Indications 

Marvelon 21-day is a type of oral contraceptive pill prescribed to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is taken daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break where no pills are taken.  

Marvelon contains two active ingredients: desogestrel, a progestogen hormone, and ethinylestradiol, an estrogen hormone. These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus to make it less receptive to implantation. 

Use and Dosage 

Marvelon 21-day comes in the form of tablet to take it orally once a day for 21 days at the same time for each day and the 7 days break. Do not chew or alter the form of Marvelon 21-day tablets. Chewing the tablet may affect its effectiveness and can also cause side effects. 

Start by taking the first pill on the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period). If you start taking the pill on any other day, you may need to use additional contraceptive methods for the first 7 days. Take one tablet daily at around the same time each day for 21 consecutive days. Each pill is marked with a day of the week to help you keep track. After completing the 21 days of active pills, take a break for 7 days. During this break, you will typically experience withdrawal bleeding, similar to a period. Start a new pack of pills on the eighth day, regardless of whether you are still bleeding or not. 

Take the pills in the correct order and do not skip any days. Skipping pills may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive. Start each new pack on time to maintain contraceptive protection 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects 

• Abdominal cramping or bloating 
• Back pain 
• Breast pain, tenderness, or swelling 
• Diarrhea 
• Dizziness 
• General feeling of being unwell 
• Headaches 
• Heartburn 
• Nausea 
• Painful menstrual cramps 
• Unusual tiredness or weakness 
• Vomiting 
• Weight gain or loss 

Serious Side Effects 

• Abdominal cramps 
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods 
• Breast lumps (for women with a history of breast disease) 
• Changes in sleep 
• Changes in weight 
• Chest pain or pressure 
• Complete stop of menstrual bleeding for several months in a row 
• Coughing 
• Coughing up blood, sweating, or passing out 
• Dark urine 
• Decreased bleeding during periods 
• Decreased interest in activities 
• Depression 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Excessive eating 
• Flu-like symptoms (sudden lack of energy, fever, cough, sore throat) 
• Frequent urination 
• Fruity breath odor 
• Increased blood pressure 
• Increased thirst 
• Infections 
• Loss of appetite 
• Low back or flank pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Pain 
• Pain when urinating 
• Pale stools 
• Poor concentration 
• Poor wound healing 
• Prolonged bleeding during periods 
• Sharp chest pain that is worse when breathing in 
• Sudden loss of coordination 
• Sudden or severe headache 
• Sudden slurring of speech 
• Swelling 
• Swelling of the face and throat 
• Tenderness in upper abdominal area 
• Tenderness, pain, swelling 
• Thoughts of suicide 
• Unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Unusual swelling of the extremities 
• Urinating more often than usual 
• Vaginal infection with vaginal itching or irritation, or thick, white, or curd-like discharge 
• Vision changes 
• Warmth, or redness in the arm or leg 
• Weight loss 
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes 

Cautions 

• Missing a pill or taking it late can reduce the effectiveness of Marvelon. Take the pill at the same time every day to maintain its effectiveness. If you miss a pill, refer to the patient information leaflet or consult with a healthcare professional for specific instructions on what to do. 
• Marvelon may interact with certain medications, including some antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antifungal drugs, and herbal remedies. These interactions can affect the effectiveness of Marvelon and may require additional contraceptive measures.  
• Marvelon may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a history of blood clots, heart disease, liver disease, certain types of cancer, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Disclose your medical history to your healthcare professional before starting Marvelon. 
• Smoking while taking Marvelon increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Avoid smoking while using hormonal contraceptives. 
• Marvelon 21-day is not recommended for use in women over the age of 35 who smoke, as it increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects.  
• Marvelon is not recommended while breastfeeding, as small amounts of the hormones in the pill may pass into breast milk. Discuss alternative contraceptive options with your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding. 
• Marvelon is intended for use as a contraceptive and should not be taken during pregnancy. If you suspect you may be pregnant while taking Marvelon, discontinue its use and consult with a healthcare professional. 
• If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients in Marvelon, inform your healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on suitable alternatives. 
• Marvelon may worsen existing gallbladder conditions or increase the risk of gallbladder disease. Discuss any history of gallbladder disease with your healthcare professional. 
• Marvelon can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels closely and consult with your healthcare professional for guidance. 
• If you have a history of migraines, Marvelon may increase the risk of experiencing migraines or worsen existing migraines.  
• Marvelon may affect mood and worsen symptoms of depression or other mood disorders. If you have a history of depression or are currently experiencing mood changes, discuss this with your healthcare professional.