Harmonet (Ethinylestradiol, Gestodene)

Harmonet 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 for reliable birth control.
• May be prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual flow.
• Can be used to manage hormonally‑related acne in some patients.
• Provides a reversible method of contraception that does not affect future fertility.
• May be selected for patients seeking a low‑dose estrogen formulation.

Like other combined oral contraceptives, Harmonet may cause a range of side effects, most of which are mild and transient.

Common

• Nausea, vomiting or mild stomach upset, especially during the first cycles.
• Breast tenderness, swelling or a feeling of fullness.
• Headache, including mild migraine‑type pain.
• Spotting, breakthrough bleeding or irregular periods during the initial months.
• Mood fluctuations, mild depression or irritability.

Serious

• Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or other serious blood‑clot events.
• Severe hypertension, heart attack or other cardiovascular complications.
• Stroke, transient ischemic attack or other cerebrovascular events.
• Liver dysfunction, jaundice or hepatic adenoma formation.
• Severe allergic reactions such as rash, hives, swelling or anaphylaxis.

Before starting Harmonet, certain health conditions and risk factors should be evaluated to ensure safe use.

• Personal or family history of blood‑clot disorders, stroke, or heart disease.
• Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes with vascular complications, or severe liver disease.
• Smoking cigarettes, especially in women over 35 years of age.
• Current pregnancy, suspected pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Use of estrogen‑containing hormone therapy or other combined hormonal products.
• Known allergy to ethinylestradiol, gestodene, or any tablet excipients.

Harmonet can interact with several medicines, which may reduce its effectiveness or increase the risk of adverse events.

Avoid

• Strong enzyme inducers such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or St. John’s wort.
• Certain antiretroviral agents (e.g., protease inhibitors) that markedly lower hormone levels.

Use with caution

• Antifungal agents like ketoconazole or itraconazole.
• Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Diuretics and antihypertensive agents that may affect blood pressure control.
• Herbal supplements that influence estrogen metabolism.