Ethinylestradiol+ Desogestrel
Regulon and Desorelle 30 are different trade names for the same drug.
Important information about combined hormonal contraceptives
Regulon is a combined oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol (estrogen) and desogestrel (progestogen) in small doses.
The mechanism of action of Regulon involves inhibiting ovulation and causing changes in the consistency of cervical mucus. When used correctly, Regulon provides an effective and reversible method of contraception. However, in certain situations, its contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced or it may be necessary to discontinue the drug (see section 2). In such cases, it is recommended to either abstain from sexual intercourse or use other contraceptive methods, such as condoms or spermicides.
against infection with sexually transmitted diseases (such as AIDS).Only the use of condoms has a protective effect.
Before starting to take Regulon, one should familiarize themselves with the information about blood clots (thrombosis) in section 2. It is especially important to familiarize oneself with the symptoms of blood clots (see section 2 "BLOOD CLOTS").
Regulon should not be used to delay the start of bleeding.
In exceptional situations, when there is a need to delay the start of bleeding, one should consult a doctor.
Before starting to use Regulon, the doctor will ask the patient a few questions about their health and the health of their close relatives. The doctor will also measure blood pressure and, depending on the individual case, may also perform some other tests.
Regulon should not be used if the patient has any of the following conditions. If the patient has any of the following conditions, they should inform their doctor. The doctor will discuss with the patient which other contraceptive method will be more suitable.
Regulon should not be used in patients with hepatitis C and taking medicinal products containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir or glecaprevir/pibrentaswir (see also section "Regulon and other drugs").
Before starting to use Regulon, one should discuss it with their doctor or pharmacist.
When should one contact their doctor?
One should immediately contact their doctor
In order to obtain a description of the symptoms of these serious side effects, see "HOW TO RECOGNIZE BLOOD CLOTS".
In certain situations, one should be particularly careful when using Regulon or any other combined oral contraceptives. Regular medical check-ups may also be necessary.
If these symptoms occur or worsen during the use of Regulon, one should also tell their doctor.
If one experiences any of these symptoms, they should immediately contact their doctor.
The use of combined hormonal contraceptives, such as Regulon, is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, compared to when no therapy is used. In rare cases, a blood clot can block a blood vessel and cause serious complications.
Blood clots can occur
Not everyone recovers fully from a blood clot. In rare cases, the effects of a blood clot can be permanent or, very rarely, fatal.
One should immediately contact their doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms.
Is the patient experiencing any of these symptoms?
Why is the patient likely to be suffering from
If the patient is unsure, they should contact their doctor, as some of these symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath, may be mistaken for less serious conditions, such as a respiratory infection (e.g., a cold).
Pulmonary embolism
Symptoms usually occur in one eye:
Retinal vein thrombosis
(blood clot in the eye)
| |
| Stroke |
| Blood clots blocking other blood vessels |
The risk of forming blood clots in veins is highest during the first year of using combined hormonal contraceptives for the first time. The risk may also be higher when resuming the use of combined hormonal contraceptives (the same or a different drug) after a break of 4 weeks or more.
After the first year, the risk decreases, although it is always higher compared to when not using combined hormonal contraceptives.
If the patient stops using Regulon, the risk of blood clots returns to normal within a few weeks.
The risk depends on the natural risk of developing venous thromboembolism and the type of combined hormonal contraceptive used.
The overall risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs associated with the use of Regulon is small.
Risk of blood clots in a year | |
Women who do not use combined hormonal tablets, patches, vaginal rings, and are not pregnant. | About 2 out of 10,000 women |
Women using combined hormonal contraceptive tablets containing levonorgestrel, norethisterone, or norgestrel. | About 5-7 out of 10,000 women |
Women using Regulon. | About 9-12 out of 10,000 women |
The risk of blood clots associated with the use of Regulon is small, but some factors can increase this risk. The risk is higher:
The risk of blood clots increases with the number of risk factors present in the patient.
Air travel (>4 hours) may temporarily increase the risk of blood clots, especially if the patient has another risk factor.
