Ovranette
Ovranette is an oral contraceptive designed to prevent pregnancy. As a combined contraceptive pill, it is the most common type of oral contraceptive prescribed. Ovranette, developed by Wyeth / Pfizer - is often referred to as "the pill" and contains a combination of the hormones ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.
How Does Ovranette Work?
Ovranette prevents pregnancy by altering the normal menstrual cycle. Its hormones, ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, are the synthetic equivalents of oestrogen and progesterone. During a woman's normal menstrual cycle, an egg is released in the ovulation phase, and that egg waits to be fertilised by sperm. With the release of hormones from Ovranette, the body thinks it is already pregnant and does not go through the ovulation process. The pill also alters the cervical mucus and lining of the womb. These alterations make it difficult for sperm to travel and for fertilised eggs to implant in the uterus.
Ovranette Dosage
Ovranette comes in packets of 21 tablets, which each contain 150 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 30 micrograms of levonorgestrel.
How Often is Ovranette Taken?
Women should take Ovranette daily for 21 days starting with the first day of their menstrual cycle. After those 21 days, there are seven pill-free days in which the body goes through hormone withdrawal bleeding that is similar to a regular period. Following the pill-free week, women can begin their next packet of Ovranette to repeat the cycle. In order to skip a period, women may begin their next pack without taking the seven-day break.
How Effective is Ovranette?
No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective, but Ovranette has a greater than 99 percent chance at preventing pregnancy. The pill's efficacy is higher when taken properly, meaning that no pills are missed or forgotten. Women can also increase their chances of preventing pregnancy by taking each pill at the same time every day. Certain stomach conditions lasting more than 12 hours may decrease the efficacy of Ovranette.
Ovranette Side Effects
When first taking Ovranette, women may experience nausea, breast tenderness or enlargement, headaches and changes in menstrual bleeding. These changes include spotting and breakthrough bleeding, and over time, women report having lighter, shorter and more regular periods. Some rare, but severe side effects include blood clots, stroke and heart attack.
What Other Medications Affect Ovranette?
Any drug that increases the metabolic rate or absorption of oral contraceptives can decrease the efficacy of Ovranette. Some of these drugs include phenytoin, rifampicin, phenylbutazone and barbiturates. Certain antibiotics and herbal remedies, such as St. John's Wort, also adversely affect the efficacy of Ovranette.
Who Should Not Take Ovranette
Women who are pregnant, wish to become pregnant or breastfeed should not take Ovranette. It is important for those who have high risks of blood clots, stroke or heart attack to avoid taking oral contraceptives. The pill may also negatively affect women with severe diabetes. Women over 50 and those who smoke more than 40 cigarettes per day should not use Ovranette. Speaking to a doctor prior to starting any oral contraceptive regimen is advised.
