Consumer information: Linessa®

What is Linessa Used For?

• Linessa® is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) used to prevent pregnancy.
• It contains desogestrel, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen.

How Does Linessa Work?

• Prevents ovulation: Inhibits the release of an egg from the ovary.
• Thickens cervical mucus: Makes it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix.
• Alters the uterine lining: Reduces the likelihood of a fertilized egg implanting in the uterus.

Effectiveness:

• Perfect use: When taken exactly as directed, Linessa is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
• Typical use: With missed or late pills, the effectiveness decreases slightly.
• Linessa does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so use condoms for protection against STIs.

Who Should Not Use Linessa?

• Pregnant women or those who suspect pregnancy.
• Women with a history of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or liver disease.
• Those with breast cancer or estrogen-dependent tumors.
• Women experiencing undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or who are over 35 years of age and smoke.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Smoking significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
• There is an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly in women with risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, or diabetes.
• Liver disease: Discontinue use in the event of liver dysfunction or tumors.
• Linessa does not protect against STIs, including HIV/AIDS.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common side effects:
  • Nausea, vomiting, and headache.
  • Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.
  • Breast tenderness or enlargement.
  • Weight changes and mood changes.
• Serious side effects (less common):
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
  • Stroke or heart attack.
  • Liver tumors.

When to Start Linessa:

1. Starting after a period:
   • Begin on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle (the first day of the period) for immediate protection.
   • If starting between Day 2 and Day 7, use backup contraception for the first 7 days.
2. After childbirth:
   • Non-breastfeeding women can start 21 to 28 days after delivery.
   • Use backup contraception for the first 7 days if starting later.
3. After miscarriage or abortion:
   • You can start Linessa immediately after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion.

Missed Pills:

1. Missed one pill:
   • Take the missed pill as soon as you remember.
   • Take the next pill at the usual time (you may need to take two pills in one day).
   • No backup contraception is needed.
2. Missed two pills in a row (in Week 1 or 2):
   • Take two pills the day you remember and two pills the next day.
   • Use backup contraception for the next 7 days.
3. Missed three or more pills:
   • Discard the rest of the pack and start a new one.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.

What to Do if You Vomit or Have Diarrhea:

• If you vomit or have severe diarrhea within 3-4 hours of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible.
• Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Other Considerations:

• Breastfeeding: Linessa may reduce the quantity and quality of breast milk. It is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Liver function: Regular monitoring is recommended, especially in women with a history of liver disease.
• Take pills consistently at the same time every day to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Storage Information:

• Store Linessa at 15°C to 30°C in its original packaging, protected from light and moisture.