Mercilon Pill

What is Mercilon?

Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill belonging to the pharmacological class of hormonal contraceptives. Each white tablet contains two active synthetic hormones:

• Desogestrel (150 micrograms): A third-generation progestogen.
• Ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms): A synthetic oestrogen.

This combination is classified as a low-dose pill due to its 20μg oestrogen content. It is manufactured by Organon and is supplied in packs of 21 tablets.

How Does Mercilon Work? (Mechanism of Action)

Mercilon works through three primary mechanisms to prevent pregnancy:

1. Inhibition of Ovulation: The hormones suppress the release of hormones from the pituitary gland (FSH and LH), preventing an egg from being released from the ovaries.
2. Thickening of Cervical Mucus: The progestogen (desogestrel) makes the mucus in the cervix thicker, creating a barrier that is difficult for sperm to penetrate.
3. Thinning of the Endometrium: The hormones make the lining of the womb (endometrium) thinner, reducing the likelihood of a fertilised egg implanting.

Analogy: Think of Mercilon as a three-layered security system for your reproductive system: it stops the release of an egg (like cancelling the release of a key participant), blocks sperm entry (like increasing security at the entrance), and makes the environment unsuitable for implantation (like removing the welcoming furniture).

What is Mercilon Used For?

Mercilon is prescribed for a single, well-defined purpose:

Primary Indication: Prevention of pregnancy.

It is suitable for women of reproductive age who are seeking a reliable, reversible method of contraception. It may also provide non-contraceptive benefits, such as:

• Making periods more regular, lighter, and less painful.
• Helping to reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Reducing the risk of ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer with long-term use.

Mercilon does NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea. The use of condoms is necessary to reduce the risk of STIs.

Before Using Mercilon

Before starting Mercilon, a thorough medical assessment is crucial. Our online clinicians will evaluate your suitability based on:

Medical History Assessment Checklist

• Personal or family history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
• History of migraine, especially migraine with aura.
• Current or past breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.
• Liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• Diabetes with complications.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol or triglycerides.
• History of depression.
• Smoking status and age.
• Current medications and herbal supplements.

Required Baseline Checks

Your doctor may recommend or you should have:

• Blood pressure measurement.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation.
• Up-to-date cervical smear test (as per NHS screening programme).
• Breast examination (self-awareness is key).

Mercilon Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications (DO NOT USE):

• Current or history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) - e.g., DVT, PE.
• Current or history of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) - e.g., stroke, heart attack.
• Known hereditary or acquired predisposition to blood clots (e.g., Factor V Leiden, protein deficiencies).
• Migraine with aura.
• Diabetes with vascular damage.
• Severe or multiple risk factors for arterial disease.
• Current or history of liver disease/tumours.
• Current or suspected hormone-dependent cancers (e.g., breast, endometrial).
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
• Allergy to any ingredient.
• Hepatitis C treatment with specific antivirals (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir +/- dasabuvir or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir).

Relative Contraindications (Use with Caution/Medical Supervision):

• Migraine without aura (if new/worsening on pill).
• Controlled hypertension.
• Mild liver enzyme elevations.
• History of chloasma (may worsen with sun exposure).
• Conditions that may worsen with fluid retention.
• History of depression.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis).
• Sickle cell disease.

Special Population Considerations

Adolescents:

Mercilon can be used by adolescents once menstruation has started. Efficacy and safety are expected to be the same as in adults, but consultation with a doctor is essential.

Elderly:

Not applicable, as contraception is not intended for post-menopausal women.

Renal Impairment:

No specific studies, but no special dosage adjustments are expected. Use with caution in severe impairment.

Hepatic Impairment:

Contraindicated in active liver disease or history of liver tumours. Do not use until liver function tests return to normal.

Mercilon and Other Medicines

Several medicines can reduce the effectiveness of Mercilon or be affected by it. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you take.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Contraindicated. If you become pregnant, stop taking Mercilon immediately and consult your doctor.
• There is no evidence of harm to an unborn baby from accidental use in early pregnancy, but the pill should not be continued.

Breastfeeding

• Not recommended.
• Combined hormonal contraceptives can reduce milk supply and the hormones may pass into breast milk in small amounts.
• Alternative progestogen-only contraceptives (mini-pill, implant, injection) are preferred while breastfeeding.

