Femicon

✔️ Uses of Femicon

Treatment of Contraception, Dysmennohrea (irregular menstrual cycle).

✔️ How does Femicon work?

Norgestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol + Ferrous Fumarate: The combined hormones prevent pregnancy by:

1. Inhibiting ovulation: Stops egg release from the ovaries.
2. Altering cervical mucus: Makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
3. Preventing uterine lining thickening: Reduces the likelihood of egg attachment to the uterus.

✔️ Side Effects of Femicon

Some users may experience:

• Acne, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), breast tenderness or swelling, reduced breast milk production, dizziness, fluid retention, abdominal discomfort, unwanted hair growth, intolerance to contact lenses, sexual desire changes, scalp hair loss, menstrual flow changes, skin darkening, mood changes, nausea, nervousness, vaginal discharge, vomiting, and changes in appetite.

If side effects are persistent or severe, consult your doctor.

✔️ Quick Suggestions:

• Verify that your pill pack contains 28 pills — 21 “active” white hormone-containing pills and 7 brown iron-containing inert pills. The active pills are taken for 21 consecutive days, followed by a week of brown pills, which do not contain hormones.
• Always inform your doctor that you are using this contraceptive, as it may affect the outcomes of certain blood tests.
• Engage in regular physical activity to manage any potential weight fluctuations related to the medication.
• Monitor your blood pressure daily. If you notice significant fluctuations, contact your doctor promptly to address potential cardiovascular risks associated with contraceptive use.
• Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) and consider low-fat oils, such as olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, or coconut oil, to help manage blood pressure.

✔️ Pharmacology

Femicon suppresses gonadotropins, which primarily inhibit ovulation. It also thickens cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the uterus, and alters the endometrium to reduce the likelihood of implantation.

✔️ Dosage and Administration Guidelines for Norgestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol + Ferrous Fumarate

Starting Contraception

• Day 1 Start: Begin with 1 hormonally active tablet by mouth (PO) on the first day of the menstrual cycle. Take one active tablet daily for 21 days, followed by 7 inert (iron) tablets for the next 7 days. This forms a 28-day cycle, after which the cycle is repeated.

Post-Pregnancy Initiation

• After Vaginal Birth: Wait a minimum of 3 weeks before starting this contraceptive.
• After Caesarean Section: Wait at least 6 weeks post-surgery before beginning the contraceptive.
• Additional Risk Factors for VTE (Venous Thromboembolism): Women with added risk factors for VTE during the postpartum period should avoid combined hormonal contraceptives.

Hepatic (Liver) Impairment

• Contraindication: Do not administer this contraceptive in cases of liver impairment, as it may worsen hepatic conditions or reduce contraceptive efficacy.

Swallow this medicine as a whole with water; do not crush, break, or chew it.

✔️ Interaction

• Reduced Effectiveness: Antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and drugs that increase steroid clearance (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine) can reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
• Other Effects: May cause increased levels of drugs like theophylline, selegiline, and tizanidine. Avoid using drugs like troleandomycin due to the risks of pruritus and jaundice.

✔️ Contraindications

Pregnancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe cardiovascular disease, liver tumors, history of breast cancer, heavy smoking, diabetes with complications, and high blood pressure (BP >160/100 mmHg), among others.

✔️ Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Femicon should not be used if pregnancy is confirmed or suspected.
• Lactation: Estrogens in Femicon may affect milk quality and quantity. It is advised to use alternative contraception during breastfeeding.

✔️ Precautions & Warnings

• Femicon should be used cautiously in patients with a history of cardiovascular, renal, or liver disease, epilepsy, migraines, depression, or conditions exacerbated by fluid retention.
• Missed Pills: If pills are missed or if gastrointestinal issues (like vomiting or diarrhea) occur, additional contraception methods should be used

✔️ Storage:

Store Femicon in a cool, dry place away from light, and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

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