Femilon Tab

FEMILON TAB by ORGANON INDIA LTD

Name

• Brand Name: Femilon Tablet
• Common Names: Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets

Composition Each Femilon Tablet contains two active hormonal ingredients:

• Desogestrel: 0.15 mg
• Ethinyl Estradiol: 0.02 mg

Uses Femilon Tablet is an oral contraceptive primarily used for:

• Contraception: Preventing pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation (release of an egg from the ovaries), thickening cervical mucus to impede sperm entry, and altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Regulation of Menstrual Cycles: Helps in making periods more predictable and manageable.
• Dysmenorrhea: Treatment of irregular and painful periods.
• Potential Risk Reduction: May help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Dosage and Administration Typically, one tablet is taken daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free interval, after which a new pack is started. For best results, it should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food. If a dose is missed by more than 12 hours, additional contraceptive methods like condoms should be used for the next five days.

Side Effects Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Nausea, stomach pain, abdominal cramps
• Weight increase or decrease
• Acne
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Depression or mood changes
• Irregular uterine bleeding or spotting between periods

Serious side effects, though rare, warrant immediate medical attention, such as symptoms of blood clots (e.g., unexplained swelling and pain in limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, changes in vision), severe stomach pain, jaundice, or severe depression.

Precautions Femilon Tablet is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are over 35 years old and smoke, or have a history of heart problems, certain cancers (breast, uterus, or vagina), uterine bleeding, liver or kidney problems, diabetes mellitus, migraines, or blood clotting disorders. It may interact with certain medications, including antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin), anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), some HIV medications (e.g., ritonavir), and herbal supplements (e.g., St. John's wort).

Storage Store Femilon Tablet at room temperature, ideally below 30°C (10°C to 25°C or below 30°C), away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.

FEMILON TAB: Frequently Asked Questions

FEMILON TAB by ORGANON INDIA LTD is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing desogestrel and ethinylestradiol. It is primarily used for preventing pregnancy and managing menstrual health concerns.

What is Femilon Tablet used for?

Femilon Tablet is mainly used for contraception, meaning it prevents pregnancy. It is also prescribed to help regulate irregular and painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea).

How does Femilon Tablet work?

Femilon Tablet contains two female hormones, desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinylestradiol (an estrogen). It works in multiple ways to prevent pregnancy: by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), by thickening the fluid in the cervix to make it difficult for sperm to reach the womb, and by preventing the uterine lining from thickening, which is necessary for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.

What is the usual dosage of Femilon Tablet?

The typical dosage involves taking one tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval. It is crucial to take the tablet at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness. It can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Femilon Tablet?

Common side effects may include headache, changes in weight (increase or decrease), acne, abdominal pain or cramps, nausea, irregular uterine bleeding or spotting between periods, breast pain or tenderness, and mood changes or depression. Most side effects are temporary and may subside as your body adjusts to the medication.

Is Femilon Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, Femilon Tablet is not safe for use during pregnancy and is contraindicated if you are pregnant or suspect you might be. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding, as it can be harmful to the baby and may reduce or change the composition of breast milk. Alternative contraception methods should be considered during breastfeeding.

Can Femilon Tablet be taken with other medications?

Certain medications can interact with Femilon Tablet and potentially reduce its effectiveness or cause adverse effects. These include some anti-epileptic drugs (like phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital), tuberculosis medicines (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin), antifungal medicines (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole), some antivirals (including those for HIV and Hepatitis C), griseofulvin, and modafinil. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Femilon Tablet.

What precautions should be taken while using Femilon Tablet?

Before taking Femilon Tablet, inform your doctor if you are over 35 years old and smoke, or have a history of heart problems, blood clotting disorders, cancer (especially breast, uterus, or vagina), abnormal uterine bleeding, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or migraines. Femilon Tablet does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

What happens if a dose of Femilon Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose by less than 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule. If you miss a dose by more than 12 hours, take the missed tablet as soon as possible, but use a non-hormonal barrier method of contraception, like condoms, for the next 5 to 7 days to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you miss multiple doses or are unsure, consult your doctor for guidance.

How should Femilon Tablet be stored?

Femilon Tablet should be stored at room temperature, ideally below 30°C (or between 10°C and 25°C), away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep it in its original packaging and out of sight and reach of children.