Marvelon Pill

What is Marvelon?

Marvelon is a combined oral contraceptive pill ("the Pill") containing two synthetic female hormones: desogestrel (150 micrograms), which is a progestogen, and ethinyl estradiol (30 micrograms), which is an oestrogen. It belongs to the drug class of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs).

Mechanism of Action

Marvelon works through three main mechanisms to prevent pregnancy:

1. Ovulation inhibition: The hormones prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg each month
2. Cervical mucus thickening: Makes the fluid in your cervix thicker, creating a barrier that sperm cannot easily penetrate
3. Endometrial thinning: Makes the lining of your womb thinner, making it less suitable for a fertilised egg to implant

Biological Pathway

Think of Marvelon's action like a three-layered security system for your reproductive system. The oestrogen component primarily suppresses the pituitary gland's production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), preventing egg development. The progestogen component inhibits luteinizing hormone (LH), preventing ovulation, while simultaneously altering cervical mucus consistency and endometrial receptivity.

What is Marvelon Used For?

Marvelon has one primary approved indication:

Primary Indication

Contraception: Prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive age.

Target Patient Population

• Women requiring reliable, reversible contraception
• Those seeking to regulate menstrual cycles
• Women wanting lighter, less painful periods
• Those needing to manage pre-menstrual symptoms

Before Using Marvelon

Essential considerations before initiating treatment:

Medical History Assessment

• Personal and family history of blood clots or clotting disorders
• Cardiovascular health including blood pressure
• Liver function and history of liver disease
• Migraine history (particularly migraine with aura)
• Diabetes status and control
• Breast health and family history of breast cancer
• Smoking status (critical for women over 35)
• Current medications and supplements

Required Baseline Tests

Marvelon Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Marvelon must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Current or history of blood clots (DVT, PE, retinal thrombosis)
• Known clotting disorders (Factor V Leiden, protein deficiencies)
• Heart attack, stroke, or angina history
• Migraine with aura (at any time in your life)
• Severe liver disease or liver tumors
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Known or suspected pregnancy
• Breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers
• Pancreatitis with high blood fats
• Allergy to any Marvelon ingredients
• Hepatitis C with specific antiviral medications

Risk Stratification Table

Special Population Considerations

Adolescents (Under 18)

• Limited clinical data available for those under 18
• Prescribing decisions should be made by specialists considering individual circumstances

Women Over 35

• Non-smokers: May use with regular monitoring
• Smokers: Absolute contraindication - alternative contraception needed
• Increased monitoring of blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors recommended

Renal Impairment

• No specific dosage adjustment needed
• Caution with conditions affecting fluid balance

Hepatic Impairment

• Mild impairment: Use with caution and regular liver function monitoring
• Severe impairment: Contraindicated
• Discontinue immediately if jaundice develops

Marvelon and Other Medicines

Significant interactions requiring monitoring:

High-Risk Combinations (Reduce Effectiveness)

• Epilepsy medications: Phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, phenobarbital, topiramate, oxcarbazepine
• TB treatments: Rifampicin
• HIV medications: Ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, efavirenz
• Hepatitis C treatments: Boceprevir, telaprevir
• Antifungals: Griseofulvin
• Herbal remedies: St. John's Wort

Critical Warning

Timing Recommendations

If taking interacting medications:

1. Use additional barrier contraception (condoms)
2. Continue barrier method for 28 days after stopping interacting medication
3. Consider alternative contraceptive method during long-term interacting treatment

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

• Not recommended during breastfeeding
• Hormones may pass into breast milk in small amounts
• May reduce milk production
• Consult doctor for alternative contraception while breastfeeding

Contraception Requirements

If planning pregnancy, stop Marvelon and use barrier methods until you have one natural period. This helps accurately date pregnancy.

Driving & Machine Operation

• No direct impairment of driving ability
• Caution advised due to possible:
  • Dizziness
  • Migraine with visual disturbances
  • Fatigue
• Do not drive if experiencing warning signs of serious side effects

Marvelon Ingredients

Active Substance

• Desogestrel: 150 micrograms (progestogen)
• Ethinyl Estradiol: 30 micrograms (oestrogen)

Excipients

Allergen Warning

How to Take Marvelon

Standard Regimen

1. Take one pill daily at approximately the same time
2. Continue for 21 consecutive days
3. Have a 7-day pill-free break
4. Start next pack on day 8, even if bleeding continues

Starting Instructions for New Users

Marvelon Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosage

• One tablet daily containing 150μg desogestrel + 30μg ethinyl estradiol
• Fixed dose combination - no titration needed

Important Timing Considerations

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step administration guide:

Daily Routine

1. Choose a convenient time you'll remember daily
2. Swallow whole with water if needed. Do not chew or crush
3. Follow the direction of arrows on the packaging strip
4. Complete all 21 pills in the strip
5. Take 7-day break (withdrawal bleed expected)
6. Start new strip on day 8, regardless of bleeding

Special Administration Situations

Vomiting/Diarrhoea: If vomiting occurs within 3-4 hours of taking pill, or severe diarrhoea for >12 hours, follow missed pill instructions.

Missed Dose Management

Time-Based Guidance

Critical Scenarios

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vaginal bleeding
• Breast tenderness

Management

1. Seek medical attention if concerned
2. No specific antidote exists
3. Symptomatic treatment as needed
4. Serious toxicity unlikely from oral overdose

Possible Side Effects

Very Common (more than 1 in 10 people)

• Headache
• Breast pain/tenderness
• Nausea
• Mood changes/depression
• Weight gain
• Abdominal pain

Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people)

• Fluid retention
• Decreased libido
• Vomiting/diarrhoea
• Skin rash
• Breast enlargement

Serious Side Effects

Blood Clot Risk Statistics

According to the official Marvelon PIL, the risk of developing a blood clot in a year is:

• Not using combined pill: About 2 in 10,000 women
• Using Marvelon: About 9-12 in 10,000 women
• Highest risk during first year of use

How to Store Marvelon

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C
• Do not refrigerate
• Keep in original packaging to protect from light and moisture
• Keep out of sight and reach of children

Expiry

• Do not use after expiry date on carton
• Expiry refers to last day of that month

Disposal

• Do not dispose via wastewater or household waste
• Return unused medication to pharmacy for safe disposal

Pack Information

Pack Sizes

• 3-month pack: 3 strips of 21 tablets (63 tablets total)
• 6-month pack: 6 strips of 21 tablets (126 tablets total)
• 12-month pack: 12 strips of 21 tablets (252 tablets total)

Tablet Description

• Colour: White
• Shape: Biconvex, round
• Diameter: 6mm
• Markings: "TR5" on one side, "Organon*" on reverse

Where Can I Buy Marvelon Online in the UK