Novelon Contraceptive Pills

Novelon Tablets (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) - Product Information

Novelon tablets are a low dose contraceptive administered orally to avert unwanted pregnancies. Novelon tablets are among the most trustworthy birth control methods available in the market. A single Novelon tablet contains a combination of two hormones namely Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol. A typical pack of Novelon pills consists of a stock of 21 hormone pills and 7 placebo pills which are to be consumed over a period of a month.
The Novelon medication schedule results in the conclusion of each monthly cycle with a withdrawal bleed. Clinical trials of Novelon tablets have shown that the pregnancy rate can drop to a probability of 0.1% within a period of one year of Novelon tablets usage. In addition to contraception benefits, Novelon tablets are also known to normalize the monthly cycle in women along with decreased pain during the cycle. Novelon tablets also help to ease pre-menstrual symptoms such as bloating, swelling, and weight gain.
Novelon birth control tablets results in a significant reduction in skin and hair greasiness, acne and improve the appearance of skin in women.
Novelon tablets have an added advantage of reducing a woman's risk of developing cancer in the female reproductive organs such as ovaries and womb.
We also have in stock Diane-35 Birth Control Tablets which are used as birth control pills.

Name of the Drug

Novelon Tablets.
The generic name ofNovelon is Desogestrel & Ethinyl Estradiol tablets. Desogestrel & Ethinyl Estradiol Birth Control Pills are also available under other brand names including, Marvelon 28, Desogen and Ortho-Cept.
Novelon is commonly known under the following names in the U.S.: Apri, Caziant, Cesia, Cyclessa, Enskyce, Kariva, Mircette, Reclipsen, Solia, and Velivet. In Canada, Novelon is commonly known as Marvelon 21.

Manufacturer of Novelon Tablets

Novelon tablets are manufactured by Organon, which is a division of Schering-Plough®/Merck® & Co. Inc.  
Website: www.merck.com

Novelon Composition -Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

The active ingredients present in each Novelon birth control tablet are a combination of two hormones: a synthetic progesterone hormone called Desogestrel (0.15 mg) and a synthetic oestrogen hormone called Ethinyl estradiol (0.03 mg).
21 tablets in a pack of Novelon tablets contains this combination of hormones as the active ingredient while the 7 placebo pills are devoid of the active ingredients.

What are Novelon Tablets Used For?

Contraception is the primary purpose of the Novelon tablets. The combination of Desogestrel and Ethinyl estradiol in Novelon tablets prevents pregnancy by inhibiting the release of eggs from the ovaries during the month of Novelon consumption. Novelon tablets also alter the thickness of the uterus lining to prevent pregnancy and modify the mucus present at the cervix to prevent the entrance of sperm into the uterus. This obstructs the interaction of the male sperm with egg, thus averting fertilization. Novelon is also a helpful medicine for the treatment of acne in women by reducing the volume of certain natural substances in the body which cause acne.
Users should note that Novelon birth control tablets cannot be used for the prevention of HIV infection or any other sexually transmitted diseases. It does not have the ability to act as an emergency contraception post unprotected sexual contact.