It is essential to inform the doctor if any of these risk factors are present, even if the patient is unsure. The doctor may decide to stop the use of Regulon.
One should inform the doctor if any of the above conditions change during the use of Regulon, e.g., if someone in the patient's immediate family is diagnosed with a blood clot without a known cause or if the patient gains significant weight.
Similarly to blood clots in veins, blood clots in arteries can have serious consequences, such as a heart attack or stroke.
It is essential to note that the risk of a heart attack or stroke associated with the use of Regulon is very small, but it may increase:
If the patient has more than one of the above conditions or if any of them are particularly severe, the risk of blood clots may be even higher.
One should inform the doctor if any of the above conditions change during the use of Regulon, e.g., if the patient starts smoking, someone in their immediate family is diagnosed with a blood clot without a known cause, or if the patient gains significant weight.
In women using oral contraceptives, breast cancer is diagnosed slightly more often than in women of the same age who do not use them. This small increase in the frequency of breast cancer diagnosis gradually disappears within 10 years after stopping the use of oral contraceptives. It is not known whether this difference is caused by the use of oral contraceptives. It may be related to the fact that women using oral contraceptives are more frequently examined by doctors and breast cancer is diagnosed earlier in them.
In women using oral contraceptives, benign liver tumors have been reported in rare cases, and in even rarer cases, malignant liver tumors. If the patient experiences unusual, severe abdominal pain, they should contact their doctor.
Some women using hormonal contraceptives, including Regulon, have reported depression or low mood. Depression can be severe and sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. If mood changes and symptoms of depression occur, one should contact their doctor as soon as possible to receive further medical advice.
During the first few months of using Regulon, unexpected bleeding (bleeding outside of the withdrawal week) may occur. If such bleeding persists for longer than a few months or starts after a few months, the doctor should investigate the cause.
If all tablets were taken correctly, there was no vomiting or severe diarrhea, and no other drugs were taken, it is very unlikely that the woman is pregnant.
If the expected withdrawal bleeding does not occur for two consecutive times, it may indicate pregnancy. One should immediately contact their doctor. One should only start the next pack of Regulon when they are sure they are not pregnant.
The safety and efficacy of desogestrel in adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established. There are no available data.
One should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs they are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any drugs they plan to take. One should also inform any other doctor or dentist who prescribes any other drug (or pharmacist) about the use of Regulon. Doctors may say whether additional contraceptive methods should be used (e.g., condoms) and for how long.
Regulon should not be used in patients with hepatitis C and taking medicinal products containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir or glecaprevir/pibrentaswir, as this may cause abnormal liver function test results in the blood (increased liver enzyme activity ALT). Before starting these drugs, the doctor will prescribe a different type of contraception. The use of Regulon can be resumed 2 weeks after the end of the above-mentioned treatment. See section "When not to use Regulon".
Certain drugs may affect the level of Regulon in the blood, leading to a decrease in its contraceptive effectivenessand unexpected bleeding. These include:
The following drugs may reduce the tolerance of Regulon:
Regulon may affect the action of other drugs, such as:
Before using any drug, one should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
One should inform their doctor or laboratory staff about the use of oral contraceptives, as oral contraceptives may affect the results of some laboratory tests.
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a child, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist before using this drug.
Regulon should not be used when the patient is pregnant. If the patient is pregnant or suspects they are pregnant, they should stop using Regulon immediately and inform their doctor without delay.
The use of Regulon is not recommended during breastfeeding. If the patient is breastfeeding and wants to use oral contraceptives during this time, they should contact their doctor.
While using Regulon, one can drive vehicles and operate machinery.
If the patient has been diagnosed with intolerance to some sugars, they should contact their doctor before taking Regulon.
This drug should always be used as directed by the doctor. In case of doubts, one should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
Each pack of Regulon contains 1 blister pack of 21 coated tablets or 3 blister packs of 21 coated tablets. The special labeling of the blister packs with symbols of the days of the week (see "Translation of the day symbols on the packaging" section 6 of the leaflet) makes it easier to control the regular use of oral contraceptives.
