Gynera (Ethinylestradiol, Gestodene)

Gynera is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive age who choose an oral hormonal method.

• Primary use as a combined oral contraceptive to prevent ovulation.
• Provides cycle control and reduces menstrual bleeding.
• May be used to manage symptoms of dysmenorrhea.
• Can be prescribed for women seeking reversible contraception.
• May be selected for its low estrogen dose to minimize estrogen‑related side effects.
• May be part of a regimen that includes a 21‑day active tablet phase followed by a 7‑day hormone‑free interval, providing a predictable withdrawal bleed.

Gynera, like other combined oral contraceptives, can cause a range of side effects that vary in frequency and severity.

Common

• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Breast tenderness or enlargement.
• Headache or mild migraine.
• Irregular spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first cycles.
• Mood changes or mild depression.
• Weight gain or fluid retention.
• Decreased libido or sexual dysfunction.
• Skin changes such as acne or melasma.

Serious

• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, particularly in women with risk factors.
• Severe hypertension or cardiovascular events such as stroke or myocardial infarction.
• Liver function abnormalities, indicated by elevated enzymes.
• Hyperglycemia or worsening of diabetes control.

Before prescribing Gynera, clinicians should assess individual risk factors and counsel patients on appropriate use and monitoring.

• Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or known hypersensitivity to ethinylestradiol or gestodene.
• Not recommended for smokers older than 35 years because of higher cardiovascular risk.
• Use caution in patients with prior thromboembolic events, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or liver impairment.
• Avoid in women with estrogen‑dependent tumors such as certain breast or endometrial cancers.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly during the initial months of therapy.
• Advise taking the tablet at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels.

Gynera may interact with other medicines that affect its hormonal components or increase the risk of adverse events.

Avoid

• Enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or rifampicin, which can reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
• Certain antibiotics like rifampin that increase hepatic metabolism of ethinylestradiol.
• St. John’s wort, a herbal supplement that induces CYP enzymes and may lower hormone levels.

Use with caution

• Antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole) that can increase estrogen levels and raise the risk of side effects.
• Antiretroviral drugs (e.g., protease inhibitors) that may alter hormone concentrations.
• Diuretics or antihypertensives that could affect fluid balance and blood pressure monitoring.