Brevinor - indications, contraindications, dosage, side effects

Brevinor is a combined oral contraceptive pill, often referred to as 'the pill'. It works by mimicking the natural hormones produced by the body, specifically progesterone and estrogen, to prevent ovulation. This means no egg is released from the ovaries each month.

Additionally, Brevinor thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to pass through to the womb and reach an egg. It also changes the quality of the womb lining (endometrium), making it less likely that a fertilised egg can implant there.

These combined actions create a highly effective barrier to pregnancy. It's important to note that while Brevinor aids in preventing pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Brevinor is typically indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. It's an effective hormonal contraceptive when taken correctly and consistently.

It contains two types of hormones: an estrogen called ethinylestradiol and a progestogen known as norethisterone. These synthetic hormones work to prevent ovulation, change the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg, and alter the lining of the womb to make it less likely for a fertilised egg to implant.

While the primary indication for Brevinor is contraception, it may also be prescribed for other conditions related to menstrual health. These include:

• Regulation of menstrual periods: Brevinor can help in achieving regular, predictable menstrual cycles.
• Menstrual pain: It may be used to alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
• Heavy periods: Brevinor can reduce menstrual blood loss and may be indicated for menorrhagia (heavy periods).
• Endometriosis: It may be used as part of the treatment strategy for endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

It's important to note that Brevinor doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). An additional barrier method of contraception (such as condoms) should be used to prevent STIs.

As with all medications, the suitability and dosage of Brevinor should be assessed by a healthcare provider on an individual basis, taking into account the person's overall health, medical history, and current medications.

Brevinor, like any other medication, is not suitable for everyone and it has certain contraindications that need to be taken into account before its use. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you should not take Brevinor:

• History of venous or arterial thrombosis (blood clots) that includes deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke.
• Known, current, or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the reproductive organs, liver disease, or a liver tumor.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Allergy to any of the ingredients in Brevinor.
• If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.

In addition to the above, Brevinor should not be used by anyone who suffers from conditions that might increase the risk of a blood clot in a vein. This includes those who are very overweight, those who have systemic lupus erythematosus, and those who have had a baby in the last few weeks.

Furthermore, if you have a history of migraine with aura, you should not use Brevinor.

If you have any questions about these contraindications, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using Brevinor.

As with any form of medication, Brevinor can cause a number of side effects. Not everyone will experience these effects, but if they do occur, they can be quite distressing. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects so that you can take appropriate action if needed.

The most common side effects of Brevinor include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Changes in mood, such as depression or mood swings
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Breast tenderness or enlargement

In rare cases, Brevinor can cause more serious side effects. These include:

• Severe allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing
• Changes in vision or hearing
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Unusual changes in menstrual periods, such as breakthrough bleeding or missed periods
• Chest pain or discomfort, arm or jaw pain, and sudden shortness of breath, which can be signs of a heart attack

If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible. If the side effects are severe, you should seek immediate medical attention.

The dosage of Brevinor greatly depends on the individual's health condition, age, and response to the ongoing treatment. It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the dosage to obtain the maximum benefit of this medication. Generally, the recommended starting dose for Brevinor is one tablet taken orally once a day.

Therefore, here are some important points to consider:

• Always take Brevinor at the same time each day, preferably after the evening meal or at bedtime. This can help you remember to take it.
• Do not skip doses or take more than prescribed. Incorrect dosage can lead to decreased effectiveness and increased side effects.
• In case you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Never double your dose to catch up.
• Regularly monitor your health condition and discuss with your healthcare provider any changes or unusual symptoms, such as sudden breakthrough bleeding.

In conclusion, proper dosage is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of Brevinor. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider and never alter it without their consent.

