Novelon Lite

This tablet is indicated for:

• As an oral contraceptive
• Treatment of moderate acne vulgaris
• Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

This contains two active ingredients- Ethinylestradiol and Drospirenone. Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic version of estrogen and Drospirenone is a synthetic form of progesterone. The hormonal components of this preparation inhibit ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release. Secondary mechanisms, which may contribute to the effectiveness of this tablet as a contraceptive, include changes in the cervical mucus (which increase the difficulty of sperm penetration) and changes in the endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation).

Drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid activity, counteracting estrogen-related sodium retention. In combination with Ethinyloestradiol, Drospirenone displays a favorable lipid profile with an increase in high-density lipoprotein HDL. Drospirenone exerts antiandrogenic activity and does not counteract the ethinyloestradiol-related sex hormone-binding globulin increase which is useful for binding and inactivating the endogenous androgens.

Interactions between ethinylestradiol and other drugs may lead to decreased or increased ethinylestradiol concentrations, respectively. Decreased ethinylestradiol serum concentrations may cause an increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding and menstrual irregularities and may possibly reduce efficacy of the oral contraceptive. Example of substances that may decrease serum ethinylestradiol concentrations include rifampicin, phenytoin, primidone, rifabutin, dexamethasone, griseofulvin, topiramate, some protease inhibitors, modafinil, ritonavir and barbiturates. Certain antibiotics including ampicillin, other penicillins and tetracyclines may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. During concomitant use of this tablet & other drugs that may lead to decreased ethinylestradiol serum concentrations, it is recommended that a non hormonal back-up method of contraception to be used in addition to the regular intake of this tablet.

Different types of tablet suit to different types of woman. At the initial stage some women may experience side-effects like dizziness, headache, breast pain, nausea or unscheduled uterine bleeding. These symptoms may occur in >3% of users. After starting one brand of oral contraceptive tablets, if you feel any inconvenience such as migraine, changes in eyesight or speech, unusual pain or swelling in your legs, sharp chest pains or shortness of breath, rash, yellow skin or a rise in blood pressure take immediate advice from your doctor.

Use during pregnancy: This is contraindicated during pregnancy. Pregnancy must be excluded before starting this tablet. If pregnancy occurs during use of this tablet, the preparation must be withdrawn immediately. Women who discontinue oral contraceptives with the intent of becoming pregnant, a non-hormonal method of contraception is recommended for three months before attempting to conceive.

Use during lactation: Lactation may be influenced by combined pill as they may reduce the quantity and change the composition of breast milk, therefore the use of estrogen containing combined pill should generally not be recommended until the nursing mother has completely weaned her child. Small amounts of the contraceptive steroids and/or their metabolites may be excreted with the milk.

If any circulatory disorder (like- myocardial infarction, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular injury etc) or other risk factors(like smoking, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, migraine, atrial fibrillation etc) are present, the benefits of COC use should be weighed against the possible risks for each individual woman and discussed with the woman before she decides to start using it. In the event of aggravation, exacerbation or first appearance of any of these conditions or risk factors after taking pill, the woman should contact with her physician. The physician should then decide on whether its use should be discontinued.

Pediatric Use: This is only indicated after menarche. There is no data suggesting the need for a dosage adjustment.

Use in the Elderly: This is not indicated after menopause.

Oral Contraceptive preparations

Symptoms of oral contraceptive overdose may include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, dizziness, abdominal pain, drowsiness/fatigue; withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. There is no specific antidote and further treatment of overdose, if necessary, is directed to the symptoms.

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.