Mekanna (Dienogest, Ethinylestradiol | Lactose)

Mekanna is a combined oral contraceptive that acts on the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑gonadal axis to prevent pregnancy and manage menstrual disorders.

• Contraception: provides reliable prevention of pregnancy when taken as prescribed.
• Regulation of menstrual cycles: helps establish regular cycle timing and flow.
• Management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS): reduces severity of PMS symptoms such as mood swings and breast tenderness.

• Mekanna combines dienogest, a progestogen, with ethinylestradiol, an estrogen. The estrogen component suppresses follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH) release, while the progestogen inhibits luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, together preventing ovulation. Additionally, the formulation thickens cervical mucus and induces endometrial changes that hinder sperm penetration and implantation, providing multiple layers of contraceptive protection.

Mekanna may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are 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: occasional mild to moderate headache.
• Breakthrough bleeding: spotting between periods, especially during the first months.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Venous thromboembolism: blood clots in deep veins or lungs.
• Arterial thrombosis: clot formation in arteries, potentially leading to stroke or heart attack.
• Severe hypertension: significant increase in blood pressure.
• Liver disorders: jaundice or abnormal liver function tests.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, or swelling of the face and throat.
• Visual disturbances: sudden changes in vision or eye pain.

Before prescribing Mekanna, clinicians should assess individual risk factors and counsel patients on safe use.

• Thrombotic risk assessment: evaluate personal or family history of clotting disorders.
• Smoking status review: avoid use in women over 35 who smoke.
• Liver function evaluation: contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment.
• Missed tablet guidance: provide clear instructions for handling missed doses.
• Pregnancy avoidance: ensure effective contraception; discontinue if pregnancy is confirmed.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture and light.

Mekanna can interact with other medicines, altering its effectiveness or increasing risk of adverse events.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): may reduce contraceptive efficacy.
• Certain antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital): can lower hormone levels.
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): may increase hormone concentrations.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole): may increase hormone exposure.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., macrolides): potential modest reduction in effectiveness.