Novelon Dosage

Novelon contraceptive pills should be administered with a full glass of water at the same time every day. A pack of Novelon contraceptive pills contains 28 pills which is calculated according to the monthly cycle. Novelon tablets should be consumed every day without a break to ascertain effective contraception. The first 21 pills contain the combination of the two contraceptive hormones and the last 7 pills are a placebo because they do not contain any hormones. The monthly menstruation occurs during the consumption of the placebo pills. When you have finished one pack of Novelon tablets, start a new one the following day.
Beginning the course of Novelon medication
Patients are advised to consume the first tablet on the first day of menstruation because no additional contraceptive precautions are required during menstruation. If menstruation has already been initiated, (that is day 2, 3, or 4 of menstruation), the patient should consume the tablet on day 5 of the menstrual cycle. In this case, added contraceptive precautions must be followed for the first 7 days of treatment period. If menstruation began more than 5 days ago, the patient should be recommended to postpone her Novelon treatment until her next menstrual period.
Post-Partum Administration
Non-breast feeding mothers can start the course of Novelon tablets 21 days after child birth during which no extra contraceptive precautions are necessary. If patient has had intercourse post-partum, the administration of Novelon tablets should be postponed until the first day of the first menstrual period. If the patient begins the course of Novelon tablets more than 21 days after child birth, then added contraceptive precautions will be required for the first 7 days.
Breast feeding mothers are recommended to avoid the administration of Novelon pills because it may decrease the volume of breast-milk. However, they can instead use a progestogen-only pill (POP) as an alternative for contraception.
Women who undergone a miscarriage or abortion should begin their course on Novelon tablets immediately after the incident in which case no additional contraceptive precautions will be necessary.
Shifting from a 21 day pill or another 22 day pill to Novelon
All the tablets from the previous contraception pack should be completely exhausted. The first Novelon tablet is taken the following day i.e. there should no break in the administration of the contraception tablets nor does the patient need to wait for her monthly period to start. Tablets should be taken as recommended by the doctor. The patient will not be required to follow supplementary contraceptive precautions. The patient will not have the monthly period until the first Novelon pack has been completed. This, however, is not unsafe. Bleeding during the course of Novelon tablets should also not be a cause of concern because this is a common occurrence in first-time Novelon users.
Shifting from a combined Every Day Pill (28 day tablets) to Novelon
Women should start the course of Novelon contraceptive pills after they have exhausted the last active tablet from the pack of 'Every Day Pill' (i.e. after taking 21 or 22 tablets). The first Novelon tablet should be administered the following day i.e. there should no break in the administration of the contraception tablets nor does the patient need to wait for her monthly period to start. Patients should consume a single Novelon tablet every day at the same time, without disturbing the schedule for 21 days. This should be followed by 7 tablet-free days. Each consecutive pack should commence after the 7 tablet-free days have passed. Extra contraceptive precautions are not required during this period. The residual tablets from the Every Day (ED) pack should be discarded. The patient will not have the monthly period until the first Novelon pack has been completed. This, however, is not unsafe. Bleeding during the course of Novelon tablets should also not be a cause of concern because this is a common occurrence in first-time Novelon users.
Shifting from a Progestogen-only Pill (POP or Mini Pill) to Novelon
The first Novelon contraceptive pill should be taken on the first day of menstruation, even if the patient has already consumed a mini pill on that particular day. Patients should consume a single Novelon tablet every day at the same time, without disturbing the schedule for 21 days. This should be followed by 7 tablet-free days. Each consecutive pack should commence after the 7 tablet-free days have passed. Supplementary contraceptive precautions are not necessary during this period. The residual progestogen-only pills in the mini pill pack should be discarded.
If the patient is consuming a (mini) pill, then she may not menstruate, especially when she is breast feeding. The first Novelon tablet should be consumed on the day after discontinuing the mini pill. The residual pills in the mini pill packet must be discarded. Supplementary contraceptive precautions must be followed for the first seven days.
The course of Novelon tablets should be continued for a period as recommended by your doctor.
Please consult your doctor for exact dosing instructions. Novelon tablets (Generic Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets) should be administered in the dose prescribed by the doctor and for the duration recommended by the doctor.

Novelon Tablets - Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Novelon tablets, use the following recommendations to deliberate your future course of action: 
1. If you miss the large white pills which contain the hormone during weeks 1 to 3:

• If you are less than 12 hours late in taking your dose, take it as soon as you remember and take the next one on the following day at your usual time. You are still protected against pregnancy.
• If you are more than 12 hours late in taking your pill, take the last tablet as soon as you remember and take the next one at your normal time, which may mean taking 2 tablets in one day. There will be decrease in contraceptive protection and you will be at a potential risk of becoming pregnant, unless you practice other contraceptive precautions for the next 7 days.

2. If you miss the small white pills which are the placebos during week 4, take the next pill as usual and discard the missed pill because you are not at risk of becoming pregnant. 
If you miss more than one dose or alter your dosage schedule, you may miss your period that month. Inform your doctor if you miss your period for two consecutive months because this usually indicates possibility of pregnancy. You may experience minor bleeding or spotting if you do not stick to regular schedule during the course of medication. With every pill you miss, you’re making yourself more susceptible to conditions such as bleeding.

Drug Mechanism of Action – How Does Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Work?

The oestrogen hormone i.e. Ethinyl Estradiol present in each Novelon tablet prevents the release of a mature egg from the ovaries. It achieves this prevention by creating false ovulation-like conditions. On the other hand, the progesterone hormone Desogestrel present in the Novelon pill thickens the mucous in the cervix and inhibits the thickening of womb lining.
Novelon tablets exerts its mechanism of action by blocking three paths of fertilization: inhibition of ovulation leading to the absence of egg for fertilization, thickening of the mucous in the cervix to prevent the entry of sperm into the womb, and the thickening of the womb lining which hinders the attachment of any fertilized egg for development in the womb.

Storage Instructions for Novelon Tablets(Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Pills)

Store Novelon tablets at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C), protected from sunlight and moisture. Excursions are permitted from 15°C to 30°C.
Retain the original packing of the medication and do not consume Novelon Tablets (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Pills) beyond its expiration date printed on the blister pack. Keep it far away from the reach of children and pets.
Do not discard Novelon tablets along with domestic waste or sewage. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the correct method of disposal.

Contraindications

Novelon tablets are contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol or to any other inactive ingredient present in the formulation.

Overdose

Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute ingestion of large doses of oral contraceptives by young children. Overdosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.

