Name: Novelon® Tablets
Brand: Organon
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

Description

What is Novelon® Tablet?

Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel also cause changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Novelon® Tablet is an oral contraceptive pill. It works by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) and affecting sperm movement in the womb to prevent its union with the egg. It also changes the lining of the womb and renders it unsuitable for pregnancy.

Novelon® Tablet is a contraceptive medicine that stops you from getting pregnant. It prevents an egg from being released from your ovaries and also decreases the movement of sperm. This affects the fertilization process and prevents it. Novelon Tablet is a reliable and safe method for contraception if used correctly. It does not interrupt sex and you can lead a normal routine life without any worries. Take it as directed by the doctor to get the most benefit.

Novelon® birth control pill is a low dose oral contraceptive pill that contains the third generation progestin ‘Desogestrel’ coupled with the time-tested synthetic estrogen “Ethinyl Estradiol”. This pair forms a novel pill for protection against undesired pregnancy. Furthermore, its wide spectrum of application makes it indispensable in the armamentarium of medications used in treating disorders such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, Polycystic Ovaries, Pre Menstrual Disorder, acne, and hirsutism to mention a few.

Novelon® tablets are marketed by Schering – Plough, MSD pharmaceuticals (Organon® a division of Schering-Plough® / Merck® & Co. Inc.) as a blister pack of 21 tablets. The back of the pack has directional arrows and the days of the week printed above each tablet. These arrows point in a manner of daily progression with continuity through the three weeks or 21 tablets that must be completed in this time span. We also have in stock Yasmin Birth Control Pills which is another combination medicine used for the same indications.

Each pack of Novelon® tablets contains 21 active tablets of 0.030mg of Ethinyl estradiol and 0.150mg of desogestrel. Ethinyl estradiol has estrogenic action whereas desogestrel provides progestin activity. The doses they are formulated in are considered as low doses and these produce fewer side effects while maintaining tight control on conception. These white tablets are hormonally active and must be taken once daily for a total duration of 21 days.

Brand names: Apri, Azurette, Bekyree, Caziant, Cyred, Emoquette, Enskyce, Isibloom, Juleber, Kalliga, Kariva, Mircette, Pimtrea, Reclipsen, Simliya, Velivet, Viorele, Volnea, Desogen, Ortho-Cept, Cyclessa, Solia, Cesia, Kimidess, Cyred EQ.

How does Novelon work?

Mechanism of action of Novelon Pills. Novelon acts by a complex interplay of interruption. It interferes with the working of the normal menstrual cycle. The sex hormonal apparatus of the female body is intentionally broken to block natural ovulation or egg release and implantation or the embedding of an embryo.

Given as a combined contraceptive pill, the estrogen-progestin combination negates the activity of two vital brain hormones. These are FSH and LH. They in effect are gonadotrophic hormones that act on the female ovary and the genital tract. They mediate a series of actions, in conjunction, throughout the menstrual cycle. Therefore, they progressively bring about the maturation of the egg within the dominant follicle of the ovary as well as the receptiveness of the womb lining or endometrium to receive the fertilized egg. When in mid-cycle, these hormonal levels rise and burst the dominant ovarian follicle, and egg release or ovulation is accomplished.

Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel lower the circulating levels of FSH and LH, thereby disturbing normal menstrual function, ovulation, and subsequent implantation. Egg release is prevented; also the endometrium or womb lining is made dense and soggy, unfit for receiving an embryo.

Additionally, Novelon intensifies and makes dense the natural mucus secretions present at the mouth of the womb or cervix. This hampers sperms from breaking through the mucus barrier. Desogestrel albeit a progestin possesses weak anti-androgenic properties which help in the reduction of greasy skin and excessive hair growth.

Dosage and Mode of Administration of Novelon Tablets

The Novelon® blister pack consists of 21 hormonal tablets that must be taken daily at nearly the same time every day so as to sustain and maintain drug levels in the bloodstream above a particular limit or threshold.

