Common questions about Мерсилон (FAQ)
Q: How does Mercilon differ from other combined oral contraceptives (COCs)?
A: Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that belongs to the low-dose category. It contains 0.02 mg of the estrogen component, ethinyl estradiol, and 0.15 mg of the progestogen component, which is desogestrel. Desogestrel is classified as a third-generation progestogen. This classification relates to its chemical structure.
Q: After how many days or weeks do Mercilon side effects start to resolve?
A: According to official product information, certain adverse effects, such as mild gastrointestinal distress or headache, may occur more frequently when starting the medication. These common side effects have been observed to lessen in severity or frequency, sometimes within the first few cycles of treatment, as the body adjusts to the hormones.
Q: When does Mercilon start working as a contraceptive after I start taking it?
A: If Mercilon is started on the first day of the menstrual period (Day 1 Start), official information states that additional contraceptive protection is generally not needed. However, if you start taking the pills later than Day 1, regulatory instructions state that a non-hormonal barrier method of contraception should be used for the first seven consecutive days of active tablets.
Q: Is Mercilon safe for women over 35 years old?
A: Official regulatory documents state that Mercilon is contraindicated (should not be used) in women aged 35 years and older who smoke, due to a substantially increased risk of serious cardiovascular events. For non-smoking women over 35, the use of Mercilon should be evaluated based on individual risk factors for thrombosis.
Q: How does Mercilon interact with antibiotics?
A: Certain classes of antibiotics, such as rifampicin, are known as hepatic enzyme inducers. This means they can accelerate the metabolism of the hormonal components in Mercilon, potentially reducing their concentration in the bloodstream and lowering contraceptive efficacy. If taking such antibiotics, an additional non-hormonal barrier method may be considered during treatment and for a period afterward.
Q: What medications can reduce the effectiveness of Mercilon?
A: Medications that act as hepatic enzyme inducers, such as phenytoin or rifampin, can reduce the concentration of the contraceptive hormones, thereby lowering efficacy. The herbal product St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is also known to decrease the drug's exposure and may reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
Q: What studies confirm the effectiveness of Mercilon?
A: Mercilon is officially recognized by regulatory bodies as a highly effective oral contraceptive. Its efficacy is primarily established through pharmacological studies demonstrating its mechanism of action: the suppression of ovulation and modification of cervical mucus and the endometrium.
Q: How reliable is Mercilon as a contraceptive method?
A: According to official information, Mercilon is classified as a highly reliable method of contraception. When used correctly and consistently, combined oral contraceptives provide a high degree of certainty in preventing pregnancy.
Q: How does Mercilon affect the skin and acne?
A: Adverse reaction data indicates that acne is a possible side effect of Mercilon use. Conversely, some combined oral contraceptives are associated with skin improvements in some patients, though Mercilon is primarily indicated for contraception.
Q: Do I need to take a break from Mercilon after a year of use?
A: The standard Mercilon regimen is a continuous 28-day cycle, consisting of 21 active tablets followed by 7 inactive tablets. Official instructions do not require or recommend additional 'breaks' or discontinuation periods between these cycles to maintain contraceptive efficacy.
Q: What should I do if I miss one Mercilon tablet?
A: The correct action for a missed tablet varies based on the time elapsed and the week of the cycle. Specific guidelines are detailed in the official product information.
Q: Can Mercilon affect blood test results?
A: Yes, according to official labeling, taking combined oral contraceptives can influence the results of certain laboratory tests. These can include biochemical parameters related to the function of the liver, thyroid, adrenal, and kidney, as well as the levels of plasma carrier proteins.
Q: When does fertility return after stopping Mercilon?
A: Official regulatory data indicate that after discontinuing Mercilon, there is no observed delay in the return of fertility. The ability to conceive typically recovers within the normal timeframe after cessation of the medication.
Q: Is it normal to have spotting (breakthrough bleeding) while taking Mercilon?
A: Yes, irregular bleeding or spotting is a common side effect, especially during the first few months of use, as the body adjusts to the hormonal input. If spotting or irregular bleeding persists, it is generally recommended to consult a healthcare provider.
