Naraya Plus

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Naraya Plus

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol (INN)
Form Film-coated tablet (Prescription-only)
Pharmacological class Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC); Sex hormones
Common use Pregnancy prevention (Contraception)
Origin Synthetic preparation

What Type of Medicine is Naraya Plus?

Naraya Plus is a prescription-only Combined Hormonal Contraceptive (CHC), which is structurally classified as a Combination Oral Contraceptive (COC). This preparation belongs to the pharmacological class of sex hormones, reflecting its composition of two distinct synthetic hormones. The medication is designed for oral administration as a fixed-dose combination in the form of a film-coated tablet.

Composition and General Purpose

The medication contains two active ingredients: the progestin Drospirenone and the estrogen Ethinyl Estradiol. The primary and general purpose of this formulation is to achieve highly reliable pregnancy prevention for women of reproductive age. This type of medication is one of the effective and reversible forms of contraception.

The unique characteristic of the progestin Drospirenone is its mild anti-androgen activity, distinguishing it from older progestin compounds. This structural feature relates to the potential for additional non-contraceptive properties compared to other progestogen-estrogen combinations.

Regulatory References

  1. sex hormones
  2. Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol
  3. Contraception

What side effects are possible with Naraya Plus?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol (Naraya Plus) is officially documented by government regulatory bodies, detailing adverse reactions by frequency and the organ systems affected. These official classifications distinguish between frequently reported, non-serious effects and rare, but clinically serious, adverse reactions.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most commonly reported adverse events often relate to hormonal effects, based on clinical trial data summarized in regulatory labels:

Classification Examples of Adverse Reactions (by frequency)
Very Common (ge 10%) Headache, breast pain, menstrual irregularities
Common (1%-10%) Nausea, abdominal pain, depressive mood, acne, weight increase, migraine
Rare (< 0.1%) Venous and arterial thromboembolic events, hepatic neoplasms

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The most serious risk associated with this class of medication is the potential for thromboembolic events (blood clots), including Deep Venous Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke, and Myocardial Infarction. This risk is noted by regulators to be highest during the first year of use.

Drospirenone's anti-mineralocorticoid activity also introduces a risk of hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium). Consequently, regulatory labels state the medication is contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as renal impairment, adrenal insufficiency, or active liver disease. Use is also strictly restricted in women over 35 who smoke, due to a significantly increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, as highlighted in official safety warnings.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Documented Manifestations and Severity

Overdose of Naraya Plus (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) is consistently classified in regulatory documents as not likely to be life-threatening. The officially documented clinical manifestations are typically non-severe. These include gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting, and hormonal effects such as vaginal bleeding (or withdrawal bleeding). Regulatory information explicitly notes that no reports of severe effects are commonly apparent from an overdose, including cases of accidental ingestion by children.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Despite the low reported severity, official government guidance mandates that an individual must seek emergency medical attention for a suspected overdose. The required immediate action is to contact the Poison Help line or emergency services. Urgent medical help is specifically required if the person exhibits signs such as collapse, seizure, severe difficulty breathing, or cannot be awakened, as stated in label-derived emergency response phrasing.

Supportive Management and Monitoring

Management is defined as symptomatic and supportive treatment, reflecting the regulatory understanding that no specific antidote is known. Due to the anti-mineralocorticoid activity noted in regulatory prescribing information, monitoring requirements are specialized. These include checking the serum concentrations of potassium and sodium, and observing the patient for signs of metabolic acidosis. This monitoring addresses potential physiological impacts described in official documentation.

Therapeutic Uses of Naraya Plus

The primary role of Naraya Plus is to provide pregnancy prevention in women of reproductive potential. Beyond this function, the medication is applied across specific therapeutic domains to support patients managing related cyclical and dermatological symptoms.

This combination is commonly used for managing symptoms associated with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne vulgaris, in addition to providing effective contraception.

Symptom and Therapeutic Support

The medication provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden of severe premenstrual emotional symptoms (e.g., anxiety, irritability) and cyclical physical discomforts (e.g., bloating and breast tenderness) that typically interfere with daily functioning. Naraya Plus also assists with maintaining functional stability by promoting a predictable and regulated monthly cycle, contributing to easing the overall symptom load of painful or heavy periods. For dermatological concerns, it may assist with managing moderate acne vulgaris by easing the appearance of hormonally-influenced blemishes.

