Product image of Mercilon (Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol) supplied by GNH India

Mercilon

Active Ingredient:
Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol
Origin:
EU

Mercilon (Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol)

Desogestrel, the active ingredient in Mercilon, is a combined oral contraceptive presented as a 150 µg desogestrel / 30 µg ethinylestradiol tablet for oral use. Together with ethinylestradiol, it works to prevent pregnancy in women of child‑bearing age by regulating the hormonal cycle, providing reliable and reversible birth control, and is approved for use throughout the European Union.

GNH India supplies Mercilon as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

N.V. Organon

1
Pack/s
This product is added to your enquiry list

Request a Quote

Please fill out the form below and our team will get back to you shortly with pricing and further information.

A minimum order value applies. Our team will confirm the exact amount or quantity after reviewing your requirements.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Mercilon, a combined oral hormonal contraceptive, is indicated for preventing pregnancy.
  • Contraception (prevention of pregnancy): Provides reliable, reversible birth control for women of child‑bearing potential.

How It Works

  • Desogestrel and ethinylestradiol suppress the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis, reducing the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH). This inhibition prevents ovulation, while ethinylestradiol thickens cervical mucus and induces endometrial changes that together hinder fertilisation and implantation.

Side Effects

Mercilon may cause a range of adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset.
  • Breast tenderness: temporary discomfort in the breast tissue.
  • Headache: occasional mild to moderate pain.
  • Spotting or breakthrough bleeding: irregular light bleeding.
  • Mood changes: fluctuations in emotional state.
  • Weight fluctuation: slight increase or decrease.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Venous thromboembolism: blood clot formation in deep veins.
  • Arterial thrombosis: clotting in arteries leading to stroke or heart attack.
  • Severe hypertension: sudden high blood pressure.
  • Liver tumor: benign hepatic adenoma.
  • Anaphylaxis: rare severe allergic reaction.
  • Visual disturbances: sudden changes in vision.

Precautions & Warnings

  • Before prescribing Mercilon, clinicians should evaluate individual risk factors.
  • Assess cardiovascular risk: review personal and family history of clotting disorders.
  • Screen for liver disease: avoid use in active liver pathology.
  • Check blood pressure: ensure hypertension is controlled.
  • Avoid smoking over age 35: smoking markedly increases thrombotic risk.
  • Review medication history: identify interacting drugs.
  • Store at ambient temperature below 25°C: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Avoid Interactions

Mercilon can interact with several drug classes, altering its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Strong enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin): may markedly reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
  • Other hormonal contraceptives: concurrent use can increase hormonal exposure.
  • Certain antiretrovirals (e.g., efavirenz): may lower plasma hormone levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase hormone concentrations.
  • Antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, metronidazole): slight reduction in efficacy, monitor for breakthrough bleeding.
  • Herbal supplements (e.g., St. John's wort): may diminish contraceptive effect.
  • Anticonvulsants with moderate enzyme induction (e.g., phenobarbital): monitor for reduced effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive tablet that contains desogestrel and ethinylestradiol. It is prescribed to provide reliable, reversible birth control for women of reproductive age, preventing pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and creating an environment that is unfavorable for fertilisation and implantation.

The two hormones act together to suppress the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis, lowering luteinizing hormone and follicle‑stimulating hormone release, which stops ovulation. Ethinylestradiol also thickens cervical mucus and alters the endometrium, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg and for a fertilised egg to implant.

The prescribing information recommends taking one tablet daily at the same time each day. The exact dosing schedule, including any missed‑dose instructions, is determined by the prescribing healthcare professional based on individual needs and clinical guidelines.

Mercilon is contraindicated in pregnancy (pregnancy category X) and must not be started or continued once pregnancy is confirmed. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding because hormonal exposure may affect milk production and infant exposure; a healthcare provider should assess the risks and benefits.

To place an order, submit an enquiry on the Mercilon product page at gnhindia.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH India works with hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details and any necessary import documentation.

Mercilon contains a 150 µg dose of desogestrel and 30 µg ethinylestradiol, which is comparable to other third‑generation combined pills. It offers similar contraceptive efficacy while potentially having a lower incidence of androgenic side effects compared with older formulations, but individual response varies and should be discussed with a clinician.

Mercilon tablets should be stored at ambient temperature below 25 °C, in the original blister pack, and protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep the product out of reach of children and do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Mercilon is taken orally as a single tablet each day, preferably at the same time each day. A typical cycle consists of 21 consecutive tablets followed by a hormone‑free interval of 7 days, during which withdrawal bleeding occurs, unless a different regimen is prescribed.

The most serious risks include venous or arterial thromboembolism, severe hypertension, liver tumors, and rare allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Women should seek immediate medical attention if they experience unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, visual changes, or sudden swelling of the legs.

Mercilon should not be used by women who are pregnant, have a known hypersensitivity to desogestrel, ethinylestradiol, or any tablet excipients, have a history of thromboembolic disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, active liver disease, or who smoke cigarettes and are aged 35 years or older.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

Disclaimer

At GNH India, we aim to provide information that is expert-reviewed, accurate, and reliable. However, all content on this platform is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While efforts are made to maintain accuracy and currency, the information may contain errors, omissions, or may not reflect the latest developments. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.

All product names, brand names, trademarks and registered trademarks displayed on this website are the property of their respective owners. This website and its operator are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by any such trade mark owners unless expressly stated. Any reference to product names or trademarks is made solely for descriptive and informational purposes. No commercial relationship, sponsorship, approval, or association with any trademark owner should be inferred. Information provided herein does not constitute promotion, advertising, or an offer for sale of any medicinal product and is intended solely for general informational purposes.

All trademarks and brand names displayed on this website are used strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, specifically Sections 30 and 30(1) governing fair use. Trademark ownership has been accurately attributed under the "Manufacturer/ TM Owner" section in compliance with statutory requirements.

Related Products

Other formulations containing Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol

A

A
A

A
A

A
A

A

Browse all products →

Ordering Process

Simple, Secure, and Seamless

Learn how our streamlined ordering process guarantees fast, compliant, and reliable access to essential medicines worldwide.

Quote request form

01

Submit Quote Request Form

Tell us what medications you need by filling out our simple form and uploading a valid document.

Price estimate review

02

We Review & Send Estimate

Our licensed pharmacists will verify your details and provide you with a detailed cost estimate.

Secure payment

03

Confirm & Make Payment

Discuss any queries, approve the estimate, and complete your payment.

Worldwide delivery

04

Get Delivered

Your medicines, safely packed and delivered to your door or nearest airport — hassle-free.

Regulatory recognitions

Quality You Can Trust

Our internationally recognized certifications underscore our commitment to safety, quality, and excellence.

SGS GSDP Certification

GSDP Compliant from SGS

URS ISO 9001

URS ISO 9001 Certification

FDA Maharashtra

Licensed by FDA Maharashtra

IEC License DGFT

IEC License issued by DGFT