Mercilon
Mercilon, manufactured by MSD - is the trade name of a combined contraceptive pill containing synthetic forms of two female sex hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. This form of oral contraceptive is commonly referred to as “the pill.”
Mercilon is a combined contraceptive pill comprised of ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. Ethinylestradiol is a human-compatible synthetic form of oestrogen, while desogestrel is a synthetic version of progesterone. The medication comes in a 28-day supply consisting of 21 tablets that are taken for three weeks with a one-week break at the end of the cycle. This combination of hormones makes Mercilon one of the most effective forms of birth control available.
How Does Mercilon Work?
A woman’s body reacts to the combination of ethinylestradiol and desogestrel in Mercilon as an increase in her natural levels of oestrogen and progesterone. It is the fluctuation of these two hormones that cause a woman to undergo her regular menstrual cycle, including the release of fertile eggs during ovulation. When the hormone levels stay high, eggs are either not released or released immature and unable to be fertilised.
The first of two secondary effects of the hormones in Mercilon is an increase in the thickness of the mucus between the vagina and the uterus. This makes it more difficult for sperm to gain access to the female eggs. A third line of defence against pregnancy by this oral contraceptive is that the lining of the womb, the endometrium, is not prepared for egg implantation.
Mercilon Dosage
Each tablet of Mercilon contains a standard dose of 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol and 150 micrograms desogestrel. One cycle of Mercilon includes 21 tablets.
How Often is Mercilon Taken?
One Mercilon tablet is taken daily for the first three weeks of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Once the 21 tablets have been taken, it is not necessary to take a tablet for the final week. At the end of the 28 days, a new cycle begins with three weeks on the pill and one week off. It is recommended to take Mercilon for the first time on the first day of menstruation. This will provide immediate protection from pregnancy without having to utilise additional methods of contraception.
How Effective is Mercilon?
Mercilon and other variations of the combined contraceptive pill are the fourth most effective form of birth control after sterilisation, Depo-Provera injection and subcutaneous implants. The Pearl Index rates Mercilon at 0.1 to 3 pregnancies per 100 women per year.
Mercilon Side Effects
Mercilon may cause side effects in some women. Side effects may include one or more of the following:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Increased blood pressure
What Other Medications Affect Mercilon?
Taking other medications may decrease the effectiveness of Mercilon. A doctor should be consulted if you already take other medications or before taking new medications. Some of the medications known to make Mercilon less effective are as follows: bosentan, barbiturates, carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, modafinil, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, primidone, rifampicin and rifabutin.
Who Should Not Take Mercilon?
Mercilon should not be taken by women who are currently pregnant or breast-feeding. It is also not recommended for women with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, anaemia, depression, migraines or liver disease. Women who are obese or who are regular smokers should also consult a doctor before taking Mercilon.