“This approach provides supportive relief in settings where additional management of cyclical and dermatological discomfort is required, helping to maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Cyclical Distress

Focus Area Symptom Relief Provided
PMDD Easing of severe mood swings, anxiety, and cyclical physical discomfort.
Acne Supportive management of moderate blemishes in contraceptive users.
Menstruation Contributes to easing the symptom load of painful and heavy periods.

Regulatory References

  1. DailyMed NLM entry for Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility for Naraya Plus: Official Regulatory Information

Naraya Plus is an oral contraceptive officially designated for use by women of reproductive potential. The medicine is indicated for pregnancy prevention, and for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in females at least 14 years old who have achieved menarche, and for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) in women choosing oral contraception.


Absolute Contraindications

Regulatory labeling prohibits use in women who present with specific health risks or conditions. Naraya Plus is contraindicated in females aged 35 years or older who smoke, due to the high risk of serious cardiovascular events. Use is also prohibited for those with a history of blood clots (VTE/ATE), coronary or cerebrovascular disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.


Organ Function and Life Stage Restrictions

The medicine is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment or adrenal insufficiency. It must not be used by those with active liver disease or liver tumors. In terms of life stage, the medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy and not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may affect milk production. Use is not intended for post-menopausal women and is not indicated prior to menarche.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

The interaction profile for Naraya Plus (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) is based strictly on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic patterns documented in official regulatory labeling.

Contraindicated Combinations and Restrictions

Co-administration is strictly contraindicated with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir, with or without Dasabuvir, due to the documented risk of liver enzyme elevations (ALT). Furthermore, when co-administered with Hepatic Enzyme Inducers, the resulting decrease in drug exposure may reduce contraceptive effectiveness and increase breakthrough bleeding, necessitating the use of back-up contraception.

Exposure-Altering and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

The use of Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (such as certain Azole Antifungals or HIV/HCV Protease Inhibitors) may increase the plasma concentration of the active components. A significant pharmacodynamic interaction exists with Potassium-Increasing Medications, including Potassium-sparing Diuretics, ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, and long-term NSAIDs. Due to Drospirenone's anti-mineralocorticoid activity, this combination carries a risk of hyperkalemia, requiring serum potassium concentration to be checked, especially during the first cycle. This hyperkalemia risk is particularly relevant for individuals with renal impairment, hepatic impairment, or adrenal insufficiency. Additionally, official documentation notes that Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice may change the absorption of the medicine.

Mechanism of Action

How Naraya Plus Works: Mechanistic Domains

Naraya Plus acts through the modulation of defined signaling pathways, resulting in alterations to specific physiological parameters. Its mechanism is confined to several core domains that influence cellular and systemic responses, defining its pharmacological profile.


Receptor-Mediated Signaling Modulation

This domain covers the drug's influence on high-affinity cellular receptors that bind specific endogenous mediators. By initiating or suppressing these receptor signals, Naraya Plus modifies the early molecular steps that govern downstream cellular responses, influencing the regulation of heightened physiological responses.


Enzyme-Regulated Cascade Engagement

Naraya Plus affects the activity of crucial rate-limiting enzymes within distinct biochemical cascades. This action modifies the speed and output of signaling sequences, decreasing the activity of certain signaling mediators, which modifies the dynamic state within the targeted pathways.


Influence on Feedback Regulation Mechanisms

This cluster involves the drug's role in systems where feedback mechanisms modulate signaling intensity. Naraya Plus engages mechanisms that alter feedback regulation, which results in changes to the signaling dynamics within targeted pathways.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

Naraya Plus is used as a combined oral contraceptive requiring strict adherence to a daily 28-day regimen. The administration protocol is defined by a fixed cyclical structure and sequential, time-consistent oral intake.

Administration Scope

Category Official Guideline
Route of administration Oral administration; tablets must be swallowed.
Dosing schedule One tablet taken daily for 28 consecutive days, comprising 24 days of active hormone tablets followed by 4 days of inert non-hormonal tablets.
Timing in relation to meals May be taken with or without food.
Special procedural conditions The tablet must be taken at approximately the same time each day. Use is generally constrained or prohibited in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.

