Modolew (Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol)

Modolew, a combined oral contraceptive, is used in reproductive health to prevent pregnancy and manage menstrual cycles.

• Prevention of pregnancy: provides reliable inhibition of ovulation and prevents fertilization.
• Regulation of menstrual cycles: promotes predictable bleeding and reduces cycle irregularities.
• Treatment of acne in women: helps reduce inflammatory acne lesions through hormonal regulation.

• Modolew contains drospirenone, a progestogenic agent with anti‑mineralocorticoid and anti‑androgenic activity, and ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen. Together they suppress the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑gonadal axis, inhibiting the mid‑cycle surge of luteinising hormone and follicle‑stimulating hormone, thereby preventing ovulation. They also thicken cervical mucus and induce endometrial changes that impede sperm penetration and implantation.

Modolew may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset often occurring early in treatment.
• Headache: tension‑type or migraine‑like pain.
• Breast tenderness: swelling or discomfort of the breasts.
• Spotting between periods: light vaginal bleeding.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Venous thromboembolism: blood clots in deep veins or lungs.
• Stroke: interruption of blood flow to the brain.
• Myocardial infarction: heart attack due to coronary artery blockage.
• Severe liver disease: jaundice or hepatic dysfunction.

Before prescribing Modolew, clinicians should evaluate the following safety considerations.

• Contraindications: Do not use in women with a history of thromboembolic disorders.
• Smoking: Avoid in patients over 35 who smoke heavily, due to increased cardiovascular risk.
• Cardiovascular risk: Assess hypertension, heart disease, or hyperlipidaemia prior to initiation.
• Liver function: Use with caution in patients with active liver disease.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended during pregnancy; advise effective contraception if breastfeeding.
• Store at ambient temperature: Keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture and light.

Modolew can interact with other medicines, altering its effectiveness or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St John’s wort): markedly reduce contraceptive efficacy.
• Certain antiretrovirals (e.g., protease inhibitors): may increase risk of thrombotic events.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole): may increase hormone levels, requiring monitoring.
• Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs): can enhance risk of mood changes or bleeding.
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen): may increase risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.