Consumer information: Min-Ovral®

What is Min-Ovral Used For?

• Min-Ovral® is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) used to prevent pregnancy.
• It contains levonorgestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen).

How Does Min-Ovral Work?

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

Effectiveness:

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

Who Should Not Use Min-Ovral?

• Pregnant women or those who suspect pregnancy.
• Women with a history of or current blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or liver disease.
• Those with breast cancer or estrogen-dependent tumors.
• Women with undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, severe high blood pressure, or diabetes with vascular complications.

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.
• Liver disease: Use is contraindicated in women with active liver disease or abnormal liver function testing.
• Women on certain Hepatitis C medications should avoid using Min-Ovral 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 Min-Ovral:

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 Min-Ovral 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: Min-Ovral may reduce breast milk production and is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Regular breast exams and medical checkups are recommended for all women on hormonal contraception.

Storage Information:

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