Mircette (Ethinyl)

Description

Mircette is a hormone-based contraceptive pill that contains ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel, which work to prevent ovulation. It also changes the lining of the uterus and cervix to prevent sperm from reaching eggs.

 

Important data

 

Don’t take Mircette if you are, or have recently been pregnant.

 

If you have any one of these conditions, do not take Mircette without a doctor’s advice: high blood pressure, heart disease, clotting issues, diabetes, circulation problems, vaginal bleeding, kidney problems, jaundice, heart attacks, strokes, breast and uterine cancer, and migraines.

 

If you are a smoker, it could increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack while on Mircette, so do not take it if you smoke and are over 35 years old.

 

There are certain medications that can put you at increased risk of a blood clot, stroke or heart attack while you are on Mircette. These include Hep-C, HIV and seizure medication.

 

It is possible for Mircette to cause children to be born with birth defects. Do not use it if you are with child. If you have recently delivered a child, do not take it for at least a month after.

 

There are hormones in Mircette that have been shown to enter breast milk. This can cause harm to children being fed it. Do not use if you are nursing a child.

 

Dosage

 

Mircette should be taken precisely as your doctor has told you to in the prescription. Never take it in larger or smaller doses than you have been told to.

 

You have to take a single pill every 24 hours, at around the same time. Missing a dose of Mircette could result in pregnancy.

 

Starting the dosage later than recommended is another way to invite unplanned pregnancy in. The more times you miss a dose, the more likely you are to get pregnant.

 

Spotting and mild bleeding from the vagina are normal side effects of taking Mircette, as is feeling nauseous in the course of the first few packs.

 

Do not stop taking Mircette because you feel sick. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, you may have to use other methods of contraception to ensure there is no chance of pregnancy.

 

For people who aren’t the sharpest when it comes to remembering to take doses, talk to doctors about possible alternatives to pills.

 

Mircette packs have 28 pills, of which 26 contain hormones and 2 do not. The order is specified on the packaging. Always have alternative contraceptive methods on hand.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss an active pill, take two the next day and then resume the single pill daily routine. Another contraceptive method is not needed.

 

Missing 2 in a row can cause pregnancy to be more likely. Use alternatives for at least a week after missing two doses consecutively.

 

Missing doses can also cause irregular menstrual cycles. Missing a month’s period is common. If you miss 2 months, take a pregnancy test.

 

If an overdose occurs, call your local poison hotline or seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Mild nausea
 Tender breasts
 Discharge from nipples
 Darker skin
 Weight changes
 Vaginal itching
 Reduced sex drive

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Allergies
 Numbness
 Weakness
 Headaches
 Slurring
 Cough
 Wheeze
 Angina
 Nausea
 Jaundice
 Depression

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.

 

Contraindications

 

Do not take this medication if you are on other drugs containing female hormones such as Alesse.

 

Stop taking it immediately if you experience an allergic reaction or any severe side effects.