Buy Mircette Online

Mircette (Desogestrel Ethinyl Estradiol) Buyer and Patient Handbook in South Africa

What is Mircette?

Mircette is a combined oral contraceptive pill that contains the synthetic hormones desogestrel (a progestogen) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It belongs to the class of combined hormonal contraceptives and is used to prevent pregnancy. The product is approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) as well as by the FDA and EMA, and is supplied in tablet form.

Who Should Use Mircette?

• Women of reproductive age seeking a reliable, reversible method of contraception.
• Those who prefer a daily oral regimen over injectables or intra-uterine devices.
• Individuals without a history of thromboembolic disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or estrogen-dependent tumors.

How Does It Work?

Mircette prevents ovulation by suppressing the natural hormonal signals that trigger egg release. Desogestrel reduces the surge of luteinising hormone, while ethinyl estradiol stabilises the endometrial lining and thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. The combined action mimics the body’s own hormonal cycle, providing steady protection without the need for frequent medical visits.

Safety note: The estrogen component carries a small increased risk of blood clots; women with a personal or family history of clotting disorders should discuss alternatives with a health professional.

Why Choose Mircette?

• High efficacy: When taken correctly, it offers >99 % protection against pregnancy.
• Predictable bleeding pattern: Most users experience regular withdrawal bleeding during the pill-free interval.
• Convenient dosing: One tablet daily at the same time each day simplifies routine.

If you are interested in a lower-cost option, generic versions containing the same active ingredients are available and are bioequivalent to Mircette.

Dosage, Administration, Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations

Recommended Dosage

• One tablet daily containing .15 mg desogestrel / .02 mg ethinyl estradiol.

How to Take

1. Take the tablet at the same time each day, with or without food.
2. Swallow whole; do not split, chew, or crush the tablet.

Missed Dose

• If you miss a tablet by < 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember and continue with the next scheduled dose.
• If the miss is ≥ 12 hours, take the missed tablet immediately, then continue the regular schedule. If two or more doses are missed, use a backup method (e.g., condoms) for the next 7 days.

Overdose

• In case of accidental ingestion of many tablets, call emergency services (112 in South Africa) or go to the nearest hospital.

Special Populations

• Elderly: Not applicable; product is intended for women of reproductive age.
• Children: Not indicated for use in individuals under 15 years.
• Renal or hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment required, but monitor for side-effects.

Lifestyle & Diet

• Alcohol: Moderate consumption does not affect efficacy, but excessive intake may increase nausea.
• Grapefruit juice: May raise estrogen levels; limit intake to avoid potential side-effects.
• Smoking: Women over 35 who smoke should avoid estrogen-containing pills due to clot risk.

Precautions and Warnings

• Do not use if you have a history of deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or myocardial infarction.
• Avoid if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
• Use caution if you have migraine with aura, uncontrolled hypertension, or liver disease.
• Inform your health provider of any herbal supplements (e.g., St John’s wort) that may reduce pill effectiveness.

Drug Interactions

Potential Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Spotting between periods

Less Common Side Effects

• Mood changes
• Weight fluctuation
• Decreased libido

Serious Side Effects (seek medical help)

• Severe abdominal Pain or swelling (possible thrombosis)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Unusual vaginal bleeding lasting > 2 weeks

Who Should Avoid This Medication?

• Women with known hypersensitivity to desogestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or any excipients.
• Those with current or past estrogen-dependent neoplasms (e.g., Breast Cancer).
• Individuals with active liver disease or severe uncontrolled hypertension.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature (15-30 °C), away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children.
• Do not use tablets that are discoloured or have degraded after the expiry date.

Mircette Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after starting Mircette does protection begin?

If you begin on the first day of your period, protection is immediate. Starting at any other time requires seven days of backup contraception.

Can I take Mircette while drinking coffee?

Yes, moderate coffee consumption does not affect the pill’s effectiveness.

Will Mircette cause weight gain?

Weight changes are uncommon; most users report no significant gain.

Is it safe to take Mircette while traveling across time zones?

Maintain the same daily dosing time; if you cross more than 3 hours, adjust to the new local time on the same day.

What should I do if I experience severe headache?

A sudden, severe headache could signal a clot; seek medical attention promptly.

Can I use Mircette if I am breastfeeding?

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol is not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential effects on milk production.

Does smoking affect Mircette’s safety?

Smoking over age 35 markedly increases clot risk with estrogen-containing pills; consider a non-estrogen method.

How long can I stay on Mircette?

It can be used continuously for many years, provided regular health reviews confirm continued suitability.

Will Mircette protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

No, it does not prevent STIs; use condoms for that protection.

Can missed pills increase the risk of pregnancy?

Yes; the more doses missed, the higher the risk. Follow the missed-dose guidance and use backup contraception.

Glossary

• Combined oral contraceptive (COC): A pill that contains both estrogen and progestogen to prevent ovulation.
• Thromboembolism: Formation of a blood clot that can travel and block blood vessels, a rare but serious risk with estrogen.
• Withdrawal bleeding: Bleeding that occurs during the pill-free interval, mimicking a menstrual period.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Off-label uses are not endorsed; discuss any alternative use with a qualified health professional. The content reflects current knowledge and may not account for individual health circumstances. Our service facilitates access to approved medications in South Africa, but you remain responsible for ensuring the product is appropriate for you. Always consult a qualified health practitioner before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.