Description
Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive containing desogestrel 150 micrograms and ethinylestradiol 20 micrograms. It is licensed to prevent pregnancy and works mainly by preventing ovulation, with additional effects on cervical mucus and the lining of the womb. One tablet is taken at about the same time each day for 21 days, followed by a seven day break in which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs; the next strip starts on day eight.
Because the oestrogen dose is at the lower end of the range, irregular spotting is more likely in the first few cycles. All combined pills raise the risk of venous and arterial blood clots, and the venous risk with desogestrel containing pills sits at the higher end of that range. Mercilon is not suitable if you have migraine with aura or a history of clot.
Tell your prescriber if you smoke and are over 35. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Combined oral contraceptive: desogestrel 150mcg, ethinylestradiol 20mcg
- One tablet daily for 21 days, then a seven day break
- Lower oestrogen dose; spotting is more likely in early cycles
- Not suitable with migraine with aura or a history of blood clots
- Tell your prescriber if you smoke and are over 35
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
