Marvelon Contraceptive Pill

About Marvelon Contraceptive Pill

Marvelon is a combined oral contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. Each tablet contains two types of female hormones: an oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and a progestogen (desogestrel). When taken correctly, it is one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception. Marvelon works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the womb lining to prevent egg implantation.

Marvelon is suitable for women of childbearing age and is typically supplied in blister strips of 21 tablets:

• Marvelon Contraceptive Pill – 3 Month Supply (3 x 21 tablets)
• Marvelon Contraceptive Pill – 6 Month Supply (6 x 21 tablets)

What Is Marvelon Used For?

Marvelon is primarily used as a hormonal contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. Beyond contraception, combined pills like Marvelon are often prescribed to help manage heavy, painful, or irregular periods, making them lighter and more predictable.

Who Is Marvelon Suitable For?

Marvelon is suitable for most healthy women, but it is not appropriate for everyone due to the risk of blood clots or hormonal sensitivities.

Do not use Marvelon if you:

• Have (or have ever had) a blood clot in a blood vessel of the legs, lungs, or other organs
• Have a disorder affecting blood clotting (e.g., protein C deficiency)
• Are due to have an operation or are off your feet for a long time
• Have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• Have severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
• Have very high blood pressure
• Have breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs
• Suffer from “migraine with aura”

Speak to a healthcare professional before use if you:

• Smoke (especially if over 35)
• Are overweight (BMI over 30)
• Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have elevated levels of fat in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia)
• Have recently given birth

How to Take Marvelon

1. Take one pill every day at approximately the same time until the strip of 21 is finished.
2. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew it.
3. Follow the direction of the arrows on the strip to stay on track.
4. Once the strip is empty, have 7 days where you take no pills.
5. Start your new strip on the 8th day exactly, regardless of whether your bleed has stopped.

If you vomit or have severe diarrhoea within 3-4 hours of taking a pill, follow the instructions for missed pills.

Possible Side Effects of Marvelon

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 women):

• Headaches or migraines
• Weight gain
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Mood changes or depression
• Gastrointestinal upsets (nausea, abdominal pain)

Uncommon:

• Fluid retention
• Decreased sexual drive
• Skin rashes or hives

Rare:

• Blood clots in a vein or artery
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses (due to fluid changes in the eye)
• Weight loss

Warnings and Precautions

• Blood Clots: Using a combined pill increases your risk of developing a blood clot compared to not using one.
• Breast Cancer: Breast cancer has been observed slightly more often in women using the combined pill.
• STI Protection: Marvelon does not protect against HIV (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted infections; only condoms provide this protection.
• Regular Check-ups: While taking Marvelon, you should see your doctor for regular blood pressure and health checks.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C.
• Store in the original package 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.