Warnings and Precautions to be taken when using Novelon Tablets

Medical History
Discuss your medical history with your doctor especially women over 35 years of age; women with a family history of stroke, blood clots, hypertriglyceridemia, breast cancer, endometrial carcinoma, and heart attacks; obese women, smokers, women with medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, sickle cell anemia, unusual genital bleeding, severe depression, migraine, liver diseases, kidney problems, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), heart failure, gall stones, appearance of abnormal brown patches on face.
Allergies
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Ethinyl oestradiol or Desogestrel or any of the inactive ingredients present in Novelon contraceptive pills. Also let the doctor know if you have developed any allergic reactions to this medication or nay other medication in the past. Discuss any food, dyes, preservatives, or animal allergies with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Before you start the course of Novelon contraceptive pills, let your doctor know about all your prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and any herbal treatments you may be undergoing. Medications such as azole antifungals (itraconazole), anticonvulsants (phenytoin and carbamazepine), aprepitant, barbiturates (phenobarbital), bosentan, anti-infective (rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine), antifungal (griseofulvin), antibiotics (penicillin), felbamate, beta-blockers (atenolol), HIV protease inhibitors (ritonavir), hydantoins (phenytoin), Lamotrigine, modafinil, nevirapine, penicillins (amoxicillin), St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), selegiline, theophyllines (aminophylline), troleandomycin tetracyclines (doxycycline), topiramate, and troglitazone modify the structure of the hormones present in Novelon tablets and render them less effective at averting pregnancies.
Cigarette smoking
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke in women who use Novelon tablets for contraception. This risk increases with age and becomes substantial in women who are older than 35 years of age. Consult your doctor about methods to quit smoking.
Interactions with Food
Do not consume grapefruit or beverages containing grapefruit juice during the course of Novelon birth control pills. These food substances may alter the quantity of the hormones that is absorbed in the body.
General Effects
During the first three months of Novelon tablets medication, patients may experience vaginal bleeding between the regular menstrual periods, known as spotting. Continue your medication as prescribed. The bleeding usually ends within a week. Consult your doctor if the bleeding persists for more than week. Discuss the risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer due to the use of Novelon tablets.
Inform your doctor immediately if you miss a menstrual period. Missed periods may arise if you skip one or more Novelon tablets and have not consumed your pills correctly as recommended. If you miss your periods twice in a row, let your doctor know. You might need to perform a pregnancy test.

Side Effects of Novelon Tablets

The most commonly reported side effects experienced by patients during the course of Novelon contraceptive pills are nausea, vomiting, oedema, change in vision, headache/migraine, breast tenderness, breast pain, enlargement, weight changes, fluid retention, vaginal thrush (candidiasis), absent /missed/ irregular menstrual periods, menstrual spotting or heavy bleeding, depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, skin reactions such as skin rash and itching, irregular brown patches on the skin of the face (chloasma), clay-colored stools, dark urine, diarrhea, constipation, decreased sex drive, high blood pressure, steepening of corneal curvature which may result in trouble wearing contact lenses, abdominal or stomach pain, disturbance in liver function, gallstones, thrombophlebitis, hypertension, benign hepatic tumors, gallbladder disease, congenital anomalies, pain or discomfort in chest, irregular heart rate, incoherent speech, abnormal weakness or tiredness, coughing up blood, and breathing difficulties.
Some of the more serious complications include blood clots in the blood vessels (eg, DVT, pulmonary embolism, mesenteric thrombosis, neuro-ocular lesions (e.g., retinal thrombosis), heart attack, stroke).
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects. This is not a comprehensive list of all the possible side effects. If you develop any other medical conditions during the course of Novelon tablets, please consult your doctor immediately.

Novelon During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Novelon Tablets (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) has been classified by the US FDA as Pregnancy Category X.
Even though Novelon tablets are used to prevent pregnancy, it should not be used by pregnant women or women who are planning to start a family soon because it has harmful effects on the growing fetus. If you find that you are pregnant during the course of Novelon tablets, stop taking Novelon contraceptive and inform your doctor immediately.
The hormones in Novelon birth control tablets (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) are known to change the pattern of milk production or its composition and also have harmful effects on the infant. Breast feeding mothers should use an alternative form of contraception or they should stop breast feeding if they wish to continue the course of Novelon tablets.
Do not use this medicine in case you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment.

Buy Novelon Tablets (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Pills) Online at Only $0.54 per Pill

You can buy Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Birth Control pills online from Everest Online Pharmacy at a cheap price. Novelon Contraceptive pills , manufactured by Organon® a division of Schering-Plough® / Merck® & Co. Inc., Netherlands, are supplied in a blister strip of 21 tablets. They are priced at only $0.54 per unit if you place an order for 252 tablets.

Disclaimer

The above information is provided to the best of our knowledge and in good faith. It is without a warrant of any kind, expressed or implied.

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