Microstad (Ethinylestradiol, Levonorgestrel)

• Microstad is a combined oral contraceptive that acts on the hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle.
• Prevention of pregnancy: provides reliable contraceptive protection for women of childbearing age.
• Menstrual cycle regulation: helps achieve more predictable bleeding patterns and reduces dysmenorrhea.
• Acne improvement: may reduce acne associated with hormonal fluctuations in some users.

• Microstad combines ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen, with levonorgestrel, a progestogen. The estrogen component stabilizes the endometrial lining, while the progestogen suppresses the mid‑cycle luteinizing hormone surge, preventing ovulation. Together they also thicken cervical mucus and alter endometrial receptivity, creating multiple barriers to fertilisation and implantation.

Microstad may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are generally classified by frequency.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset.
• Headache: tension‑type or migraine‑like pain.
• Breast tenderness: swelling or discomfort.
• Irregular vaginal bleeding: spotting or breakthrough bleeding.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Deep vein thrombosis: blood clot formation in deep veins.
• Pulmonary embolism: clot migration to lung vessels.
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): rash, swelling, difficulty breathing.

• When prescribing Microstad, healthcare professionals should consider several precautionary measures to ensure safe use.
• Medical history review: assess for risk factors such as thromboembolic disease, cardiovascular disorders, or liver dysfunction.
• Smoking status: avoid use in women over 35 who smoke heavily.
• Concurrent medications: evaluate for drugs that may reduce contraceptive efficacy.
• Pregnancy testing: confirm non‑pregnant status before initiation.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets in original packaging, protect from moisture and heat.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Antiepileptic enzyme inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin): may markedly reduce contraceptive hormone levels.
• Antiretroviral protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): can increase hormone concentrations, raising risk of side effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antibiotics (e.g., rifampin): may modestly decrease effectiveness, consider backup contraception.
• Herbal supplements containing St. John’s wort: may lower hormone levels, monitor for breakthrough bleeding.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): may increase risk of mood changes, monitor patient.