📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Oral contraception:*
Females of childbearing potential: 1 tab daily without interruption. Children: Not recommended.
⛔ Contraindications
Hormone dependent carcinoma, pregnancy, acute porphyrias, severe arterial disease, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, history of breast cancer but can be used after 5 years if no evidence of disease and non-hormonal contraceptive methods unacceptable
⚠️ Precautions & Warnings
Severe depression, diabetes, active trophoblastic disease (until return to normal of urine- and plasma-gonadotrophin concentration), arterial disease, functional ovarian cysts, history of jaundice in pregnancy, malabsorption syndromes, past ectopic pregnancy, sexsteroid dependent cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus
with positive (or unknown) antiphospholipid antibodies While using as contraceptive wait 6 weeks post-partum if lactating, risk of breast cancer, history during pregnancy in disturbances of lipid metabolism or deterioration of otosclerosis or pruritus
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
Breast discomfort, depression, dizziness, headache, indigestion, loss of vision during treatment (discontinue treatment if papill oedema or retinal vascular lesions), menstrual irregularities, nausea, pruritus, vomiting, weight gain, disturbance of appetite, injection site-reactions, reduced bone mineral density, skin disorders. Rare: Osteoporosis, osteoporotic fractures
📚 Official Regulatory & Clinical References
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): Drug Registration, S.R.O. Price Gazettes & National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
- World Health Organization (WHO): Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (ATC/DDD Index).
- Formulary Standards: British National Formulary (BNF) & Pakistan National Formulary (PNF) guidelines.