If starting the pack for the first time, it is recommended to start from the first day of menses. If already on oral contraception regardless of the brand, Novelon should be started the day after the last placebo pill is completed. In packs with no placebos, Novelon is commenced exactly seven days after completion of the 21st hormonally active tablet or on the first day of withdrawal bleeding as the case may be. Novelon contraceptive pill can be started after abortions and miscarriages; she can switch to it from vaginal rings, progestin-containing implants/depots/ intrauterine devices. However, the method of commencement and need for additional protection varies in each case and medical consultation must be sought for the specifics.

Withdrawal Bleeding is a term used to describe the menses like flow the woman gets on completing her course of 21 active tablets. It usually happens 3-4 days after the last active pill was taken. It mimics the normal menses and provides confidence that pregnancy has been adequately blocked. It is much less in quantity and duration compared to natural menses and is associated with negligible pelvic discomfort or pain, unlike natural periods.

Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice has been found to promote absorption of estrogens from the pill thereby increasing its efficacy.

Missed Pill Instructions

Managing missed pill situations with Novelon. Missed pills pose a threat in that the drug levels in your blood fall and the ability of Novelon pills to provide contraceptive protection is reduced. Missing pills although an avoidable risk is a common phenomenon that must be minimized. Sustenance of adequate hormonal blood levels is affected and consequently, Novelon will not be able to fulfill its role of preventing ovulation and inhibiting pregnancy.

Missed one pill? When one pill of Novelon is missed, remember to take it as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, this might mean having to take two pills at the same time the next day.

Missed two pills anytime in the first two weeks? When two pills are missed in the first two weeks of having begun Novelon, she should take two pills for two consecutive days from she’s remembered the event. Additional contraceptive protection in the form of condoms or diaphragms must be implemented for coital acts for up to 7 days from the date of remembering the event.

Missed two pills anytime in the last two weeks? When two pills are missed in the third week or when three or more pills are missed at any time in the cycle, the current blister pack must be disregarded and stopped and a fresh new pack of Novelon contraceptive tablets must be started and completed till its end. Again in this scenario too, supplementary barrier protection with condoms or diaphragms is warranted for up to 7 days.

In any case, where pills are missed, special attention must be given to the withdrawal bleed and regardless of whether it occurs or not, medical attention must be sought to confirm or rule out any inadvertent pregnancy. Novelon per se can induce an upset tummy. Vomiting for up to 4 hours from the time of pill intake is to be considered as a missed pill on account of the fact that part of the pill may have been expelled and blood levels of the hormones cannot be guaranteed.

The clinical uses of Novelon (Clinical Applications)

Use In Contraception: Novelon oral contraceptive pill if used properly over a period of time ensures very high protection rates with those comparable to progestin Intra-Uterine Systems and modern Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Devices. Their failure rates are extremely low at 1 to 2 per 100 women per year. Coupled with the advantages of a low side effect profile, easy administration, relatively cheap, and ready availability they are the ideal contraceptive for the present-day woman who wishes to be discreet and safe. That having been said it is pertinent to note that Novelon will not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections and is not a license for irresponsible sexual behavior. In fact, it is this misconstrued faith in the pill that has led to unhygienic sexual practices and an increased risk for cervical cancer over time. At the very least a blood pressure check, Biochemical/Liver/Kidney function blood tests, PAP smear, and control on smoking are warranted before starting the pill.

Regulation of Menstrual Cycle Disorders: Women who suffer from dysfunctional uterine bleeding for various reasons are best benefited. Regular monthly cyclical withdrawals with less blood loss and no pain are the reasons why the pill is the drug of choice in these conditions.

Androgenic Disorders in Women: Acne Vulgaris, excessive hair growth (Idiopathic Hirsutism), Insulin Resistance, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are the major disorders with a high male sex hormone milieu in women. Lowering or directly inhibiting androgens such as Testosterone, its derivatives, and DHEA-S in these conditions is core to their alleviation.

