FemiconTablet

Indications of Femicon

Oral contraceptives are prescribed to prevent pregnancy in women who choose to take them as a method of contraception. Oral contraceptives have a high success rate. Except for sterilization, the IUD, and implants, the efficiency of these contraceptive techniques is determined by how well they are utilized. Lower failure rates can be achieved by using methods correctly and consistently.

Pharmaceutical Name of Femicon

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Pharmacology

The inhibition of gonadotropins is how combination oral contraceptives (COC) work. Although ovulation inhibition is the primary mechanism, additional changes in the cervical mucus (which makes sperm entry into the uterus more difficult) and the endometrium are also involved (which reduce the likelihood of implantation).

Dosage & Administration

To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Norgestrel & Ethinyl Estradiol and ferrous fumarate must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered. The dosage of Norgestrel & Ethinyl Estradiol and ferrous fumarate is one white tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by one brown tablet daily for 7 consecutive days, according to prescribed schedule. It is recommended that tablets be taken at the same time each day.

Interaction of Femicon

Antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and medications that may enhance contraceptive steroids clearance reduce contraceptive efficacy (e.g. bosentan, rifampicin, rifabutin, barbiturates, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, griseofulvin, aprepitant). Troleandomycin might cause severe pruritus and jaundice, therefore don't take it at the same time. Ursodeoxycholic acid's efficacy was reduced as bile cholesterol elimination increased. Concurrent use of danazol or gestrinone with hormonal contraceptives may modify or lessen their effects, therefore avoid it.

Decreased contraceptive effectiveness with anti-HIV protease inhibitors. Increased tacrolimus levels with ethinyl estradiol. May increase theophylline, selegiline and tizanidine levels with oral contraceptives.

Contraindications

Pregnancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe arterial disease (or a family history of atherogenic lipid profiles); liver adenoma; porphyria; after removal of a hydatidiform mole; history of breast cancer; hepatic impairment; thrombophloebitis or thromboembolic disorders; breast carcinoma (except in selected patients being treated for metastatic disease); oestrogen-dependent tumour; smoking >40 cigarettes daily; >50 yr; diabetes complications present; BMI >39 kg/m2; migraine with typical focal aura, lasting >72 hr despite treatment or migraine treated with ergot derivatives; BP >160 mmHg systolic and 100 mmHg diastolic; transient ischaemic attacks without headaches; SLE; gallstones; history of haemolytic uraemic syndrome, pruritis during pregnancy; cholestatic jaundice; chorea or deterioration of otosclerosis pemphigoid; breast feeding during 1 st 6 mth after delivery.

Side Effects of Femicon

Edema, Weakness, Amenorrhea, Breakthrough bleeding, Change in menstrual flow, Spotting, Anorexia, Depression, Dizziness, Headache, Nervousness, Somnolence, Breast tenderness, Galactorrhea, Abdominal pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Change in weight, Cholestatic jaundice.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Infants born to women who used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy have no increased risk of birth abnormalities, according to extensive epidemiological studies. When ingested accidently during early pregnancy, studies show no teratogenic effect, notably in terms of heart anomalies and limb-reduction deficits.

Oral contraceptive treatment to cause withdrawal bleeding should not be utilized as a pregnancy test. Oral contraceptives should not be used to treat threatening or habitual abortion during pregnancy.

If a patient has missed two consecutive periods, it is suggested that pregnancy be ruled out before continuing oral contraceptive medication. If the patient hasn't been following the prescribed schedule, the potential of pregnancy should be explored when the first period is missing. If pregnancy is confirmed, oral contraceptive use should be stopped.

Precautions & Warnings

Past ectopic pregnancy; malabsorption syndromes; functional ovarian cysts; active liver disease, recurrent cholestatic jaundice, history of jaundice in pregnancy; history of CV or renal impairment; diabetes mellitus; asthma; epilepsy; migraine; depression; lactation; conditions exacerbated by fluid retention; hypercalcaemia; CV and gall bladder diseases; lipid effects; familial defecation patients at risk of venous thromboembolism, breast cancer, preexisting uterine leiomyomata and benign hepatic adenoma; family history of arterial disease in 1 st degree relative systolic 140 mmHg and diastolic 90 mmHg; >35 yr; BMI 30-39 kg/m2; migraine without focal aura, controlled with 5HT1; Gl upset (vomiting and diarrhoea), missed pills and interaction with other drugs may require additional contraceptive precautions. Should be taken at same time each day.

Lactation: tiny levels of steroids are secreted in breast milk; estrogens may affect milk quality/quantity; other kinds of birth control may be recommended until full weaning.

Therapeutic Class

Oral Contraceptive preparations

Generic Name of Femicon

Norgestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol + Ferrous Fumarate