Medicine overview
Description
Composition
Femipil is a combined 28-tablet pack: 21 white (hormone) tablets, each containingEthinylestradiol 0.03mg and Levonorgestrel 0.15mg; and 7 brown (iron) tablets, each containingFerrous Fumarate 75mg. This composition and pack structure is confirmed by a Bangladesh retailer listing and SMC Enterprise's own product listings, and matches the catalog's stated composition exactly. Femipilshares the same active hormone ingredients and strengths as some other Bangladeshi combined pills(such as Mayapill), but is manufactured and marketed by a different company (SMC Enterprise Ltd);Femipil's own labeling was independently confirmed rather than assumed to be identical inevery respect.
Uses & Indications
Femipil is a combined oral contraceptive with an iron supplement component, used for pregnancyprevention. It works by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to block spermpenetration. Per SMC Enterprise's own positioning, Femipil is marketed as an affordable, qualitylow-dose contraceptive pill aimed particularly at making reliable contraception accessible tolower-income consumers, including in rural areas. It is generally suitable for non-smoking womenaged 15 to 69, and the iron component also makes it a reasonable option for women managing anemiarelated to heavy or irregular menstruation. It may also be used by breastfeeding mothers oncetheir infant is older than 6 months.
Dosage & Administration
Start on day 1 of your menstrual period (day 1 through 5 is acceptable). Take one tablet dailyat the same time, preferably with food or after dinner. For the first 21 days, take one white(hormone) tablet daily; for the following 7 days, take one brown (iron) tablet daily. Afterfinishing the brown tablets, start a new strip with white tablets immediately - there is no pill-free interval, regardless of whether your period has occurred. If you miss one dose:take it as soon as you remember, plus that day's normal tablet, and continue your normal schedule.If you miss two or more consecutive doses: contraceptive protection may bereduced - use backup contraception (such as condoms) for the next 7 days after resuming.
Precautions & Side Effects
Do not use if pregnant, or if you have a known hypersensitivity to any component. Use withcaution and physician monitoring if you develop a thrombotic (blood clotting) disorder, have liverdisease, hypertension, or abnormal vaginal bleeding - discontinue and seek medical advice ifjaundice develops. Common side effects include headache, nausea, mood changes, vaginal infections,irregular bleeding, and general discomfort. Rare but serious risks associated with this drug classinclude liver tumors, jaundice, hypertension, and gallbladder disease. As with other combinedcontraceptives, women who smoke and are over 35, or who have a history of blood clots, certainheart/vascular conditions, migraine with aura, or hormone-sensitive cancers, should discuss thesuitability of this product with a physician even if not explicitly detailed on the localpackaging.
Drug interactions: enzyme-inducing or CYP3A4-inducing medications can reducethis product's contraceptive effectiveness - if you are taking anticonvulsants, rifampicin, orsimilar medications, discuss backup contraception with a physician. A general dietary note alsoappears in some sources around the iron component (spacing doses from caffeine, dairy, or phytic-acid-rich foods, which can reduce iron absorption) - this appears to be templated general iron-absorption guidance rather than specific to Femipil.
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: Does Femipil include iron tablets like Mayapill?
A: Yes - Femipil is confirmed to follow the same 21 hormone tablet + 7 irontablet pack structure, even though it is made by a different manufacturer (SMC Enterprise) thanMayapill (ACME).
Q: What should I do if I miss a pill?
A: If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember along with that day'snormal tablet. If you miss two or more consecutive doses, use backup contraception for 7 days.
Q: Do I take a break between packs?
A: No, start the next pack's white tablets immediately after finishing thebrown tablets, regardless of bleeding status.
Q: Who should be cautious about using Femipil?
A: Women who smoke and are over 35, or who have a history of blood clots,certain heart conditions, migraine with aura, or hormone-sensitive cancers should discusssuitability with a physician first.
Q: Does anything reduce its effectiveness?
A: Yes - enzyme-inducing medications such as certain anticonvulsants andrifampicin can reduce effectiveness. Consult a physician if you take these.
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.