Resulting Procedural Structure

The medication is intended for continuous, long-term cyclical use. The regimen mandates that the tablet be taken sequentially as indicated on the pack, which is critical for maintaining the correct hormone schedule. A new cycle pack must begin immediately on the day after the last inert tablet is finished, ensuring there is no unscheduled break between packs. Specific instructions exist for managing missed active tablets, which often require the use of a non-hormonal back-up method to maintain the intended use protocol. For the first cycle of use, the official guidelines require a non-hormonal back-up method for the initial seven days.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Naraya Plus


Evidence for use in Pregnancy Prevention (Contraception)

The evidence base for this combination was drawn from large-scale clinical trials and research studies across many countries. These studies focused mainly on women of reproductive age who chose this method for birth control. Research examined the main outcome of contraceptive study outcomes, which is typically measured using the Pearl Index to track the rate of unintended pregnancies over a defined period of use.

These trials also research examined outcomes related to menstrual cycle patterns. Studies explored patterns of scheduled bleeding and the occurrence of unscheduled bleeding outside the pill-free days. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies over the course of the treatment period.

However, a key limitation in the research is that the study outcomes observed in controlled settings was studied in the context of consistent and correct patient adherence. Real-world adherence patterns may vary, and these data are not fully established in the core regulatory studies.


Evidence for use in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

The use of this medicine for conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations like PMDD was studied for outcomes capturing phases of heightened symptom activity. The most relevant evidence comes from short-term randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs), which are considered a common methodology for research exploring short-term symptom changes. Research examined outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance (such as mood swings) and outcomes reflecting daily functioning.

The core controlled evidence has follow-up durations that were limited, typically only covering three cycles. Therefore, long-term effects are not fully established, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding symptom consistency. Furthermore, a high response rate was observed in the placebo group in these trials; regulatory reviews describe this finding.


Evidence for use in Moderate Acne Vulgaris

This medicine was evaluated in women with moderate acne vulgaris who also wished to use an oral contraceptive. The research relied on intermediate-term randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Studies explored outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states on the face and torso. Research examined changes in acne lesion counts and overall skin appearance over a period that typically spanned six treatment cycles.

The results apply only to the populations studied in the research, which primarily included women choosing hormonal contraception who had moderate acne. Consequently, comparative evidence is lacking regarding its use against other dermatological treatments in women not requiring contraception.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Naraya Plus (FAQ)


Q: What is the main difference between Naraya Plus and other combination birth control pills?

Naraya Plus is distinguished by the specific components it contains. The progestin in this medicine, drospirenone, is noted in official documents for having mild anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgenic effects. Furthermore, this product is formulated with the added active folate component, levomefolate calcium, not found in standard combination oral contraceptives.


Q: Does Naraya Plus help with conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

While regulatory indications primarily focus on contraception, moderate acne, and PMDD, literature sometimes discusses the use of this specific combination for managing certain symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This discussion relates to the drospirenone component’s anti-androgenic activity, which may help address related concerns like acne.


Q: Are there any specific vitamins or supplements that interact with Naraya Plus?

Official information indicates that the contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced by supplements described as hepatic enzyme-inducers, which includes certain herbal products. The product’s folate component (levomefolate calcium) may also have its levels or effects potentially altered by some other medications.


Q: Does Naraya Plus affect long-term fertility after stopping its use?

Official medical literature indicates that stopping combined oral contraceptives is not linked to long-term changes in fertility. Fertility levels are generally expected to return to the pre-treatment baseline following discontinuation of the medicine.


Q: What are the ingredients in the 'Plus' component of Naraya Plus?

The 'Plus' designation refers to the inclusion of an active folate, specifically levomefolate calcium. Regulatory documents indicate this component is included in both the active hormone tablets and the inactive tablets within the 28-day pack.


Q: Does using Naraya Plus have any known impact on cholesterol levels?

Official warnings note that combined oral contraceptives may cause adverse changes to lipid (fat) profiles in some individuals. Regulatory information suggests that for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia, consideration of alternate contraceptives may be appropriate.


Q: What is the difference in how Naraya Plus works compared to a non-combination pill?

