Novelon Tablet

Novelon tablet is a combination medicine containing desogestrol and ethinylestradiol as its active ingredients. It is used as a birth control pill for females. This medicine may alter the pattern of vaginal bleeding, including its intensity, frequency, and duration.

It should be taken as directed by the doctor, in the prescribed doses and duration. The common side effects of this medicine are altered mood, headache, nausea, pain in the abdomen, breast pain and an increase in weight. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or are likely to be pregnant, if you are breastfeeding your child or for children below 18 years of age.

Some medicines used for epilepsy, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital, as well as those used in diabetes and weight management, like tirzepatide ( Mounjaro 2.5 injection ), and other tuberculosis medicines like rifampicin and rifabutin, should not be used in conjunction with this medicine without prior consultation with your doctor. Always observe and inform your doctor about various risk factors and symptoms related to vascular blood clot formation, liver disease, heart disease, and fits before starting this medicine and after taking it.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include cause nausea, vomiting and slight vaginal bleeding, especially in young girls. If you experience any of the symptoms or think you have taken too much of Novelon tablet, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

In case you forget to take a dose of Novelon tablet, then consult your doctor immediately for further advice.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Novelon tablet contains two different agents named Desogestrol which is a synthetic progestogen and Ethinylestradiol which is a synthetic estrogen. Both these agents help to inhibit the release of ovaries, make changes in cervical secretion to inhibit the progress of sperms inside the female genital tract and thus preventing the union of sperms with the eggs.

Directions for Use

Novelon tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water, do not cut, break or chew the medicine. It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results and should not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Novelon tablet during pregnancy?

Do not take Novelon tablet if you are pregnant or are likely to be pregnant in the near future.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Novelon tablet while breastfeeding?

Do not take Novelon tablet while breastfeeding as this medicine reduces and changes the composition of the breastmilk.

Driving

Can I drive after taking Novelon tablet?

Novelon tablet is not known to impair your driving ability. So, you can drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Novelon tablet?

No, it is not advisable to consume alcohol with Novelon tablet as it interferes with the effectiveness of this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You experience breathlessness or a sudden cough.
• You are a smoker.
• You an obese person.
• You have altered lipid levels.
• You have liver disorders.
• You have mood swings.
• You experience fit attacks.
• You develop any allergic reaction after taking Novelon tablet.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to desogestrol, ethinylestradiol or any of the components of Novelon tablet.
• If you are at a high risk of vascular blood clot formation. If you have a family history of blood clot formation.
• If you have undergone major surgery followed by being bedridden for a long time.
• If you have/had heart diseases such as a heart attack or chest pain.
• If you have a history of paralysis.
• If you have low blood circulation to the brain. If you have a high blood sugar level.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have dysfunction of the liver and pancreas.
• If you have tumours of the liver.
• If you have female-hormone dependent tumours.
• If you experience unknown bleeding from the vagina, are pregnant or are likely to be pregnant should not use this medicine.

Side effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain in the abdomen
• Altered mood
• Tenderness in the breast
• Increase in weight

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Always inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, which includes all prescribed or non-prescribed herbal medicines, dietary supplements as well as other treatments if you are taking for any disorders.
• Some antivirals medicines like ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir are not to be used along with Novelon tablet.
• Taking Novelon tablet along with other medicines without a doctor’s advice can lead to vaginal bleeding and failure of the effectiveness of this medicine.
• Some fits medicines like phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital while other tuberculosis medicines like rifampicin, rifabutin should not be used along with this medicine without prior consultation with your doctor.
• Some other medicines like griseofulvin, modafinil and antiviral medicines including HIV medicines are not to be used along with this medicine.
• Antifungal medicines like ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole are not to be used without a doctor’s advice along with Novelon tablet.

Storage and disposal

• Store Novelon tablet below 25°C in the original packaging to protect it from moisture and light.
• Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after its expiry date.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Novelon tablet prevent the chances of developing HIV infection?

No, Novelon tablet is to be used as a birth control pill, it does not protect from any sexually transmitted infections including HIV.

Is Novelon tablet a habit-forming medicine?

No, habit-forming reactions have been reported with Novelon tablet yet.

I am using Novelon tablet since the last 5 months as advised by my doctor. But will it affect my ability to get pregnant in the future?

No data or evidence has been reported for any short-term or long-term effects on your ability to become pregnant in the future after stopping Novelon tablet.

Does Novelon cause weight gain?

Yes, increase in weight is one of the side effect that women might experience after taking this medicine. Therefore, it is advised to have regular exercise and healthy food, to avoid weight gain. However, if this symptom bothers you,consult your doctor.

Is Novelon tablet a contraceptive pill?

Yes, Novelon is a contraceptive pill.

Can Novelon be used for delaying periods?

No, Novelon is used to prevent pregnancy it does not delay or postpone periods.

Does Novelon cause mood swings?

Mood swings are one of the common side effects of Novelon. Although not everyone gets them. Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine. But, if it persists for long and bothers you, speak to your doctor.

Can I take Novelon tablet for PCOS side effects?

No, you should not take this medicine for any other medical condition other than what it is prescribed for. Refrain from self-medication.

Does Novelon tablet cause breast pain?

Breast pain or tenderness is one of the side effects that can be seen during the treatment with Novelon. Although not everyone gets them. Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine. However, if you feel it persistently, inform the doctor.