Medicine overview
Description
Composition
Femicon is a combined 28-tablet pack: 21 white (hormone) tablets, each containing Norgestrel BP0.30mg and Ethinylestradiol BP 0.03mg; and 7 brown (iron) tablets, each containing Ferrous FumarateBP 75mg. This composition was cross-checked across three independent sources (a Bangladesh pharmacy source, SMC Enterprise's own site, and an additional Bangladesh drug reference site) and consistently confirmed- unlike a similarly-named product from the same manufacturer (Noret 28), where the catalog'sstated progestin did not match independent sources, Femicon's Norgestrel composition genuinelymatches what is reported across independent sources, so no discrepancy is being flagged here.
Uses & Indications
Femicon is a combined oral contraceptive with an iron supplement component, used for pregnancyprevention. Effectiveness depends on correct, consistent daily use. It works by inhibitingovulation and thickening cervical mucus to block sperm penetration.
Dosage & Administration
Start on day 1 of your menstrual cycle. Take one white (hormone) tablet daily for 21 consecutivedays, at the same time each day, followed by one brown (iron) tablet daily for 7 days, thenimmediately repeat the cycle with a new pack. If starting after childbirth: wait at least 3 weeksafter a vaginal delivery, or at least 6 weeks after a cesarean delivery, before starting.If you miss two consecutive menstrual periods while using this product, take apregnancy test before continuing to the next pack, since this can be a sign of pregnancy.
Precautions & Side Effects
Do not use if pregnant, or if you have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe arterial disease, aliver tumor (hepatic adenoma) or significant liver dysfunction, porphyria, a history of blood clotsor thrombophlebitis, migraine with aura lasting more than 72 hours, blood pressure of 160/100 mmHgor higher, or a body mass index (BMI) over 39. Women who smoke more than 40 cigarettes per day, orwho are over age 50, should not use this product. Common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10users) include fluid retention/swelling, weakness, absent periods, breakthrough bleeding, andchanges in menstrual flow or spotting; also nausea, vomiting, headache, and mood changes/depression.Rare but serious risks include blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), thrombophlebitis, cholestaticjaundice, liver tumors, and increased risk of blood clot-related complications overall.
Drug interactions: effectiveness can be reduced by antibiotics, anticonvulsantmedications, rifampicin, barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and certain anti-HIV proteaseinhibitors - discuss backup contraception with a physician if you take any of these. This productcan also increase blood levels of tacrolimus and theophylline, and may affect levels oftizanidine - please inform your physician about all medications you take if you are prescribedany of these.
Storage & Safety
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach ofchildren. Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What hormones does Femicon contain?
A: Norgestrel 0.30mg and Ethinylestradiol 0.03mg in the white tablets, plusFerrous Fumarate (iron) 75mg in the 7 brown tablets - this composition is well-corroborated acrossmultiple sources.
Q: What should I do if I miss two periods while taking this?
A: Take a pregnancy test before starting your next pack, since missing twoconsecutive periods can be a sign of pregnancy.
Q: Who should not use Femicon?
A: Women who are pregnant, have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, certain liverconditions, a history of blood clots, uncontrolled high blood pressure, migraine with aura, heavysmokers, or are over 50 should not use this without physician guidance.
Q: Does anything reduce its effectiveness?
A: Yes - antibiotics, certain anticonvulsants, rifampicin, and some anti-HIVmedications can reduce effectiveness. Discuss backup contraception with a physician if you takethese.
Q: When can I start this after having a baby?
A: At least 3 weeks after a vaginal delivery, or at least 6 weeks after acesarean delivery.
Q: How should it be stored?
A: In a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture, and out of reach ofchildren.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.
