Mercilon

Mercilon is a prescription birth control method that is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. It can also regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce premenstrual symptoms (PMS).

Mercilon is often prescribed as an alternative contraceptive pill to Marvelon as it has a lower amount of oestrogen. Each pill contains 150mcg of desogestrel and 20mcg of ethinylestradiol, a dosage that is also available under the brand names Gedarel 20 and Bimizza.

Mercilon works by releasing and regulating female sex hormones in your body. The active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and desogestrel, work in three different ways:

1. they prevent ovulation so that the ovaries do not release an egg which can be reached by a sperm
2. they block sperm entry into the womb by increasing mucous viscosity
3. they ensure that the womb lining doesn't thicken up enough for an egg to attach itself to the womb and grow and develop as a result

How effective is Mercilon?

Mercilon is 99% effective if taken correctly, though in practice it’s about 91% effective as people tend to sometimes forget to take the pill at the correct time, may be taking medication that interacts with Mercilon or might suffer vomiting and diarrhoea, making the pill ineffective. If taken correctly and on time, the protection against pregnancy is almost 100%.

Will Mercilon protect against STIs?

Mercilon is effective against unwanted pregnancies, but will not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier contraceptive method, such as a condom, is the only way to prevent STIs. You should contact your doctor right away if you think you might have contracted an STI after unprotected sex.

You should take one tablet at the same time each day for 21 days, followed by a 7 day break, during which you will still be protected. After that, begin the next strip. You may also skip the 7 day break if you do not want to have your period.

How do I get started on Mercilon for the first time?

If you are starting Mercilon for the first time, you should ideally take the first pill on your first day of your period. You may start on day 1-5 of your period for immediate pregnancy protection. If you start after your period or at any time during your cycle, you should use a barrier contraception method for the first 7 days if you are having sex.

Take care to read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before you take Mercilon. You will find one included with your medication and a version you can download on this page.

What if I miss a pill?

What you should do if you miss a pill or take a Mercilon pill too late will depend on how late you were or how many pills you missed. If you are less than 24 hours late, you should take the next pill as soon as possible, even if it means taking two pills at the same time. As long as you’re within the 24 hour period, you will remain protected against pregnancy.

If you are more than 24 hours late, take the next pill as soon as possible, even if it means taking two pills in the same day, however your protection against pregnancy may be disrupted, so take additional precautions when engaging in sexual intercourse, such as barrier protection, for the next seven days.

If you vomit within 3 to 4 hours after taking your pill, take a new pill as soon as possible, and within the 24 hour window from your normal pill-taking time. If you are unable to do so, you should treat this as a missed pill.

Mercilon provides immediate contraceptive protection when started on the first day of your period. If you start taking the tablets at any other time, it will take up to seven days for contraception to become effective. It can also reduce the pain you experience during your period as well as premenstrual symptoms, acne and period pain.

Another benefit is that it is simple to take, just one pill once a day and you’re protected.

Mercilon is a popular alternative to Marvelon, as it contains a lower dose of synthetic oestrogen, making it more suitable for women who are sensitive to this hormone.

In addition to pregnancy protection, some women have reported a clearer complexion and reduced acne after taking Mercilon. As a result of hormonal changes that occur after starting Mercilon, sebum production can be reduced, which results in fewer acne breakouts.

You should not use Mercilon contraceptive pills if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have had problems with your liver
• high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• are allergic to any of the ingredients

The combined pill is not recommended if you smoke and are over the age of 35. Talk to your doctor about other contraception options.

You should always inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are currently taking, as there could be a possible interaction. This includes medications used to treat epilepsy, certain antibiotics, certain sedatives, St. John’s Wort, antifungal drugs, and laxatives.

Birth control pills are usually well-tolerated, but all medications come with the risk of side effects. These are usually mild and occur while your body is getting adjusted to the hormones. The most common Mercilon side effects include:

Some women report feelings of depression when on contraceptive pills. If you experience very serious mood changes or depressive symptoms, get in touch with your GP as soon as possible.

You may not experience any side effects and if you do, most side effects are mild and clear up on their own. However, if you experience any persistent or serious side effects, you should consult your healthcare provider.

For a full list of side effects, read the patient information leaflet.

Whilst the risk is low for most women taking Mercilon, especially since Mercilon has a lower dose of oestrogen, the combined pill still carries some risk of blood clots.

However, your risk is further increased by certain factors, including:

• age (increased risk if you are 35 or older)
• if you are a smoker
• if you have diabetes
• if you take certain medications
• if you’ve recently had a baby
• if you are overweight
• if it’s your first year of taking the pill

There are a few medications that will counteract Mercilon, so make sure you let your doctor know if you’re taking any other medications.

The following medications interfere with Mercilon:

• medicines for Epilepsy (primidone, phenytoins, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, modafinil)
• Rifampicin
• antiretroviral medications such as ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine and efavirenz
• Hepatitis C medications such as boceprevir and telaprevir
• Griseofulvin
• Bosentan
• some herbal remedies, such as St. John’s wort

Tell your doctor if you’re taking any of these medications, as your doctor will be able to recommend a suitable and effective alternative.

Mercilon pills are available to purchase from euroClinix, provided you have already been prescribed it by your doctor. All you have to do is complete a confidential online consultation from. This form helps our doctor to make sure that the treatment you have chosen is safe for you to use.

If approved, the doctor will issue a prescription and it will be dispensed and dispatched by our in-house pharmacy with free next-day delivery. Each order will be delivered in discreet packaging for your convenience.