Each tablet in the pack is marked with a symbol of the day of the week on which it should be taken. One should take 1 tablet per day for 21 consecutive days, following the direction of the arrow on the blister pack, until the pack is empty.
After taking all 21 tablets from the blister pack, there is a 7-day break in taking tablets. During the 2nd or 3rd day of the break, withdrawal bleeding should occur, similar to menstrual bleeding.
One should start taking tablets from the next pack on the 8th day (after the 7-day break), even if the bleeding has not stopped yet. With regular use of Regulon, the start of taking tablets from the next pack will always fall on the same day of the week, and bleeding will occur on the same day of the month.
Tablets should always be taken at the same time of day.
Taking tablets in the morning (the first thing in the morning) or late in the evening (the last thing before bedtime) can make it easier to remember to take them regularly.
Tablets should be swallowed whole, with water if necessary.
In the case of not using hormonal contraceptives (in the previous month)
One should start taking tablets on the first day of the woman's natural menstrual cycle (i.e., on the first day of menstruation). It is allowed to start taking tablets between the 2nd and 5th day, but in this case, during the first cycle, additional mechanical contraceptive methods (e.g., condoms) should be used for the first 7 days of taking tablets.
Changing from another combined contraceptive (tablet, vaginal ring, transdermal patch)
The woman should start using Regulon the next day after taking the last active tablet of the previous oral contraceptive, or at the latest on the first day of the usual break in taking tablets or after taking the last placebo tablet of the previous oral contraceptive. There is no need to use additional contraceptive methods.
If the patient previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch, they should start taking Regulon on the day the ring or patch is removed, or at the latest on the day the next ring or patch would have been applied. There is no need to use additional contraceptive methods.
Changing from progestogen-only contraceptives (minipill, injections, implants)
The woman can switch from a progestogen-only pill (from an implant on the day of its removal or from injections on the day of the planned next injection) to Regulon at any time, but in all cases, additional contraceptive methods should be used for the first 7 days of taking tablets.
Use after miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy
One should start taking tablets immediately. There is no need to use additional contraceptive methods.
Use after childbirth or miscarriage in the second trimester of pregnancy
For breastfeeding women, see the section "Pregnancy and breastfeeding".
The doctor will advise the patient to start taking tablets between the 21st and 28th day after childbirth or miscarriage in the second trimester. If the patient starts taking tablets later, they should use additional mechanical contraceptive methods (e.g., condoms) for the first 7 days of taking tablets. However, if the woman has had sexual intercourse, before starting to take tablets, she should make sure she is not pregnant or wait for her first menstrual period.
If an overdose of Regulon occurs, there is no risk of serious health disorders, although nausea, vomiting, or slight vaginal bleeding may occur in young girls. If such symptoms occur, one should contact their doctor, who will provide appropriate treatment if necessary.
If a dose of Regulon is missed, one should follow the instructions below.
If the tablet is delayed by less than 12 hours, the contraceptive protection is not reduced. The woman should take the missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if it means taking 2 tablets at the same time. Then, she should continue taking the tablets at the usual time of day.
If the tablet is delayed by more than 12 hours, the contraceptive protection may be reduced. The more missed tablets, the higher the risk of reduced contraceptive effectiveness. A higher risk of pregnancy exists if a tablet is missed at the beginning or end of the cycle. Please refer to the information below (see also the scheme).
One should consult their doctor.
In the case of missed tablets, one should follow the two basic rules:
In accordance with this, in daily practice, the doctor may provide the following advice:
Week 1
The patient should take the last missed tablet as soon as they remember, even if it means taking 2 tablets at the same time. Then, they should continue taking the tablets at the usual time of day. For the next 7 days, they should use additional mechanical contraceptive methods, such as condoms. If there was sexual intercourse during the 7 days preceding the day the tablet was missed, one should consider the possibility of pregnancy. The more tablets that were missed and the closer it was to the break in taking tablets, the higher the risk of pregnancy.
Week 2
The patient should take the last missed tablet as soon as they remember, even if it means taking 2 tablets at the same time. Then, they should continue taking the tablets at the usual time of day. If the tablets were taken correctly during the 7 days preceding the day the tablet was missed, there is no need to use additional contraceptive methods. However, if this was not the case or if the woman missed more than 1 tablet, additional contraceptive methods should be used for 7 days.
Week 3
The risk of reduced contraceptive protection is inevitable due to the upcoming break in taking tablets. However, this can be prevented by adjusting the way tablets are taken. Therefore, there is no need to use additional contraceptive methods if one of the two alternative rules below is followed, provided that all tablets were taken correctly during the 7 days preceding the day the tablet was missed. If this was not the case, one should follow the first of the two alternative rules and use additional contraceptive methods for the next 7 days.
If the woman misses tablets and does not experience withdrawal bleeding during the first break in taking tablets, one should consider the possibility of pregnancy.
Missed more than 1 tablet in a cycle
Consult a doctor
yes
sexual intercourse in the week preceding the missed tablet
week 1
no
Missed only 1 tablet (break longer than 12 hours)
week 2
week 3
or
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If side effects occur, especially severe and persistent ones, or changes in health that the patient considers related to the use of Regulon, consult a doctor.
In all women using combined hormonal contraceptives, there is an increased risk of blood clots in veins (venous thromboembolism) or blood clots in arteries (arterial thrombosis). For detailed information on various risk factors associated with the use of combined hormonal contraceptives, refer to section 2 "Important information before using Regulon".
Frequent (may occur in up to 1 in 10 people): depression, mood changes, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, breast pain, breast tenderness, weight gain.
Uncommon (may occur in up to 1 in 100 people): fluid retention, decreased libido, migraine, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, hives, breast enlargement.
Rare (may occur in up to 1 in 1000 people): hypersensitivity, increased libido, eye irritation due to contact lenses, skin disorders (erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum), abnormal cervical smear, breast discharge, weight loss.
Harmful blood clots in a vein or artery, for example:
o
in the leg or foot (e.g., deep vein thrombosis),
o
in the lungs (e.g., pulmonary embolism),
o
heart attack,
o
stroke,
o
mini-stroke or transient stroke-like symptoms, known as a transient ischemic attack,
o
blood clots in the liver, stomach, intestine, kidney, or eye.
The likelihood of blood clots may be higher if the patient has any other risk-increasing factors (see section 2 for more information on risk-increasing factors and symptoms of blood clots).
If any side effects occur, including any side effects not listed in the leaflet, tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Adverse Reaction Monitoring of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products,
Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw, Tel.: +48 22 49 21 301, Fax: +48 22 49 21 309, Website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Reporting side effects will help gather more information on the safety of the medication.
Store the medicine out of sight and reach of children.
Store at a temperature below 30°C. Store in the original package.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the package. The expiry date refers to the last day of the given month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.
The active substances are ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. One coated tablet contains 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 150 micrograms of desogestrel.
Other ingredients are:
Core: all-rac-α-tocopherol, magnesium stearate, anhydrous colloidal silica, stearic acid, povidone K 30, potato starch, lactose monohydrate.
Coating: propylene glycol, macrogol 6000, hypromellose.
White or almost white round tablets, convex on both sides, with engraved text: "RG" on one side and "P8" on the other side.
The cardboard box contains 1 blister or 3 blisters of 21 coated tablets. A cardboard sachet is attached to the package, in which the blister should be placed.
For more detailed information, contact the marketing authorization holder or parallel importer:
Gedeon Richter Plc.
Gyömrői út 19-21
1103 Budapest, Hungary
Gedeon Richter Plc.
Gyömrői út 19-21
1103 Budapest, Hungary
Delfarma Sp. z o.o.
ul. Św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus 111
91-222 Łódź
Delfarma Sp. z o.o.
ul. Św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus 111
91-222 Łódź
Belgian marketing authorization number, country of export: BE 339421
Lu, Mo, ma
Date of leaflet approval: 11.03.2022
[Information about the trademark]
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