Femodene

Femodene is a combined oral contraceptive pill, one of the most popular methods of contraception.

It contains synthetic hormones that, when taken once daily, are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. These are the same hormones as several brands, including Katya, Millinette and Akizza.

Femodene is available in two different forms: Femodene and Femodene ED. Both are available to buy online at euroClinix.

Femodene, and other contraceptive pills, are some of the simplest and most effective forms of contraception. You just take one pill daily and it's over 99% effective.

The ultimate aim of hormonal contraceptives is to prevent pregnancy. However, there are many other benefits to taking hormonal birth control. You may use contraception, not for the benefit of preventing pregnancy at all, but for one or several of the following reasons:

• regulate periods
• reduce period pain
• make periods lighter
• improve PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms
• decrease mood swings

Femodene also reduces symptoms of several long-term conditions, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Femodene, and other combined pills, will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a male or female condom for reliable protection against STIs.

Whilst it is a good option for most women, you should not take Femodene if you have:

• a history of blood clots
• a disorder that affects blood clotting
• been off your feet for a long time (e.g. need or have had an operation)
• ever had a heart attack or stroke
• ever had angina or a mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack or TIA)
• severe diabetes
• very high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• migraine
• breast cancer or cervical cancer
• severe liver disease

Other medical conditions may worsen if you take Femodene, such as sickle cell anaemia or bowel disease. So if you have any other medical conditions, you should consult your doctor first.

Other contraceptive options are safer for women with these conditions, such as the IUD or the mini pill.

Femodene works by stabilising your natural hormone levels. This prevents your body from preparing your reproductive system for pregnancy.

There are two hormones necessary for pregnancy: oestrogen and progesterone. These sex hormones naturally rise and fall throughout your menstrual cycle. As these levels fluctuate, certain processes that prepare the body for pregnancy are triggered.

Hormonal contraception works by supplementing synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone, which prevents levels from peaking or falling. Doing so,

• prevents ovulation - the process in which your ovaries release an egg into your fallopian tube, ready to be fertilised
• thickens the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg
• thins the lining of the womb (uterus), which stops the fertilised egg from being able to implant into the womb

Femodene then causes these hormones to drop at the end of each month, which simulates a natural period.

Start taking Femodene between days 1 & 5 of your period. This will ensure the pill is effective straight away. While you can take it any other time during your cycle, you will need to use a barrier contraceptive (e.g. condoms) for at least 7 days.

Like other contraceptive pills, you should take one Femodene pill each day. It must be taken at the exact time each day to ensure that it is effective. If you miss or lose a pill, your protection may be affected.

There are two types of Femodene: Femodene and Femodene ED. They contain the same hormones except you take them differently.

How to take Femodene

The original Femodene tablets are known as 21-day pills. Each strip of Femodene contains 21 pills, with each pill marked with the day of the week.

Once you have finished the pack, you take a seven-day break. In the break, you will have a withdrawal bleed. You can skip the break and start a new pack immediately if you don’t want a period.

How to take Femodene ED

Femodene ED is an everyday pill or a 28-day pill. There are 28 pills in each pack, 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills.

You start by taking the 21 active pills, which contain the hormones. Then instead of a 7-day break, you take the 7 inactive pills. These contain no hormones and will cause you to have a withdrawal bleed. You may also skip the inactive pills and start the next pack of active pills if you don’t want a period.

The everyday pills are a great option for those who like the combined pill, but forget to continue the next pack after a break.

Some women miss a pill once in a while. It happens, but what should you do if you miss a pill?

If it has been less than 24 hours* since your last pill, you should still be protected. Take the missed pill as soon as possible, then take the next pill at your usual time.

If it has been 24 hours or more or you have missed more than one pill, your contraception will be affected. Take the missed pill(s) as soon as possible but use barrier contraception for at least a week.

Please read the patient information leaflet for more information on what to do if you miss a Femodene pill.

What happens if I vomit or have diarrhoea?

If you vomit or have severe diarrhoea within 4 hours of taking Femodene, your contraception may be affected. This is because it may not have been digested properly.

If you feel better within 12 hours of taking the pill, follow the instructions for a lost pill. If after 12 or more hours you still feel ill, follow the instructions for a missed pill.

Both sets of instructions are available in the patient information leaflet.

Hormonal contraceptives can cause side effects, especially in the first few months. However, for most, these side effects are mild and temporary.

Some common side effects can be seen below.

Serious side effects

There is an increased risk of several serious conditions whilst taking Femodene:

• blood clots in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)
• blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism or PE)
• cervical cancer
• breast cancer

The risk of developing serious side effects like blood clots is relatively low and can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle such as quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, losing weight and doing regular exercise.

Your doctor won’t prescribe you Femodene if they think you’re at risk of any serious side effects.

You must check with your doctor before taking Femodene if you take any other medicines, including any over-the-counter or herbal medicines. This is especially important for the contraceptive pill as other medicines may make it less effective.

Do not take Femodene if you take any of the following medicines:

• medicines to treat epilepsy
• some medicines used to treat HIV or Hepatitis C infections
• griseofulvin (an antifungal medicine)
• certain sedatives (barbiturates)
• St John’s Wort (a herbal medicine used for mood disorders)

If you’re not sure whether this applies to you, check with your healthcare provider.

If you are currently taking Femodene, you can reorder it online at euroClinix. All you have to do is complete our quick, discreet medical questionnaire. This will be reviewed by one of our registered doctors to make sure it’s suitable for you to take. Once approved, your prescription will be delivered to your front door. With our free next-day delivery service, you don’t have to worry about missing a pill or running short.