Keriette (Ethinylestradiol, Levonorgestrel)

Keriette is a combined hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy and manage menstrual cycle disorders.

• Contraception: provides reliable prevention of pregnancy when taken as prescribed.
• Menstrual cycle regulation: helps achieve more predictable bleeding patterns.
• Menstrual irregularities: reduces heavy or prolonged bleeding and improves cycle regularity.

• Keriette combines ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen, with levonorgestrel, a progestogen. The estrogen component suppresses the mid‑cycle surge of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH), while the progestogen inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus and alters the endometrial lining, collectively preventing fertilisation and implantation.

Keriette may cause a range of adverse reactions. Common side effects are usually mild and transient.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset, often improves with continued use.
• Breast tenderness: temporary swelling or discomfort of the breasts.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity, may respond to simple analgesics.
• Spotting: irregular light bleeding between periods.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Deep vein thrombosis: blood clot formation in the legs, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Pulmonary embolism: clot migration to the lungs, a life‑threatening emergency.
• Stroke or myocardial infarction: rare cardiovascular events, especially in high‑risk individuals.
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Liver dysfunction: jaundice or abnormal liver enzymes.
• Vision changes: sudden loss of vision or visual disturbances.

Before prescribing Keriette, clinicians should evaluate individual risk factors and counsel patients on safe use.

• Thromboembolic risk assessment: avoid in women with history of clotting disorders.
• Cardiovascular evaluation: caution in smokers over 35 or those with hypertension.
• Liver disease monitoring: use with care in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Breast cancer history: consider alternative contraception for survivors.
• Pregnancy testing: ensure patient is not pregnant before initiation.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets in original packaging, protect from moisture and heat.

Keriette can interact with other medicines, affecting its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Enzyme‑inducing anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin): markedly reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
• Rifampin or rifabutin: potent inducers that may lead to contraceptive failure.
• St. John’s wort: herbal supplement that can decrease hormone levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, metronidazole): may slightly reduce contraceptive reliability.
• Antifungal agents (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole): can increase hormone concentrations.
• Antiretroviral drugs (e.g., protease inhibitors): may alter hormone metabolism, requiring additional contraceptive measures.