Microlut

Microlut general information

What is Microlut used for?

Microlut is a low dose oral contraceptive pill, known as the “minipill” and is used as an effective means of birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Each pack of Microlut contains one month’s supply of hormone-containing pills which must be taken continuously and followed by the next pack without a break to provide effective contraception. You will have a normal menstrual bleed while you are taking your Microlut contraceptive pills but you should not stop taking your contraceptive pills.

How does Microlut work?

Microlut contraceptive pills contains a very low dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progesterone that is used as a progesterone only pill (POP), also known as a minipill, to protect against unwanted pregnancy. Preparation for pregnancy depends on a complex interaction between the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries; oestrogen, which stimulates ovulation, and progesterone which prepares the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation of an embryo, as well as other regulating hormones, produced by the hypothalamus in the brain and the pituitary gland. Microlut contraceptive pills do not disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and you will have a menstrual bleed, also they do not prevent ovulation as in the case of contraceptive pills that contain oestrogen, however, they do interfere with the hormone regulatory process. Levonorgestrel in Microlut contraceptive pills inhibits the production of releasing hormones by the hypothalamus in the brain, which induce the mid cycle burst in production by the pituitary of the 2 gonadotrophins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) gland, and this impairs development of the corpus luteum that produces oestrogen and nourishes the egg ready for ovulation. Levonorgestrel in Microlut contraceptive pills exerts its progestogenic (acts like natural progesterone) and contraceptive effect mainly by preventing fertilization and implantation. The cervical mucus, which normally changes consistency at ovulation to become thinner, remains thick, forming a physical barrier to sperm, making it much more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and fallopian tubes where fertilisation normally occurs. Also continual presence of progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle disrupts the development of the endometrium ready for implantation, making it less receptive to a fertilized egg.

What does Microlut contain?

Microlut contraceptive pills contain the active ingredient, levonorgestrel (0.03mg), a synthetic progesterone that is used in a progesterone only pill (POP), also known as a minipill, to protect against unwanted pregnancy. They also contain Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, polyvidone 25 000, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, polyvidone 700 000, macrogol 6000, precipitated calcium carbonate, montanglycol wax.

Microlut for for contraception

Microlut contraceptive pills contain the active ingredient, levonorgestrel (0.03mg), a synthetic progesterone that is used in a progesterone only pill (POP), also known as a minipill, to protect against unwanted pregnancy. Levonorgestrel in Microlut contraceptive pills exerts its progestogenic (acts like natural progesterone) and contraceptive effect mainly by preventing fertilization and implantation. The cervical mucus, which normally changes consistency at ovulation to become thinner, remains thick, forming a physical barrier to sperm, making it much more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and fallopian tubes where fertilisation normally occurs. Also continual presence of progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle disrupts the development of the endometrium ready for implantation, making it less receptive to a fertilized egg. Levonorgestrel in Microlut contraceptive pills does not usually prevent ovulation, however, it may interfere with the hormone regulatory process by inhibiting the release of gonadotrophin releasing hormones from the hypothalamus in the brain, which induce the mid cycle burst in production of the gonadotrophins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland, and this may impair development of the corpus luteum that produces oestrogen and nourishes the egg ready for ovulation.

Can you get pregnant if you miss a Microlut pill?

Microlut contraceptive pills provide effective contraception when taken correctly and although they are less effective than the combined contraceptive pill, they still only have a failure rate of approximately 2% per year, compared with 1% for the combined contraceptive pill. The failure rate may increase if you miss a pill and may result in an unwanted pregnancy. To prevent this ensure that you take your Microlut contraceptive pills correctly and continually, even when you are menstruating.

What is the difference between the combined pill and the minipill?

The combined contraceptive pill contains both of the female sex hormones, an oestrogen and a progestogen, whereas the minipill contains only a progestogen at a very low dose. With a combined pill you will be talking a hormonal pill for 21 days, during which time ovulation is suppressed, followed by either 7 pill-free days or 7 days of a placebo or non-hormonal pill, when you will have a period, which may be lighter and more regular than normal. The minipill must be taken every day and contains the same amount of hormone in each pill and you will have your normal period. A constant low level of a progestogen throughout your menstrual cycle does not usually prevent ovulation, but instead reduces the chances of fertilisation and implantation into the uterus; also your periods are not controlled as with the combined pill. Generally the minipill is less effective than the combined pill, however, if you take it regularly it still offers effective contraception. There are advantages to taking the minipill, mainly that you can use it while breastfeeding, as it does not affect lactation. Also there are usually fewer side effects.

What are the side effects of Microlut?

The most commonly reported side effect when taking Microlut contraceptive pills is: irregular periods, with spotting, irregular, heavy or no bleeding. Other less common side effects that are more common using the combined contraceptive pill include: breast tenderness, headache dizziness nausea or vomiting, changes in body weight, changes in libido, depressive moods.

What are the health risks of using Microlut?

There is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (implantation outside the uterus), also of developing an ovarian cyst, which is when a follicle in the ovary continues to grow and becomes filled with fluid. Using any hormonal contraceptive can increase risk of thrombosis (blood clots), which can have serious consequence depending on where the clot forms; also there is an increased risk of breast cancer. Unlike the oestrogen containing contraceptive pills, the minipill is not associated with increased risks of stroke or heart disease.

When should Microlut not be used?

You should not use Microlut contraceptive pills if you:

• are allergic to levonorgestrel or any ingredients in Microlut
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease
• have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or migraine
• have had deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, heart attack or stroke
• have diabetes with changes to the blood vessels
• abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
• have sickle cell anaemia, a history of herpes during pregnancy or otosclerosis (an ear disorder) which worsened in past pregnancies
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or breast feeding
• are diabetic and taking Microlut contraceptive pills as your glucose tolerance may be affected and you may need to discuss using other antidiabetic drugs with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Microlut, including: anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, barbiturates, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, the antifungal griseofulvin, antibiotics like penicillin, preparations containing St John's Wort

What medications interact with Microlut?

Some medications interact with Microlut contraceptive pills and prevent them working effectively, increasing your risk of becoming pregnant. If you are taking any of the following you may need to take other contraceptive precautions:

• anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin
• barbiturates
• anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, griseofulvin
• antibiotics like penicillin
• preparations containing St John's Wort

How should Microlut be taken?

Each pack of Microlut contraceptive pills contains 28 small white hormonal tablets for a complete monthly cycle and should be taken continually to ensure effective contraception. You should take your Microlut contraceptive pills once daily with a glass of water, at the same time each day and when you have finished one pack, start a new one the next day. If you have gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhoea within 3-4 hours of taking your hormonal pill, this is the same as missing a pill and you should take other contraceptive precautions for the next 7 days.

How long should you take Microlut?

Each pack of Microlut contraceptive pills contains 28 pills for a complete monthly cycle and should be taken continually to ensure effective contraception. You should take Microlut contraceptive pills for as long as your doctor recommends.

Missed dose of Microlut

If you miss a dose of Microlut contraceptive pills follow these guidelines to help you decide what to do:

• If you are less than 3 hours late in taking your pill, take it as soon as you remember and take the next one at your usual time. You are still protected against pregnancy.
• If you are more than 3 hours late in taking your pill, continue to take your pills daily as usual, even if you take 2 pills at a time. Contraceptive protection may be reduced and you are at risk of becoming pregnant, unless you take other contraceptive precautions for the next 7 days.

How should Microlut be stored?

You should store your Microlut contraceptive pills below 25°C in a cool dry place.