Microgynon ED

Microgynon is the most popular brand of combined contraceptive pills, widely known as the pill or birth control pill. The Microgynon ED version contains 28 tablets designated for specific days of the week, with a single tablet taken per day. While contraception is the most common indication of Microgynon ED, doctors can prescribe this medication for other conditions, including irregular menses. Always talk to a healthcare provider to understand the benefits and risks of this medication before taking it. You can only obtain Microgynon ED with a prescription.

What is Microgynon ED?

Microgynon ED is a birth control pill belonging to a class of medications known as combined oral contraceptives (COCs). The tablet contains two active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, which are synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone hormones, respectively. This medication is similar to the Microgynon 30 birth control pills except for the number of tablets each pack contains. The Microgynon ED pack contains 28 capsules for every day of the month, unlike Microgynon 30, which has 21 pills. The active components of Microgynon are similar to those of other COCs, such as Rigevidon and Ovranette.

How Does Microgynon ED Work?

The combined contraceptive pill prevents unwanted pregnancy in several ways, including;

• Inhibiting the monthly release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation)
• Increasing the consistency of cervical mucus, hindering the movement of sperms from the vagina into the womb to fertilize the ovum
• Thinning the uterine (womb) lining, making it less favorable for implantation of the fertilized egg (zygote)

What is Microgynon ED Used for?

Prevention of unwanted pregnancy

Contraception is the primary indication of Microgynon ED. According to clinical trials in which the drug is used under close observation, the effectiveness of Microgynon in preventing pregnancy is about 99%. However, factors such as missed pills, illnesses like diarrhea and vomiting that impair absorption, and concurrent use of other medications reduce the effectiveness to about 92% in real life.

Microgynon ED prevents unwanted pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections like HIV. Therefore consider using condoms if at risk of STIs.

Menstrual abnormalities

Besides the approved use as a contraceptive, the doctor might prescribe Microgynon ED for heavy and irregular periods. The medication regularizes the menses, decreases the bleeding and reduces period pain, lowering the risk of anemia.

Women using Microgynon pills might also experience other benefits, such as the decreased risk of ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and acne.

How to Use Microgynon ED Pills

Microgynon ED comprises 28 tablets with 21 small, beige-colored active pills and 7 large inactive tablets. The inactive pills help the users to take the medicines continually and avoid missed doses that reduce the drug's effectiveness.

Begin taking the pills from the red area on the blister pack. Pick the tablet corresponding to the day of the week and continue following the direction of the arrows until the pack is empty. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water before or after food.

Note: Take the Microgynon ED pills every day, regardless of the frequency of sexual engagement, for optimal effectiveness.

During the one week of taking the inactive white tablets, the estrogen and progesterone blood levels decline, leading to breakthrough bleeding. This usually occurs 2-3 days after starting the inactive pills and might continue even into the week of a new pack.

Always start a new pack on the same day as the initial pack. For instance, if the previous pack was started on a Tuesday, start with the pill marked Tuesday within the red area of the new pack. As long as you do not skip a dose, the start date of a new blister pack will fall on the same day of the week.

For those starting contraception with Microgynon ED after a natural menstrual cycle, without a history of hormonal contraceptive use in the past month, start the pills on the first day of the period (bleeding). During the first 14 days of taking the birth control pill, one must use additional barrier contraceptives such as a diaphragm with spermicide or condoms when having intercourse.

Women taking the pill after having a baby, having a miscarriage or having an abortion should consult the doctor for advice before beginning treatment.

When switching to Microgynon ED from other forms of contraception, follow the instructions on the consumer information leaflet and consult the doctor if anything is unclear.

Missing an active pill for more than 24 hours might interfere with medication effectiveness, necessitating additional protection. Taking a missed tablet within 12 hours protects the user against pregnancy. So take the missed doses as soon as possible. Otherwise, follow the instructions for pills missed more than 12 hours.

Those planning to get pregnant can stop the pill at any time with the doctor's guidance.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Microgynon ED?

Every medication has potential benefits and risks. Sometimes, adverse reactions occur despite taking the pills as directed. The side effects vary in severity and frequency from person to person. However, not every user experiences the unwanted responses of COC pills.

Potential side effects of Microgynon ED tablets include;

• nausea
• abdominal cramps
• weight gain
• headache
• mood alterations with depression
• breast pain and tenderness
• libido changes
• rash and urticarial

The side effects mentioned above are often mild and disappear as the body gets used to hormonal changes. If they persist or worsen, inform the doctor promptly.

On the other hand, some adverse reactions are rare but potentially serious. If the following occurs when using Microgynon ED, stop taking the pills and report to the doctor immediately.

• Arterial or venous thromboembolic events such as stroke, angina and pulmonary embolism. Symptoms usually include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and paralysis or weakness
• Hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction. Signs of severe Microgynon ED allergy include face swelling, difficulty breathing and hives.

Note: Besides the side effects listed in the patient information leaflet, users can experience other unwanted responses. Inform the doctor immediately if you experience bothersome symptoms when using this medication.

Precautions and Warnings

• Do not use Microgynon ED pills if allergic to any of its components, including inactive ingredients. Check the medication guide to confirm if you can use the drug safely.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use this medication. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant, lactating or having other medical conditions.
• Women above 35 who smoke are at a higher risk of developing blood clots when using this medication. Quit smoking if taking Microgynon ED pills.
• Combined oral contraceptives increase the risk of arterial or venous blood clots only slightly. However, those with any history of blood clots should not use this pill as the risk is more significant.

Drug Interactions

The hormonal pill can interact with other medications and impair its effectiveness or cause more side effects. Tell the doctor all your current medicines to ensure no combination affects you negatively. Drugs that can interact with Microgynon ED tablets include;

• Anti-TB medications like rifampicin
• Macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin)
• Anti-hepatitis drugs (ombitasvir)
• HIV medications (ritonavir)
• Melatonin
• Herbal medicines containing St John's Wort

The consumer information leaflet contains all the drugs that can interact with this COC pill.

COC Alternatives to Microgynon ED

• Rigevidon
• Levest
• Ovranette

Buying Microgynon ED Online

Kiwi Drug online store offers affordable access to everyone on the planet. Committed to industry standards and regulations, Kiwi uses professional pharmacists to ensure that clients receive the best services and maintain optimum quality of life regardless of location. While Microgynon ED is a prescription-only medication, Kiwi allows you to purchase it even without a prescription from a local doctor. But first, a certified doctor will review your medical profile through the online doctor service to determine if the drug suits you and then issue a prescription. Follow the procedure below to order from Kiwi Drug;

• Sign up and add the product to the cart
• Click the "Checkout Now" button
• Answer the questions presented on the next page
• Enter payment details and wait for your order to arrive