Mercilon

Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive pill that is over 99% effective when used correctly. It contains synthetic versions of oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progestogen (desogestrel) to reliably and safely prevent pregnancy. It is sometimes referred to as “the pill”.

Mercilon works in three core ways to prevent pregnancy:

• Prevents ovulation: Mercilon prevents the release of hormones that trigger ovulation. With no egg released, fertilisation cannot occur.
• Thickens cervical mucus: Mercilon makes cervical mucus thicker, making it harder for sperm to pass through.
• Alters the uterine lining: Mercilon modifies the lining of the womb, making it almost impossible for a fertilised egg to attach to it and grow.

Together, these actions provide highly effective, reliable protection against pregnancy.

The combined oral contraceptive pill Mercilon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. In one study involving 1,684 women, four pregnancies occurred, with three of them a result of patients not taking Mercilon correctly. This displays a very high rate of effectiveness makingMercilon one of the most reliable contraceptive options on the market when used as directed.

To be prescribed Mercilon from 121doc, you must be a woman over the age of 18.

Do not use Mercilon if you:

• are allergic to any ingredient found in this medicine
• have ever had a blood clot or a disorder affecting blood clotting
• are due to have surgery or will be immobile for a long time
• have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• have angina pectoris (a condition causing severe chest pain) or transient ischaemic attack (temporary stroke symptoms)
• experience migraines with aura
• have ever had liver disease, a liver tumour, or kidney problems
• have ever had breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs
• experience unexplained vaginal bleeding

When you take your first Mercilon pill depends on a few different factors. Follow this guide when starting your birth control:

• If you have not used hormonal contraception in the last month:
  • Start on day 1 of your period for immediate protection.
  • Starting on days 2–5 requires extra protection (i.e. condoms) for 7 days.
• If you’re switching from another combined pill, ring, or patch:
  • Start the day after your last active tablet or after removing your ring/patch.
  • Begin at the latest after your placebo or tablet-free days.
• If you’re switching from a progestogen-only pill:
  • You can start on any day, but use extra protection for 7 days.
• If you’re switching from an injection, implant, or hormonal IUD:
  • Start on the day your next injection is due, or the day your implant is removed. Use extra protection for 7 days.
• After a miscarriage:
  • Follow your doctor’s advice.
• After giving birth:
  • Start between 21 and 28 days after giving birth. Starting later requires extra protection for 7 days.

Yes, you can take Mercilon without the 7-day break to avoid breakthrough bleeding, however, you should discuss this with your doctor to make sure it’s safe. Generally, it is advised to take a 7-day break every month to keep your cycle under control, but in some cases this is not necessary.

If you forget to take a Mercilon pill, you may be less protected from pregnancy, but it depends on how long it has been since you were meant to take it. Follow this guide on what to do if you forget to take a pill:

Yes, there are some potential side effects of Mercilon, although not everyone will get them. The most common Mercilon side effects are:

• headache
• weight gain
• breast tenderness
• depression or mood changes
• stomach problems
• migraine
• fluid retention
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of Mercilon’s side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Mercilon can cause weight gain, as it is listed as a common side effect. However, this is most likely a result of fluid retention (water weight), not fat gain. This happens as your body gets used to hormonal changes, and your weight should go back to normal within weeks. If it doesn’t, talk to your doctor to determine what the cause could be.

While Mercilon can sometimes cause skin problems like acne, it is actually more likely to improve symptoms. A comprehensive review of over 31 clinical trials found that combined contraceptive pills like Mercilon reduced spots and improved skin.

Mercilon can cause your breasts to enlarge slightly due to its hormones. This is likely due to fluid retention, and is often temporary. Once your body gets used to the medication, your breasts should go back to their normal size, but they may stay enlarged until you stop taking Mercilon.

No, Mercilon is not recommended while breastfeeding as it can interfere with your baby’s development. Research has found that this is likely due to a decrease in breast milk production due to the hormonal content of Mercilon. Talk to your doctor about alternative contraception options if you’re breastfeeding.

No, you cannot get Mercilon without a prescription. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects