Femodene

What is Femodene?

Femodene is a brand of the combined contraceptive pill. As one of the most popular and convenient methods of contraception, it's over 99% effective at preventing unplanned pregnancies when used correctly. 

How does Femodene work?

Femodene is a combined contraceptive pill which contains synthetic versions of both oestrogen and progesterone sex hormones to prevent pregnancy. It works in three ways: by preventing ovulation (where an egg is released from your fallopian tubes into the womb), thickening the mucus around the womb's entrance to make it difficult for sperm to enter and thinning the lining of the womb. 

How effective is Femodene?

When taken correctly Femodene is 99% effective. Its reliability depends upon several factors. This includes taking it at the same time each day and using additional methods of contraception while taking medications which interact with it or during periods of sickness. 

When does Femodene start to work?

If you start Femodene on the first day of your period it will start to work right away. If you start it after the fifth day of your cycle you will need to use additional methods of contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days. 

Active ingredients

The active ingredients in Femodene are progestogen gestodene and oestrogen ethinylestradiol.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are Lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate (E572), sodium calcium edetate, sucrose, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate (E170), talc, montan glycol wax.

Femodene dosage

Each pill contains 30mg of ethinylestradiol and 75mg of gestodene.

How to start Femodene

You should start taking Femodene between day 1-5 of your period for immediate protection. If you start it later in your cycle then you'll need to use additional contraceptive methods for the first seven days. 

How to take Femodene

You should take one Femodene tablet at the same time each day. Each pack will last for 21 days, when you reach the end of a pack wait seven days until you start the next one. This is when you will have your period. 

What should I do if I took a pill too late?

If it has been less than 12 hours then you do not need to worry, simply take your pill as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 24 hours since you were due to take it, then follow the above advice for what to do if you miss a pill. 

What should I do if I missed a pill?

If it's been less than 12 hours since you were due to take your pill then take it as soon as you remember and continue with the rest of your pack as usual. If you don't remember until the next day then take your missed pill as soon as possible, even if that means taking two at once. Continue taking the rest of your pills at the correct time and use additional contraception for the next seven days. If you have less than seven pills left in your pack then skip the seven day break and start your next pack once you reach the end of your current one. 

Femodene side effects

Common side effects associated with taking Femodene are: 

• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort 
• Headaches
• Tenderness or pain in the breasts
• Bleeding or spotting between periods 
• Changes to your mood

These side effects should clear up after the first couple of months. If they don't, you may want to see your doctor who can prescribe you with a different type of pill. 

Less common side effects include: 

• Fluid retention
• Changes to sex drive 
• High blood pressure
• Rash 

Serious side effects associated with the pill include: 

• Blood clots
• Breast cancer 
• Cervical cancer
• Liver problems 
• Allergic reaction 

If you experience a pain in your leg or any other sign of a blood clot then seek immediate medical attention.   

Contraindications

The pill is not suitable for everyone and there are risk factors involved in taking it. Do not take Femodene if: 

• You have ever experienced a blood clot in your legs, lungs or any other organ
• You have a known disorder which can affect your blood clotting
• You need an operation
• You've ever had angina pectoris 
• You have severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
• You have high blood pressure 
• You have high cholesterol 
• You have hyperhomocysteinaemia
• You've ever experienced a migraine with aura 
• You've ever had breast cancer
• You've ever had severe liver disease 
• You are allergic to any of the ingredients 

Drug interactions

Certain medications can interact with Femodene, causing it to stop working properly.  These include: 

• Some types of epilepsy medication 
• Some types of HIV and Hepatitis C medications
• Griseofulvin
• Antibiotics 
• Barbiturates
• St. John's Wort

Femodene and alcohol

Drinking alcohol will not affect Femodene. 

Alternatives to Femodene

Aside from the combined or mini pill, there are a variety of different long acting reversible contraceptives. Other options include the IUD (known as the coil), IUS, contraceptive implant, injection or patch.

Femodene vs mini pill

The mini pill is also known as the progesterone only pill. It differs from Femodene by containing only progesterone hormones, whereas the combined pill contains both oestrogen and progesterone. The mini pill may be suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen. It differs from the combined pill as it must be taken on time every day of the month. It's often less effective because of this. 

Switching contraceptive pill

If you are switching from another contraceptive pill you should begin Femodene immediately once you get to the end of your current pack. For the 21 day pill simply start Femodene the day after you complete your current pack. If you are on the 28 day pill then start Femodene the day after your last active pill, ignoring the empty ones. In these cases you will have your next period after completing your first pack of Femodene. If you are changing from the progesterone only pill then start Femodene on the first day of your period, even if you are overlapping pills.

Femodene for non-contraceptive purposes

Femodene has some additional benefits outside of its main function as a contraceptive. It can be used to help acne and also to make your periods lighter, regular and less painful. It can also reduce the risk of ovarian, womb and colon cancer and ease the symptoms of PMS.

Can you use Femodene for period delay?

Femodene can be used for period delay. Simply skip the seven day break and start your next pack right away. If you intend to do this repeatedly, you should consult your doctor first. 

If I have vomited, will Femodene still work?

If you vomit within 4 hours of taking Femodene then the hormones may not have been absorbed by your body. If this happens, take another pill once you feel better and continue taking the rest of your pack as usual. Your cycle will be one day shorter than usual. If you keep vomiting or have diarrhoea then you should use additional methods of contraception for seven days after you feel better. 

When can I get pregnant after taking Femodene?

It can take a couple of months for your cycle to return to normal after coming off Femodene but it is possible to get pregnant right away. It's different for everyone so allow plenty of time for your body to adjust.

Can Femodene cause high blood pressure?

If you already have high blood pressure, or a family history of heart related illnesses, then you may be more prone to developing high blood pressure while taking Femodene. The risk is also greater for women  over 35 who smoke. 

Can Femodene stop your periods?

Femodene does not stop your periods. It effectively gives you an artificial cycle. The pill is taken for 21 days and then you have a break between packs where menstrual bleeding occurs. 

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Combined Contraceptive Pill
• NHS > How do I change to a different pill?