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST. Keep the doctor informed if you are on treatment for any cardiovascular disease, mental health disorder, liver disease, gallbladder disease or breast/uterine/cervical cancer. Before taking ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST, inform your doctor of your entire medical and surgical history. Please consult your doctor before taking ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
Uses of ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST
Contraception, Menorrhagia (heavy/prolonged bleeding), Acne.
Medicinal Benefits
ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST is a combined oral contraceptive that contains two hormones, oestrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (dienogest). ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST is used to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and changing the consistency of cervical secretions. In patients suffering from menorrhagia, ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST reduces the intensity and duration of menstrual bleeding. ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST reduces hair and skin greasiness, providing relief to blackheads/whiteheads and acne-prone skin.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Dizziness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST should not be used in case of any known allergy to either of the components. Inform your doctor if you have/had mental health disorders, arterial or thrombotic disorders, cardiovascular health disorders, liver disease, gallbladder disease, history of breast/uterine/cervical cancer, hormone-sensitive cancer or if you smoke. Women with a history of angioedema should exercise caution while taking ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST as it may worsen the angioedema. Avoid taking ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is advisable not to consume alcohol with ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST. Inform the doctor right away if you notice any dark urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, severe mood changes, or sudden heavy bleeding. Women with a tendency for chloasma/melasma (skin condition commonly seen in middle-aged women) should avoid sun exposure after taking ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST may have interaction with antiepileptics (carbamazepine, phenytoin, felbamate, topiramate), antidepressant (St. John’s wort), antibiotics (rifampicin, rifabutin), anti-fungal (griseofulvin) and anti-HIV drugs (nelfinavir, ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol. Do not consume grapefruit juice as it may interfere with the absorption of ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have blood clotting disorders, hypertension, high cholesterol, 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
cautionCaution should be exercised while consuming alcohol with ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST as there may be a minor interaction.
Pregnancy
unsafeETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Stop taking ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST and consult a doctor immediately if you get pregnant while taking ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST.
Breast Feeding
unsafeETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST may affect the production of breast milk. Other forms of contraception are advised as long as breastfeeding continues. Please consult the doctor.
Driving
cautionETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST is unlikely to affect driving ability. However, ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST may cause dizziness. Drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST should be used with caution in those with liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST should be used with caution in those with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionUse below the age of menarche (first period) is not indicated. Please seek medical advice from your doctor if you have any concerns about this.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- As nausea and vomiting may occur with the use of ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST, make sure to take it on light, small meals.
- After starting ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST, 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 ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST as this may interact with ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST 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.
- Exfoliate your skin lightly but regularly. This helps wash away dry and dead cells, cleansing the skin.
Special Advise
- Do not skip tablets or delay intake by more than 12 hours. Try to catch up as early as possible in case of a missed dose. However, if the time for the second dose has come too close, revert to your original schedule.
- Chart your menstrual cycle and take ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST 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 ETHINYL ESTRADIOL+DIENOGEST.
- 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, warmth, pain in calf etc.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Oral Contraception: Oral contraception 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 heavy bleeding and large blood clots.
Acne: Acne is a skin condition in which pores get blocked or clogged, leading to the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and greasy skin. It is caused by a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes.
