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Mercilon
Mercilon is a combined contraceptive pill, otherwise known as 'the pill' which you take every day for birth control purposes. The Mercilon pill is a version of Marvelon, but contains less oestrogen, making it a better option for women with sensitivity to this hormone. Mercilon prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. It contains Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel, and your suitability will be checked during your consultation.
- The Mercilon pill is for female use only
- Combined oral contraceptive
The Mercilon pill can be used to prevent pregnancy, and when taken correctly is 99% effective.
Most contraceptive pills can are taken for 21 days with a seven-day break, where there is often a breakthrough bleed, which usually appears as a period and is normal.
Other pills are taken for 28 days without a break. These can often stop regular menstruation from occurring or can help to lighten heavy periods.
Before you buy Mercilon online, it is important to measure your weight, as well as take readings of your blood pressure, as these can affect which pill is best for you. You can purchase home blood pressure kits or visit a local pharmacy to get a free blood pressure check. You will also be asked questions regarding your health history, including migraines, smoking, family history of stroke or heart attack, and breast cancer.
There is always a risk of side effects with all medications. Some of these can be quite mild and can subside over time. Others are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any side effects. Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when taking oral contraceptives.
Common side effects of taking the combined pill include:
- Spotting in the first few months
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Weight changes
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in libido
There are some serious side effects associated with taking the combined pill. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Changes to the breast such as discolouration around the nipple or lumps
- Discomfort and bleeding after sex
Combined pills such as Mercilon slightly increase the risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries. Get urgent medical help (call 999 or go to A&E) if you notice possible signs of a blood clot, such as:
- Swelling or pain in one leg or foot, especially with warmth, redness or tenderness (signs of a blood clot in the leg)
- Sudden unexplained breathlessness or fast breathing, a sudden cough which may bring up blood, or sharp chest pain (signs of a blood clot in the lung)
- Chest pain, pressure or heaviness, or discomfort spreading to the back, jaw, throat, arm or stomach (signs of a heart attack)
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion or trouble speaking, sudden trouble seeing, or a sudden, severe or long-lasting headache (signs of a stroke)
Out of 10,000 women using Mercilon, about 9 to 12 will develop a blood clot in a year. This compares with about 5 to 7 out of 10,000 women using a combined pill that contains levonorgestrel, and about 2 out of 10,000 women who are not using a combined hormonal contraceptive and are not pregnant.
What should I do if I miss a dose of the Mercilon pill?
If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. If you take the missed pill within 12 hours, you are still protected from pregnancy - take the rest of your pills at the usual time. If you are more than 12 hours late, your protection will be reduced. Take the last missed pill as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two pills at the same time, and use extra protection such as condoms for the next 7 days. If you missed a pill in the first week of your pack and had sex in the 7 days before, you could be at risk of pregnancy and may need emergency contraception - speak to our team. Your patient information leaflet explains what to do if you miss pills in the second or third week.
When should I start taking the combined contraceptive pill?
If possible, begin taking the contraceptive pill on the first day of your period, and you will be protected from pregnancy straight away. If your period started 2 to 4 days ago, start on day 5 of your period and use extra protection such as condoms for the first 7 days. If your period started more than 5 days ago, wait until your next period before you start.
Can I use this contraceptive pill when breastfeeding?
Mercilon is not recommended while you are breastfeeding, as combined pills can reduce the amount of breast milk. A progestogen-only pill may be more suitable. If you are not breastfeeding, you can start Mercilon three weeks after giving birth. Speak to a member of the team about the options available to you.
Can the combined pill cause breast cancer?
Some types of combined pills have been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer, our dedicated team can help you choose a contraceptive option that is appropriate for you.
Does the combined pill cause weight gain?
Side effects differ from person to person when using oral contraceptives. Weight gain may occur but can be managed with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Is my fertility affected when I buy Mercilon online?
Normal fertility resumes as soon as you stop taking the pill combined pill.
Leaflets
Before taking any medicines such as contraceptive pills, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.
