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

Mercilon

Active Ingredient:
Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol
Origin:
EU

Mercilon (Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol)

Desogestrel/Ethinylestradiol, the active ingredients in Mercilon, are a combined oral contraceptive presented as a 0.15 mg/0.02 mg tablet for oral use. It prevents pregnancy in women of reproductive age.

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

Manufacturer / TM Owner

N.V. Organon

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Mercilon is a combined hormonal contraceptive that acts on the reproductive endocrine system to prevent unintended pregnancy.

  • Pregnancy prevention: provides reliable hormonal contraception to prevent conception.
  • Family planning: enables women to control the timing of pregnancy.
  • Ovulation suppression: inhibits ovulation to reduce the risk of fertilization.

How It Works

  • Desogestrel acts as a progestogenic agent that suppresses the mid‑cycle surge of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH), thereby inhibiting ovulation. Ethinylestradiol provides estrogenic activity that stabilises the endometrium, enhances cervical mucus viscosity, and supports the contraceptive effect through feedback inhibition of gonadotropins.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset.
  • Breast tenderness: temporary discomfort in the breasts.
  • Headache: occasional tension‑type headaches.
  • Breakthrough bleeding: spotting between periods.
  • Weight gain: modest fluid retention.
  • Mood changes: irritability or mild mood swings.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Venous thromboembolism: deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Arterial thrombosis: stroke or myocardial infarction.
  • Hypertension: significant increase in blood pressure.
  • Hepatic adenoma: benign liver tumor.
  • Severe allergic reaction: anaphylaxis or angioedema.
  • Visual disturbances: sudden loss of vision or blurred sight.

Precautions & Warnings

Before initiating therapy, consider the following precautions:

  • Contraindicated in pregnancy: product is Category X and must not be used.
  • Avoid in smokers over 35 years: increased risk of thrombotic events.
  • Assess cardiovascular risk: history of thrombosis, hypertension, or clotting disorders.
  • Monitor liver function: drug is metabolised hepatically and may exacerbate liver disease.
  • Evaluate blood pressure: may cause modest elevation.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, protect from moisture and light.

Avoid Interactions

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Enzyme‑inducing anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin): reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
  • Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, griseofulvin): lower hormone levels.
  • Protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): may increase hormone concentrations.
  • St. John’s wort: decreases plasma hormone levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Certain antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin): may slightly diminish contraceptive effect.
  • Antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole): can increase hormone exposure.
  • Diuretics: may exacerbate blood‑pressure changes.
  • SSRIs: may intensify mood‑related side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinylestradiol. It is prescribed to prevent unintended pregnancy in women of reproductive age by inhibiting ovulation and creating an environment that is unfavorable for fertilisation and implantation.

Desogestrel acts as a progestin that suppresses the release of luteinising hormone and follicle‑stimulating hormone, preventing ovulation. Ethinylestradiol provides estrogenic activity that stabilises the endometrium, thickens cervical mucus, and reinforces the feedback inhibition of gonadotropins, together delivering reliable contraception.

The dosing regimen for Mercilon is determined by the prescribing healthcare professional. Typically, it is taken as one tablet daily at the same time each day, but the exact schedule and any missed‑dose instructions should be confirmed with the prescriber.

Mercilon is classified as Pregnancy Category X, meaning it must not be used during pregnancy because it can cause harm to the fetus. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding, as hormonal contraceptives may affect milk production and infant exposure.

To order Mercilon, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH India supplies 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 low‑dose estrogen (0.02 mg ethinylestradiol) combined with desogestrel, a third‑generation progestin. Compared with older formulations that use higher estrogen doses, Mercilon may have a lower risk of estrogen‑related side effects while maintaining effective ovulation suppression.

Mercilon tablets should be stored at ambient temperature, below 25 °C, in their original blister pack. Protect them from moisture, heat and direct sunlight to maintain potency throughout the shelf life.

Mercilon is taken orally as a single tablet each day, preferably at the same time each day. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not chewed or broken.

The most serious risks include venous or arterial thromboembolism, such as deep‑vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or myocardial infarction. Additional serious concerns are severe hypertension, hepatic adenoma, and rare allergic reactions. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms suggestive of these conditions.

Mercilon should not be used by women who are pregnant, have a history of thromboembolic disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, certain liver diseases, or are smokers over 35 years of age. It is also contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to desogestrel, ethinylestradiol, or any tablet excipients.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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