Consumer information: Marvelon®

What is Marvelon Used For?

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

How Does Marvelon Work?

• Prevents ovulation: It inhibits the release of an egg from the ovary.
• Thickens cervical mucus: Makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
• Alters the uterine lining: Reduces the likelihood of implantation if an egg is fertilized.

Effectiveness:

• Perfect use: When taken exactly as directed, Marvelon is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• Typical use: If pills are missed or taken late, the effectiveness may decrease slightly.
• Marvelon does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use condoms for STI protection.

Who Should Not Use Marvelon?

• Women who:
  • Are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
  • Have a history of or current blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
  • Have liver disease, liver tumors, or severe high blood pressure.
  • Have or suspect breast cancer or estrogen-dependent tumors.
  • Experience undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.

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 obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Women who take certain medications for Hepatitis C should avoid using Marvelon due to potential interactions.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common side effects include:
  • Nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
  • 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 Marvelon:

1. Starting after a period:
   • Begin on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle 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:
   • Start Marvelon immediately after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion for immediate contraceptive protection.

Missed Pills:

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

• Take the pill at the same time each day to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Breastfeeding: Marvelon may reduce breast milk production and is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Liver disease: Regular monitoring is recommended for women with liver conditions.

Storage Information:

• Store Marvelon between 15°C and 30°C in its original packaging, protected from light and moisture.