Lizinna - action, use, indications, dosage

Lizinna is a popular combined oral contraceptive pill, often referred to as a 'birth control pill' or simply 'the pill'. It contains two hormones - an estrogen (ethinylestradiol) and a progestogen (norgestimate). These are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

The primary action of Lizinna lies in its ability to prevent ovulation. Each monthly pack of Lizinna contains 21 pills, and when taken correctly, it ensures that an egg is not released from the ovaries each month (a process known as ovulation). This is the main way it prevents pregnancy.

Additionally, the hormones in Lizinna cause changes in the body that help prevent pregnancy in other ways. They thicken the mucus in the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb from the vagina, and also alter the lining of the womb to make it less likely that a fertilized egg can implant there.

It's important to note that while Lizinna is highly effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms in conjunction with Lizinna is recommended for those at risk of STIs.

Lizinna - indications

Lizinna is indicated for use in women for the prevention of pregnancy. It's a combined oral contraceptive, often referred to as 'the pill'. It contains two hormones: norgestimate and ethinylestradiol, which work together to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries). They also alter the lining of the uterus (womb) to make it less likely for an egg to attach and grow.

In addition to contraception, Lizinna is also indicated for the treatment of moderate acne in women who wish to use oral contraception. This is due to its effect on hormone levels, which can help to regulate the skin's oil production.

It’s important to note that Lizinna does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, you should still use condoms to protect against STIs, even if you're taking Lizinna.

Before starting Lizinna, it is essential to read the patient information leaflet and understand all the indications for its use. It should not be used by women who have certain medical conditions or who are pregnant. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Contraindications are specific situations or conditions under which the use of a particular medication is not advised. For Lizinna, certain contraindications are applicable, and they are as follows:

• Known or suspected pregnancy: Lizinna should not be used if you are pregnant or suspect you might be. It is not designed to prevent pregnancy if you're already pregnant.
• Venous and arterial thrombotic and thromboembolic diseases or a history of these conditions: If you have had blood clots or diseases related to blood clotting, using Lizinna can increase the risk of these conditions.
• Presence or history of severe liver disease: If you have had severe liver disease or your liver function tests are not normal, Lizinna should not be used.
• Known or suspected sex steroid-influenced malignancies: If you have or suspect you have cancers influenced by sex hormones, Lizinna should not be used.
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding: If you have vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed, Lizinna should not be used until a cause is found and treated.
• Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients: If you are allergic to Lizinna or any of its ingredients, do not use this medication.

It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider of your complete medical history and current health conditions before starting treatment with Lizinna. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding the use of medication.

As with all medications, Lizinna also has potential side effects that people may experience. It's important to note that not everyone who takes Lizinna will experience these side effects, they occur only in a fraction of users. However, they are potential risks that you should be aware of.

Common side effects of Lizinna, affecting 1 in 10 people may include:

• Mood changes
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Increased weight
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Changes to menstrual bleeding

Uncommon side effects that can affect up to 1 in 100 people include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Skin rash or hives
• Fluid retention causing swelling
• Changes in libido
• Increased appetite
• Depression or anxiety

Rare side effects that can affect up to 1 in 1000 people include:

• Contact lens intolerance
• Hypersensitivity
• Increased blood pressure
• Vaginal discharge
• Breast enlargement

If any of these side effects persist, worsen, or become concerning, it is recommended to contact a healthcare professional immediately. Similarly, if you experience any severe or unusual symptoms after starting Lizinna, seek medical attention.

Lizinna is a contraceptive pill and like any other medication, it is important to take it correctly to ensure its effectiveness. The typical dosage of Lizinna involves taking one tablet per day, at the same time every day, for 21 days. This is followed by a seven-day pill-free break.

Start the next pack immediately after the pill-free week, even if your period is ongoing. If you forget a tablet, take one as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take double the dose to make up for missed ones. This could increase your risk of side effects.

It is advisable to read the patient leaflet or consult your doctor or pharmacist for detailed instructions on the dosage. This is because individual circumstances can influence the exact dosage. For instance, if you’re taking certain other medications or have certain medical conditions, your doctor might adapt the standard dosage.