Like all combination pills, Naraya Plus works primarily by suppressing ovulation, which stops the release of an egg from the ovaries. These pills also cause changes to the cervical mucus and the uterine lining. Non-combination (progestin-only) pills generally focus more on altering the mucus and lining, and may not reliably suppress ovulation.


Q: Why is folic acid included in the 'Plus' formulation?

The active folate, levomefolate calcium, is included to help increase folate levels in women. This is intended to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects in a pregnancy conceived either while taking the product or shortly after it is stopped.


Q: What is generally expected when switching to Naraya Plus from a different birth control brand?

Official administration guidelines state that the new regimen typically begins the day after the last active pill from the previous brand. The specific requirements for using a seven-day back-up method when starting the first pack may depend on the previous contraceptive method used.


Q: Does Naraya Plus interact with common antibiotics?

The antibiotic Rifampin is specifically known to reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. For many other common antibiotics, the research data is often inconclusive. Regulatory guidance has historically described the use of a standard non-hormonal backup method during and for seven days after the use of certain antibiotics.


Q: Is it true that Naraya Plus might have effects on water retention or bloating?

Yes, official warnings mention that this medication can cause the body to retain fluid, which may result in swelling in areas like the fingers, hands, or ankles. This effect is related to the anti-mineralocorticoid activity of the drospirenone component, which influences fluid regulation.


Q: How long does it take for Naraya Plus to be fully out of the system after stopping?

Pharmacokinetic data indicates that the hormones have different rates of elimination. The half-life for drospirenone is approximately 31 hours, while the half-life for ethinyl estradiol is approximately 24 hours. Full elimination of the medicine typically takes several half-lives to complete.


Q: Is there a known link between Naraya Plus and changes in vision?

Official precautions note that symptoms such as blurred vision or difficulty with reading are documented as events that may occur. Regulatory information states that a formal eye examination may be required under certain circumstances related to these changes.


Q: Can the 'Plus' component interfere with the effectiveness of the contraceptive part?

The folate component, levomefolate calcium, is not known to interfere with the effectiveness of the contraceptive hormones (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol). The primary purpose of the combination is to achieve reliable pregnancy prevention without impact from the folate component.


Q: How is the safety of Naraya Plus monitored after it is approved and on the market?

Regulatory documents describe the requirement for regular check-ups by a healthcare provider, often every 6 to 12 months, to monitor for potential adverse effects. Regulatory agencies also encourage the reporting of side effects by individuals through official surveillance programs.


Q: Do official patient information leaflets include specific warnings for people with diabetes?

Official guidance notes that combined oral contraceptives may affect glucose tolerance. The regulatory label describes the need for careful monitoring of women with prediabetes or diabetes while this medicine is being used.


Q: Is Naraya Plus considered a low-dose contraceptive?

Naraya Plus contains 0.02 mg or 0.03 mg of the estrogen ethinyl estradiol. This dosage is generally considered to be in the low-dose range for oral contraceptives, as standard low-dose formulations typically contain 0.035 mg or less of this estrogen.


Q: Why do official sources sometimes use the names drospirenone/ethinylestradiol/levomefolate calcium?

This three-component name is used in official documentation because the product is a fixed-dose combination containing three distinct active ingredients. These ingredients are the progestin (drospirenone), the estrogen (ethinyl estradiol), and the folate source (levomefolate calcium).


Q: Does Naraya Plus affect the results of any common laboratory tests?

Official documents caution that the use of combined oral contraceptives may affect the results of certain laboratory tests. These effects are noted for tests measuring functions like liver and thyroid activity, as well as those evaluating coagulation factors.

How should Naraya Plus be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

The official labeling provides specific instructions for storing and disposing of Naraya Plus (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) to ensure product integrity and safety.


Storage Conditions

Naraya Plus tablets must be stored at a controlled room temperature, specifically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F). The medication must be kept in its original container to protect it from excessive light and moisture. As a mandatory safety measure, the product must be stored out of the sight and reach of children and pets. It should not be frozen or exposed to extreme heat.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Naraya Plus should not be disposed of in household wastewater. The product must be discarded in accordance with local regulations. When take-back programs are unavailable, health authorities advise mixing the medication with an unappealing substance, placing it in a sealed container, and then disposing of it in the household trash.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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