Harmonet (Ethinylestradiol, Gestodene)

Harmonet is prescribed primarily for the prevention of pregnancy and is used as a regular, daily oral contraceptive.

• Prevents unintended pregnancy when taken as directed.
• Provides cycle control and reduces menstrual bleeding.
• May be used to manage symptoms of dysmenorrhea.
• Can be part of hormone‑replacement strategies under specialist supervision.
• May improve acne associated with hormonal fluctuations.

Like all combined hormonal contraceptives, Harmonet may cause side effects that vary in frequency and severity.

Common

• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Breast tenderness or enlargement.
• Headache or migraine.
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding between periods.
• Mood changes or mild irritability.
• Decreased libido.

Serious

• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
• Arterial thrombosis leading to stroke or myocardial infarction.
• Severe hypertension.
• Liver dysfunction or cholestatic jaundice.
• Allergic reactions such as rash or angioedema.

Before starting Harmonet, certain health considerations should be reviewed to ensure safe use.

• Do not use if you are a smoker aged 35 years or older.
• Avoid if you have a history of blood clots, stroke, or myocardial infarction.
• Caution in patients with liver disease or impaired liver function.
• Use carefully if you experience migraine with aura.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially if you have hypertension.
• Discuss any current or past breast cancer with your healthcare provider.
• Confirm you are not pregnant before initiating therapy.

Harmonet can interact with other medicines, affecting its effectiveness or increasing risk of adverse events.

Avoid

• Enzyme‑inducing anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin).
• Rifampicin and other potent hepatic enzyme inducers.
• St. John’s wort herbal supplement.
• Certain antibiotics such as griseofulvin.
• HIV protease inhibitors that alter hormone metabolism.

Use with caution

• Antihypertensive agents, as hormonal changes may affect blood pressure control.
• Diuretics, which may influence electrolyte balance.
• Lithium, due to potential changes in serum lithium levels.
• Other antiepileptic drugs that are not strong inducers.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that may increase the risk of mood changes.