Consumer information: Mya®

What is Mya Used For?

• Mya® is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) used for:
  • Contraception (preventing pregnancy).
  • Treatment of moderate acne in women aged 14 and older who have no contraindications to oral contraceptives and desire contraception.

How Does Mya Work?

• Prevents ovulation: Stops the release of an egg from the ovaries.
• 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: Mya is more than 99% effective when taken exactly as directed.
• Typical use: Effectiveness decreases with missed or late pills. In typical use, about 1-2 women out of 100 may become pregnant within the first year.
• Mya does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use condoms for STI protection.

Who Should Not Use Mya?

• Contraindications include:
  • History or current thrombophlebitis, blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
  • Liver disease, liver tumors, or severe hypertension.
  • Breast cancer or any estrogen-dependent cancer.
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes with vascular complications.
  • Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
  • Women over 35 who smoke, as the risk of cardiovascular complications increases significantly.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, particularly in women over 35.
• Blood clots, stroke, and heart attack risks are higher for women with other factors like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Liver tumors and gallbladder disease: Hormonal contraceptives may contribute to an increased risk of these conditions.
• Mya may increase potassium levels, particularly in women with kidney, liver, or adrenal problems.

Possible Side Effects:

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

When to Start Mya:

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

Missed Pills:

1. Missed one pill:
   • Take it as soon as you remember, then take the next pill at the usual time (this may mean taking two pills in one day). No backup contraception is required.
2. Missed two or more pills:
   • 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 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:

• Breastfeeding: Mya may reduce breast milk production and is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Regular checkups: Women on Mya should undergo periodic physical exams, including blood pressure checks and breast exams.

Storage Information:

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