Brevinor is primarily used as a contraceptive pill, designed to prevent pregnancy. It should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once a day. Here are some general guidelines for using Brevinor:

• It's recommended to take the pill at the same time each day to help remember to take it.
• The tablet should be swallowed whole, without chewing or breaking it.
• If you miss a dose, it's important to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
• In case of vomiting or diarrhea within 4 hours of taking the pill, you should consider this as a missed dose and follow the advice for a missed dose.
• It's important to start your next pack on time, even if you're still bleeding.
• Do not stop taking Brevinor without consulting your healthcare provider.

Remember, this is only a guide and you should always follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider. It's also important to continue using additional contraception methods (like condoms) if you're at risk of STIs, as Brevinor doesn't protect against them.

Precautions play a significant role in ensuring the safe and effective use of Brevinor. As with any medication, it is vital for patients to be aware of these precautions and adhere to them for optimal results and minimizing risks.

Firstly, those with a history of thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, should use Brevinor with caution. Patients with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure should also exercise caution. Brevinor may increase the risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Therefore, it's crucial for these patients to regularly monitor their health and report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Secondly, Brevinor should not be used by individuals who smoke and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from birth control pills, including Brevinor. The risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes smoked.

Furthermore, Brevinor should be used with caution in women with a history of irregular menstrual cycles. Such women may require extra monitoring while using this medication.

Lastly, in the case of scheduled surgeries, Brevinor use should be discontinued at least four weeks prior to the procedure and not resumed until two weeks after complete recovery. This is to lower the risk of blood clot formation.

In conclusion, while Brevinor is an effective contraceptive, it's crucial to consider and follow these precautions to ensure its safe use.

When using Brevinor, it's crucial to understand potential interactions with other substances. Such interactions can alter the way Brevinor works and increase the risk of side effects. Here are several notable interactions:

• Medicines with the enzyme inducer: Drugs such as Rifampicin, Phenytoin, and St. John's Wort can reduce the effectiveness of Brevinor by speeding up its breakdown in the body.
• Antibiotics: Some antibiotics like ampicillin and doxycycline may decrease the effectiveness of Brevinor. It's advised to use additional contraception while taking these antibiotics and for seven days after stopping.
• Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can interfere with the absorption of Brevinor, making it less effective.
• Anti-HIV drugs: Some anti-HIV drugs, such as ritonavir, may increase the risk of side effects from Brevinor.

It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you're currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Never start a new medication without telling your doctor if you are taking Brevinor.

The price of Brevinor can vary depending on the location, pharmacy, and whether or not you have health insurance. It's essential to understand that Brevinor is a prescription medication, which means the cost can sometimes be covered by health insurance plans. If you are purchasing Brevinor without insurance, prices can range significantly.

Local pharmacies often have different pricing structures, so it may be worthwhile to compare prices at several locations. Additionally, some online pharmacies may offer Brevinor at competitive prices. However, when purchasing from an online source, ensure it is a reputable pharmacy to avoid counterfeit or unsafe medications.

Furthermore, discounts or patient assistance programs may be available to help lower the cost of Brevinor. Some pharmaceutical companies offer these programs to help patients who cannot afford their medications. It's recommended to speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the potential options for reducing the cost of your Brevinor prescription.

If you are unable to take Brevinor for any reason, there may be other contraceptive options available. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness, side effects, and contraindications of these alternatives may vary, so it is crucial to discuss these with your healthcare provider. Some potential substitutes include:

• Microgynon: This is another combined oral contraceptive that contains the same hormones as Brevinor, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. However, the dosage may differ.
• Loestrin: This contraceptive also contains norethisterone and ethinylestradiol. It is available in two strengths, Loestrin 20 and Loestrin 30.
• Yasmin: Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive that contains drospirenone and ethinylestradiol. It is considered to have a lower risk of causing weight gain compared to other contraceptives.
• Cilest: Cilest contains norgestimate and ethinylestradiol. This contraceptive is known for its ability to help with acne problems.

Remember, the decision to switch contraceptives should not be taken lightly and should always be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They will consider various factors such as your health history, lifestyle, and personal preferences when suggesting a suitable alternative.