Femulen

What is it?

A hormonal preparation which is a progestogen only contraceptive in the form of white tablets containing 500µg etynodiol diaeetate marked on both sides with Searle.

Medical Uses

Oral contraception.

Dosage

1 tablet at same time each day starting on first day of period and continuing without a break.

Special Care

Patients with history of, or considered to be at risk of thrombosis, hypertension, focal migraine, cysts on ovaries, hormone dependent cancer, liver disease. Blood pressure, breasts and pelvic organs should be checked regularly during the course of treatment. Slight increased risk of breast cancer.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, previous ectopic pregnancy, history of heart, arterial or thromboembolic disease or stroke, liver tumour, recent trophoblastic cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, cholestatic jaundice when previously taking oral contraceptives or which developed during pregnancy.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Meprobamate, chloral hydrate, rifabutin, ethosuximide, barbiturates, ritonavir, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, griseofulvin, dichloralphenazone, primidone, rifampicin, phenytoin, glutethimide, St John's Wort.

Known Side Effects

Headache, breast tenderness, ovarian cysts, acne, disruption to normal pattern of menstrual bleeding, acne. Discontinue immediately in event of pregnancy or if frequent serious headaches arise or migraines which were not previously occurring, jaundice, signs of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis, disturbance of vision.