Mercilon (Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol)

Desogestrel, the active ingredient in Mercilon, is a combined oral contraceptive presented as a 150 µg desogestrel / 30 µg ethinylestradiol tablet for oral use. Together with ethinylestradiol, it works to prevent pregnancy in women of child‑bearing age by regulating the hormonal cycle, providing reliable and reversible birth control, and is approved for use throughout the European Union.

GNH USA supplies Mercilon as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Mercilon, a combined oral hormonal contraceptive, is indicated for preventing pregnancy.

Contraception (prevention of pregnancy): Provides reliable, reversible birth control for women of child‑bearing potential.

Mercilon may cause a range of adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset. - Breast tenderness: temporary discomfort in the breast tissue. - Headache: occasional mild to moderate pain. - Spotting or breakthrough bleeding: irregular light bleeding. - Mood changes: fluctuations in emotional state. - Weight fluctuation: slight increase or decrease.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Venous thromboembolism: blood clot formation in deep veins. - Arterial thrombosis: clotting in arteries leading to stroke or heart attack. - Severe hypertension: sudden high blood pressure. - Liver tumor: benign hepatic adenoma. - Anaphylaxis: rare severe allergic reaction. - Visual disturbances: sudden changes in vision.

Before prescribing Mercilon, clinicians should evaluate individual risk factors.

Assess cardiovascular risk: review personal and family history of clotting disorders. Screen for liver disease: avoid use in active liver pathology. Check blood pressure: ensure hypertension is controlled. Avoid smoking over age 35: smoking markedly increases thrombotic risk. Review medication history: identify interacting drugs. Store at ambient temperature below 25°C: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Mercilon can interact with several drug classes, altering its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Strong enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin): may markedly reduce contraceptive effectiveness. - Other hormonal contraceptives: concurrent use can increase hormonal exposure. - Certain antiretrovirals (e.g., efavirenz): may lower plasma hormone levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase hormone concentrations. - Antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, metronidazole): slight reduction in efficacy, monitor for breakthrough bleeding. - Herbal supplements (e.g., St. John's wort): may diminish contraceptive effect. - Anticonvulsants with moderate enzyme induction (e.g., phenobarbital): monitor for reduced effectiveness.