Micronor
Micronor is a type of oral contraceptive, or birth control pill, called the "mini-pill." This means that instead of containing both estrogen and progestin, like most birth control pills, the drug contains only progestin, making it appropriate for some women for whom regular oral contraceptives are not an option, such as breastfeeding mothers. Only your doctor knows if Micronor is right for you.
How Does Micronor Work?
Micronor, developed by Janssen Cilag - works in three ways to prevent pregnancy. First, it affects the ovaries so that you do not ovulate, or release an egg. Without an egg, pregnancy is impossible. Also, it thickens your cervical mucous, making it difficult for sperm to swim to the Fallopian tubes, in the unlikely event that an egg is released. Finally, it changes the lining of the uterus, so that if an egg is released and the sperm are able to get to the egg, the fertilized egg will be unable to implant and grow.
Micronor Dosage and How Often is it Taken?
Micronor comes in a package of 28 pills, each containing the same amount of the hormone, progestin. Unlike other types of oral contraceptive medications, you do not take a break from taking the hormones during your menstrual period. Take one pill per day, at the same time every day. Like all progestogen only pills, Micronor is most effective when it is taken at exactly the same time every day.
How Effective is Micronor?
With typical use, the mini-pill is 95 percent effective against pregnancy. It is less effective than oral contraceptives which contain estrogen as well as progestin. If you delay taking the pill by 3 hours, you are not protected against pregnancy for the next 2 days. Be sure to use backup birth control if this is the case.
Micronor Side Effects
Most women can take Micronor with a few or no side effects. Common side effects include irregular periods, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, nausea, acne and increased hair growth. If you experience heavy bleeding or severe stomach pain, contact your doctor right away. Other severe side effects which warrant immediate medical attention include a very painful area in your leg, indicating a potential blood clot; sudden difficulty breathing; chest pain or swelling in the mouth or throat, indicating a possible allergic reaction.
What Other Medications Affect Micronor?
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. Some that might interfere with Micronor include aprepitant, bosentan, barbiturates, carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, nevirapine, phenytoin, primidone and rifampicin. If you take any medication that causes diarrhoea or vomiting, including antibiotics, they may affect the efficacy of your mini-pill. The herbal remedy St. John's Wort may also reduce efficacy, as may some morning-after contraceptives.
Who Should Not Take Micronor?
There are certain conditions that may raise your risk of developing serious health problems while taking Micronor. Talk to your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot or breast cancer. Other concerns include diabetes, migraine, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease or liver disease. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.