If you vomit within two hours of taking a Lizinna pill, or you have severe diarrhoea, the active ingredients may not have been fully absorbed into your bloodstream. Thus, you should take another pill from a reserve strip as soon as possible. If this isn’t possible, or if you don’t have a reserve strip, use a condom until you’re able to take the Lizinna pill again.

Remember, Lizinna is a contraceptive and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Always use protection during intercourse to avoid contracting or spreading STDs.

Lizinna is a combined oral contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as a 'birth control pill' or 'the Pill'. It is used primarily to prevent pregnancy. Lizinna works by preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovaries. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg, and thins the lining of the womb, which makes it less likely that a fertilised egg can implant there.

While the primary purpose of Lizinna is birth control, it may also be used for management of menstrual cycles. Women who take Lizinna often find that their periods become more regular and can also experience lighter, less painful menstruation and premenstrual symptoms.

It's important to note that Lizinna does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.

Lizinna should be taken as directed by your healthcare professional, typically one pill every day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free break. It is very important to take Lizinna at the same time every day to ensure its effectiveness.

When considering the use of Lizinna, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure safe and effective use. These precautions are meant to minimize potential risks associated with its use.

• Lizinna should not be used by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If pregnancy occurs while on Lizinna, stop taking it immediately and consult a healthcare provider.
• Before starting Lizinna, inform your healthcare provider about all your current medications and any medical conditions. This includes any history of blood clots, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and any cancers that may be affected by hormones.
• Regularly check for any unusual symptoms such as sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or changes in vision. These could be signs of serious side effects and require immediate medical attention.
• It's important to take Lizinna at the same time every day. If a dose is missed, read the patient information leaflet or consult a healthcare provider for instructions.
• Lizinna does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent STIs.

Lizinna is a contraceptive pill that interacts with certain medications and substances. These interactions can affect the effectiveness of Lizinna and increase the risk of side effects.

Medications that may interact with Lizinna include:

• Antibiotics such as rifampicin and rifabutin, which can speed up the breakdown of Lizinna in the body and make it less effective.
• Antifungal medicines, which can increase the amount of Lizinna in the body and increase the risk of side effects.
• Medications for epilepsy, HIV, and hepatitis C, which can also speed up the breakdown of Lizinna in the body.
• St. John's wort, a herbal remedy for depression, which can also make Lizinna less effective.

It's essential to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you're taking before starting Lizinna. They can advise you on the potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Furthermore, Lizinna may affect the results of some laboratory tests. Therefore, if you're due to have any lab tests, ensure to inform the laboratory staff that you're taking Lizinna.

When considering the cost of Lizinna, it's important to note that the price can vary based on several factors. These factors may include the pharmacy you choose, whether you have insurance, the amount of pills in a package, and the dosage of the drug.

On average, the price of Lizinna may range from £11 to £20 per monthly pack depending on the location and pharmacy. Some online pharmacies may offer competitive prices or discounts for bulk purchases.

It's important to note that while the price is a factor, it should not be the sole determinant in choosing a contraceptive. The effectiveness, side effects, and your personal medical history should all be considered.

For those who find the price of Lizinna prohibitive, there may be other contraceptive options available at a lower cost. It is advised to discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider.

Remember, pricing can vary and it's always a good idea to check with multiple pharmacies for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

While Lizinna is a popular and effective contraceptive pill, there may be circumstances where a substitute is needed. It could be due to an allergy, side effects, or personal preference. There are several other contraceptive pills on the market that can serve as substitutes for Lizinna.

These include:

• Cilique: This is also a combined contraceptive pill which has the same composition as Lizinna. It contains two active ingredients: Norgestimate and Ethinylestradiol, making it a direct substitute.
• Yasmin: This is another combined contraceptive pill with a slightly different composition. It contains Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol. It can be considered a substitute, but it may have different side effects.
• Microgynon: It's one of the most widely prescribed birth control pill in the UK. It contains Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol. It's effective but might be more likely to cause side effects such as nausea and mood changes.
• Rigevidon: This contraceptive pill contains Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol, and is another substitute option for Lizinna.

It's important to note that while these substitutes can replace Lizinna, they might not be suitable for everyone. Each carries its own risk of side effects, and they may interact differently with other medications. Always consult with your healthcare provider before switching to a different contraceptive pill.