Contraception Requirement

Mercilon itself is a contraceptive. No additional contraception is needed if taken correctly, except when interacting medicines are used (see above).

Driving & Machine Operation

Mercilon has no known effect on the ability to drive or use machines. However, if you experience side effects such as dizziness, migraine, or visual disturbances, you should not drive or operate machinery until you feel well.

Mercilon Ingredients

Active Ingredients (per tablet):

• Desogestrel: 150 micrograms
• Ethinylestradiol: 20 micrograms

Other Ingredients (Excipients):

• dl-alpha-tocopherol (antioxidant)
• Potato starch (binder/filler)
• Povidone (binder)
• Stearic acid (lubricant)
• Aerosil (glidant)
• Lactose (filler) – Important for those with lactose intolerance.

Allergen Warning:

Contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before using Mercilon.

How to Use Mercilon

Mercilon is taken orally once a day. Adherence to the schedule is critical for effectiveness.

Standard 21/7 Regimen:

1. Take one pill every day at roughly the same time for 21 days.
2. Follow the arrows on the strip. Swallow the pill whole with water; do not chew.
3. After 21 days, have a 7-day pill-free break.
4. During this break, you will usually have a withdrawal bleed (like a period).
5. Start your next pack on day 8, even if the bleeding hasn't stopped.

This cycle repeats continuously for as long as contraception is desired.

Mercilon Dosage Guidelines

Mercilon comes in one strength only. There is no titration schedule.

Administration Instructions

Starting Mercilon for the First Time or After a Break:

• Option 1 (Quick Start): Take first pill on day 1 of your menstrual period (first day of bleeding). Protection is immediate.
• Option 2: Start on day 5 of your cycle. You must use additional contraception (condoms) for the first 7 days of pill-taking.

Switching from Another Pill:

• From a 21-day pill: Start Mercilon the day after finishing the old pack. No break. Protection continues.
• From a 28-day pill: Start Mercilon the day after the last active pill (skip the inactive pills). Protection continues.
• From a mini-pill (POP): Start Mercilon on the first day of bleeding, or any day if no bleeding – use condoms for 7 days.

After Childbirth/Miscarriage/Abortion:

Follow your doctor's advice. Starting may be immediate or after 3 weeks, depending on circumstances and breastfeeding status.

Missed Dose Management

General Rule: The pill should be taken within a 12-hour window of your usual time to maintain protection.

If you miss pills and have no withdrawal bleed, perform a pregnancy test.

Overdose Information

Taking several pills at once is unlikely to cause serious harm. Possible symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and in young girls, slight vaginal bleeding. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive. If concerned, contact a doctor or poison control centre.

Mercilon Side Effects

All medicines can have side effects. The most serious risk associated with Mercilon is blood clots (see Emergency Note). For comprehensive information, refer to the official Mercilon Patient Information Leaflet.

Very Common (>1 in 10 users)

• Headache
• Nausea, abdominal pain
• Breast pain/tenderness
• Mood changes, depression
• Weight increase

Common (up to 1 in 10 users)

• Migraine
• Fluid retention
• Decreased libido
• Vomiting, diarrhoea
• Rash, hives
• Breast enlargement

Uncommon (up to 1 in 100 users)

• Vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding
• Galactorrhoea (milk production)
• Eye discomfort (contact lens wearers)
• Hypersensitivity

Rare (up to 1 in 1000 users) & Very Rare

• Venous/arterial thromboembolism (Blood clots in leg, lung, heart, brain, eye, liver)
• Breast cancer, cervical cancer
• Severe liver problems (jaundice, hepatitis, tumours)
• High blood pressure
• Gallstones
• Pancreatitis
• Worsening of conditions like lupus, otosclerosis, porphyria, chloasma.
• Angioedema (swelling of face/tongue/throat)

Reporting Side Effects: If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report them directly via the UK Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Mercilon

• Store below 25°C. Do not refrigerate.
• Keep in the original blister pack to protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
• Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste. Return unused medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Mercilon Pack Information

• Pack Sizes Available: 1, 3, or 6 strips of 21 tablets.
• Tablet Appearance: White, round, biconvex, 6mm diameter. Marked "TR4" on one side and "Organon*" on the other.
• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Organon Pharma (UK) Limited.
• PL Number: PL 00025/0598.

Where Can I Buy Mercilon Online in the UK