Lasca (Dienogest, Ethinylestradiol)

Lasca, a combined oral contraceptive, acts on the hormonal regulation pathway to prevent pregnancy and manage menstrual disorders.

• Prevention of pregnancy: provides reliable contraceptive protection for women of childbearing age.
• Menstrual cycle regulation: helps achieve more predictable bleeding patterns and reduces dysmenorrhea.
• Hormonal contraception: offers a combined estrogen‑progestin regimen for women seeking a single‑pill method.

• Dienogest and ethinyloestradiol bind to progesterone and estrogen receptors, respectively, suppressing the mid‑cycle surge of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH). This inhibition prevents ovulation, while the progestogenic component thickens cervical mucus and induces endometrial changes that reduce the likelihood of fertilisation and implantation.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset.
• Breast tenderness: temporary swelling or discomfort.
• Headache: occasional tension‑type pain.
• Spotting: irregular light bleeding between periods.
• Weight gain: modest increase in body weight.
• Mood changes: mild fluctuations in mood.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Venous thromboembolism: blood clots in deep veins.
• Arterial thrombosis: risk of stroke or myocardial infarction.
• Severe hypertension: sudden rise in blood pressure.
• Liver dysfunction: abnormal liver enzyme elevations.
• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, or swelling.
• Visual disturbances: blurred vision or eye pain.

Before prescribing Lasca, clinicians should consider several safety factors.

• Assess cardiovascular risk: evaluate history of thromboembolic disease before use.
• Screen for liver disease: avoid in active hepatic impairment.
• Monitor blood pressure: watch for new or worsening hypertension.
• Consider smoking status: contraindicated in women over 35 who smoke.
• Review medication history: avoid concomitant use with drugs that may reduce efficacy.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Lasca may interact with other medicines, requiring attention to the level of risk.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): may markedly reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): may increase bleeding risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Moderate CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., St. John’s wort): may lower hormone levels.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, metronidazole): may slightly reduce plasma concentrations.
• Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenobarbital): may decrease efficacy, require cycle monitoring.