FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions )

How soon after I start taking Mercilon am I protected from pregnancy?
If you start taking Mercilon on the first day of your period, then you are protected after seven consecutive days of taking your pills. In the meantime, remember to use a backup form of contraceptive.

But if you start taking Mercilon after the first day of your period, continue using your backup contraceptive for a full month.

Will I experience any side-effects from taking Mercilon?
There may be some temporary side-effects in the first few months. The most common are nausea, breast tenderness, headache or stomach ache, or breakthrough bleeding. These will lessen and eventually disappear as your body adjusts. Speak to your doctor if they don’t go away after three cycles of taking Mercilon.

What are some of the serious side-effects I should be aware of?
Serious side-effects are rare, but stop taking the Pill immediately and see your doctor if you experience:

• Severe leg pain and swelling
• Severe chest pain
• Severe and unrelenting headache
• Blurred vision

These symptoms may not be related to the Pill, but have them checked out as soon as possible.

Can Mercilon improve acne?
If you suffer from pimples then Mercilon can help to clear your skin. The estrogen in the pills reduces the level of androgens in the body, which causes acne. How young is too young for the Pill? You don’t have to be sexually active to take Mercilon. You can begin with your first period and benefit from its non-contraceptive effects, such as clear skin and excellent menstrual cycle control.

How young is too young for the Pill?
You don’t have to be sexually active to take Mercilon. You can begin with your first period and benefit from its non-contraceptive effects, such as clear skin and excellent menstrual cycle control.

At what age should I think about stopping Mercilon?
If you stay healthy and don’t smoke, you can take Mercilon until you reach menopause. Taken over the long term, Mercilon can reduce your risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. It can also reduce your risk of osteoporosis and the symptoms of perimenopause, such as hot flashes and irregular periods.

What should I do if I take other medication?
Some medication will interfere with Mercilon’s effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. They may even cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting. These drugs include

• Rifampin
• Barbiturates such as Phenobarbital, for epilepsy
• Anticoagulants such as topiramate, carbamezepine, phenytoin and phenylbutazone
• Certain drugs used in the treatment of HIV or AIDS
• Certain antibiotics

Remember some herbal supplements may have possible interaction with Mercilon. Inform your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Mercilon anytime you are prescribed new medication. You may need to use backup contraception for as long as you take these new drugs.

Should my partner use a condom while I’m on Mercilon?
When taken correctly, Mercilon will prevent unplanned pregnancies. However, it will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. If you are at risk of STDs, always use a condom.

If I miss a period while I’m on Mercilon, does this mean I’m pregnant?
No, it does not. It’s been known to happen in about five per cent of all pill cycles. Just continue taking Mercilon as instructed. If you miss another period however, discontinue the pills and speak to your doctor. In the meantime, use a back-up form of contraceptive.