Mircette

Mircette is an oral contraceptive pill which contains the synthetic female hormones, Ethinyl Estradiol and Desogestrel. These two compounds are commonly used in birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. In a woman's body, Mircette does 3 things to help prevent that eager little sperm from reaching his destination- your egg:

• prevents ovulation
• alters the cervical mucous
• alters the uterine lining

Further information about Ethinyl Estradiol and Desogestrel in Mircette

These two active drugs in the Mircette oral contraceptive pill should NOT be used if:

• you are, or think you may be, pregnant or you have recently had a baby. Mircette may be linked to birth defects in an unborn child and can pass through breast milk
• you have previously been diagnosed with a heart condition, have experienced blood clotting, circulation problems or have had a stroke. The hormones in Mircette, like other contraceptive pills, can increase the risk of stroke, especially if you smoke and even more so if you smoke and are 35 or over
• you have liver cancer or a type of hormonal cancer such as breast or uterine cancer
• you have been jaundiced or suffered any type of liver disease

As with any new course of oral contraceptive pill, it is wise to take extra birth control precautions with Mircette initially, until your hormone levels settle down. Condoms and spermicides are popular but consult your doctor if these do not suit you.

Other important factors to discuss with your doctor when taking the oral contraceptive Mircette

Many women take extra vitamin and mineral pills as part of their daily routine without thinking that ingredients in them (eg St. John's Wort) could affect their contraceptive pill.

Some common 'over the counter' pills CAN affect Mircette's effectiveness overnight so please tell your doctor about 'all things swallowed'!

Are you suffering from epilepsy, angina, high cholesterol or irregular menstrual cycles?

If so, please discuss the dosage of Mircette that you may still be able to take. If your doctor prescribes Mircette, you will probably be required to have regular check ups.

Don't forget to mention to your doctor any existing medical ailments you have/have had if you are considering using an oral contraceptive like Mircette.

How to take Mircette

Mircette is similar to most oral contraceptives ie. you take one pill each day, no more than 24 hours apart. Do not take more than one pill for regular use or for longer periods than prescribed.

On the first day of your period take the first pill of the pack (or if you forget, on the first Sunday after your period starts)

Each pack per cycle contains 28 pills but only 21 are 'active'- the other 7 are 'reminder' pills (non active) to keep you in the habit of taking one pill per day.

You should get your period when you are taking the 'reminder' pills- if 2 months pass without you getting a period- see your doctor.

For maximum effectiveness, take Mircette regularly (not less than 24 hrs. between pills) or you may fall pregnant.

Breakthrough Bleeding

Breakthrough bleeding within the first 3 months of taking Mircette is quite common and nothing to be alarmed about. Of course, if bleeding becomes heavy or does not disappear, go to the doctor.

Remember- everyone's BODY is unique- just because a drug may not carry a warning on its leaflet does not mean that it is safe, effective or appropriate for YOUR body- so monitor yourself carefully when you start taking any new drug, including Mircette.