Benefits in Gynecology: Novelon offers protection in numerous benign conditions of gynecologic origin. Among these is the prevention of ectopic pregnancy, control of uterine fibroids, reduction in pelvic inflammatory disease, amelioration of endometriosis, reduction in rates of Iron deficiency anemia, benign breast disorders, functional ovarian cysts, and last but not least it buffers the painful symptoms of Pre Menstrual Disorder or Dysphoria.

Advantages in Cancer Prophylaxis: Studies have shown how with even up to a year’s usage, the pill protects against womb cancer/ endometrial cancer reducing the risk by 50%. This advantage extends for almost 10 to 15 years after discontinuation of the pill in some cases. It has been postulated that the presence of progestin in the pill protects against cell division in the womb lining cells thereby conferring this benefit. Ovarian cancers benefit even better with pill use for as little as 6 months offering a risk reduction by 40%. This further rises to 80% risk reduction when the pill is used over longer periods of 10 years or more. Here again, the benefits extend for durations of up to 15 years.

Side Effects of Novelon Pills

Minor side effects are common with Novelon pills. The possible side effects are temporary and often easily managed. These can afflict almost every system in the body and include the following.

Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Abdominal distention
Amenorrhoea (cessation of withdrawal bleeds despite correct and regular pill intake) and breakthrough bleeding (reddish spotting or light bleeding while on the active pills) mandate a medical consultation to correct these effects or for assurance.
Allergic rash, Urticaria, Angioedema
Headache, Migraine, Sleep disorders, Altered mood, Anxiety, Depression, Irritability
Auditory or hearing disturbances
Visual alterations from corneal curvature modification, optic nerve damage or retinal vessel injury and difficulty in wearing contact lenses.
Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, fever
Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, and upper respiratory infections
Breast pains and engorgement, tenderness
Joint and muscle pains, leg pains, and swelling.

Detrimental Effects Of Novelon Contraceptive Pill

Contraceptive pills predispose to and increase the risk of the following life-threatening conditions or seriously debilitating disorders.

Blood clots in the veins and arteries of the body are called a thromboembolism.
Venous inflammation, Deep vein thrombosis.
Cerebrovascular thromboembolic disorders (pertaining to the brain).
Coronary Artery disorder or Ischemic Heart Disease, Myocardial Infarction and Pulmonary Embolism (heart attacks)
Hypertension or high blood pressure
Atherosclerosis and elevated blood lipids/cholesterol
Breast Cancer, Liver cancer, Benign Liver tumors.
Gall stones, Gall Bladder Inflammation.
Pancreatic inflammation especially in the setting of high blood lipids
Migraine and Epileptic seizures.

Novelon Contraceptive Pill – Contraindications

Novelon Contraceptive Pill should not be used in these situations:

Known disorder of the clotting system
Blood clots in the lungs, legs, eyes, or elsewhere
Thrombophlebitis or venous inflammation
Heart disease especially of the arrhythmic or Valvular varieties, coronary involvement
High blood pressure
Heavy smoker especially of age 35 years or more
Before surgeries, Prolonged immobilization periods, Morbid Obesity.
Uncontrolled or very high diabetes with blood vessel involvement
High blood lipids or triglycerides and cholesterol
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, high risk for cervical cancer, undiagnosed pregnancy
High risk for breast cancer or undiagnosed breast lumps.
Migraine headaches, Epileptic seizures
Undiagnosed liver tumors or elevated liver enzymes
Chronic Liver, Kidney or Adrenal disease.

Novelon Oral Contraceptive Pills – Interplay With Other Medications

Common drugs that can reduce the contraceptive efficiency of Novelon oral contraceptive pills include Ampicillin, Penicillin, Rifampin, Carbamazepin, Lamotrigine, Diazepam, Barbiturates, Nevirapin, and Ritonavir among many others.
It is necessary to inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking prior to the onset of contraceptive pills so as to appropriately modify either the existing therapy or the contraceptive method.