Q: Are additional contraceptive methods necessary during the first cycle of Mercilon?
A: If you begin taking Mercilon on any day other than Day 1 of your menstrual period, official instructions state that you must use a supplemental barrier method of contraception for the first seven days of taking the active tablets in the initial cycle.
Q: Is it true that Mercilon can affect mood or cause depression?
A: Mood changes and fluctuations, including depressive mood or depression, are listed as possible adverse reactions associated with the use of combined oral contraceptives in regulatory documents.
Q: What should be done if vomiting or diarrhea occurs while taking Mercilon?
A: If severe vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 3 to 4 hours after taking an active tablet, the absorption of the hormones may be incomplete. In this case, the regulatory guidance states that if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs, the same procedure for a missed dose should be followed.
Q: How does Mercilon affect libido?
A: Decreased libido (sex drive) is listed in regulatory documents as a possible, uncommon adverse reaction associated with the use of this drug.
Q: Does Mercilon increase the risk of thrombosis?
A: Mercilon does increase the risk of developing thromboembolic events, such as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and Arterial Thromboembolism (ATE), which include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use and when restarting the medication after a break.
Q: What is the correct way to switch to Mercilon from other contraceptive pills?
A: Regulatory instructions advise that when switching from another combined oral contraceptive, Mercilon should be started the day after the last active tablet of the previous preparation. This means there should be no gap (no usual 7-day pill-free interval) between the two packs to maintain continuous contraceptive protection.
Q: Does Mercilon help regulate an irregular cycle?
A: The mechanism of Mercilon works by suppressing the body's natural cycle and replacing it with a controlled cycle. This ensures that a predictable withdrawal bleeding occurs during the 7-day break (or when taking inactive tablets), thereby providing regulation of the bleed pattern.
Q: How does Mercilon affect the menstrual cycle in general?
A: The active tablets in Mercilon suppress the natural menstrual cycle. A withdrawal bleed, which resembles a menstrual period, usually occurs during the 7-day interval when inactive tablets are taken.
Q: Is it true that the hormones in Mercilon can affect the eyes or vision?
A: Official information mentions that in rare cases, intolerance to contact lenses may occur. Extremely rare, but serious, thromboembolic complications like retinal vein thrombosis are also noted as a risk.
Q: How does Mercilon affect cholesterol levels?
A: The use of combined oral contraceptives can influence lipid metabolism, leading to changes in lipoprotein levels, including cholesterol. Lipid levels should be monitored in women with a history of hypertriglyceridemia (high blood fat levels).
Q: What is the Pearl Index for Mercilon?
A: The Pearl Index is a measure of contraceptive effectiveness. For combined oral contraceptives when used correctly, the Pearl Index generally falls in the range of 0.1 to 1.0, which indicates the high reliability of the drug.
Q: Why does Mercilon require being taken at the same time every day?
A: It is a mandatory requirement to take the tablet at approximately the same time each day. This is necessary to maintain consistent systemic levels of the hormones, which is important for ensuring optimal contraceptive efficacy.
Q: Should Mercilon be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
A: The tablet can be ingested with a small amount of liquid and can be taken independently of meals. Taking the pill with food may sometimes help reduce the risk of potential nausea.
Q: Can Mercilon cause breast pain?
A: Breast pain and tenderness are listed in the official documents as common adverse reactions experienced by women taking Mercilon.
Q: How does Mercilon affect the thyroid gland?
A: The use of this medication may affect the results of certain laboratory tests, including those for thyroid function. However, these changes in test results usually do not indicate a change in the actual endocrine function of the thyroid gland.
Q: How does long-term use of Mercilon affect the body?
A: Official warnings discuss risks associated with prolonged use. Long-term use is associated with a potential increase in the risk of developing cervical cancer. It is also linked to a small increase in breast cancer risk, which decreases after cessation of use. The risk of thromboembolism remains elevated, particularly during the first year of use, though it may stabilize thereafter.
Q: Is it true that Mercilon can reduce the risk of certain cancers?
A: Official information notes that the use of combined oral contraceptives has been associated with a reduction in the risk of developing certain cancers, specifically ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).
