Bimizza Contraceptive Pill

About Bimizza Contraceptive Pill

Bimizza is a combined oral contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. Each tablet contains two types of female hormones: ethinylestradiol (0.02mg) and desogestrel (0.15mg). These hormones work together to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and alter the lining of the womb to prevent a fertilised egg from implanting.

Bimizza is a “monophasic” pill, meaning every active tablet in the pack contains the same dose of hormones. It is an effective method of birth control when taken correctly and consistently.

What Is Bimizza Used For?

Bimizza is primarily used for the prevention of pregnancy. It is a highly reliable form of reversible contraception. Beyond birth control, combined pills like Bimizza are sometimes used to help manage heavy, painful, or irregular periods, making them more predictable and lighter.

Who Is Bimizza Suitable For?

Bimizza is suitable for most healthy women of childbearing age. However, it is not suitable for everyone.

Do not use Bimizza if you:

• Are allergic to ethinylestradiol, desogestrel, or any listed ingredients.
• Have (or have ever had) a blood clot in a blood vessel of the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE).
• Have a disorder affecting blood clotting (e.g., protein C deficiency).
• Need an operation or are off your feet for a long time.
• Have ever had a heart attack or stroke.
• Have (or have ever had) angina pectoris or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
• Have severe diabetes with blood vessel damage.
• Have very high blood pressure or very high levels of fat in the blood.
• Suffer from “migraine with aura.”
• Have or have had breast or genital organ cancer.
• Have or have had severe liver disease or liver tumours.

How to Take Bimizza

1. Take one tablet every day, preferably at the same time, with a drink of water if needed.
2. Follow the direction of the arrows on the blister pack until all 21 tablets are taken.
3. Once the strip is finished, do not take any tablets for the next 7 days.
4. During these 7 days, a “withdrawal bleed” usually starts (typically 2-3 days after the last tablet).
5. Start your next pack on the 8th day, regardless of whether your bleeding has stopped.

Possible Side Effects of Bimizza

Like all medicines, Bimizza can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 women):

• Depressed mood or mood swings
• Headache
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Weight gain

Uncommon side effects:

• Fluid retention
• Migraine
• Decreased sexual drive
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Skin rash or hives

Serious side effects include an increased risk of blood clots in veins and arteries. Seek medical help immediately if you notice signs of a clot, such as painful swelling in the leg, sudden chest pain, or breathlessness.

Warnings and Precautions

• Bimizza does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted disease (STDs).
• If you vomit or have severe diarrhoea within 3-4 hours of taking a tablet, the active ingredients may not be absorbed; follow the advice for missed pills.
• Regular check-ups with your doctor are required while taking the pill.
• Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects; it is strongly advised to stop smoking if using Bimizza, especially if over 35.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date stated on the carton.

Important Information

• Ensure you take the pill at the same time daily to maintain effectiveness.
• If you miss a pill, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for specific “missed pill” instructions.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including herbal remedies like St. John’s Wort.