Ethinylestradiol

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular combinations:

[tablets] Biphasil, Diane-35, Femodene, Ginette, Marvelon, Mercilon, Minulette, Mirelle, Nordette, Ovral, Triphasil, Yasmin, Yaz; [patch] Evra; [vag ring] Nuvaring

Drug group:

Female sex hormone and oral contraceptive

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Ethinyl oestradiol is a synthetic oestrogen similar to the natural female sex hormone estradiol.

It has many uses:

• Oral contraceptive - combined with a synthetic progestogen
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Other - irregular menstrual cycle, polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism, hypogonadism, prostate cancer (men) and acne (women)

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Menopausal symptoms: 10–20mcg once daily
• Hormone deficiency: 10–50mcg once daily
• Combined oral contraceptive pills: 20–40mcg daily, depending on preparation
• Acne: 35mcg daily
• Prostate cancer: 15–1.5mg once daily

How quickly will it start to work?

10–20 days, contraceptive action within 7 days
                                  

How long will the effects last?

1–2 days
 

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor
                                 

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use increases the risk of breast cancer, venous thrombosis, heart attack, and stroke. Regular physical examinations and blood pressure checks are required.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, vomiting, breast swelling/tenderness, weight gain, fluid retention, bleeding between periods (spotting)
• Less common: headaches, depression
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: sudden/sharp pain in the chest/groin/legs, sudden breathlessness, jaundice, itching

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: heart failure, high blood pressure, previous venous thrombosis or stroke, liver/kidney problems, previous breast/endometrial cancer, diabetes, porphyria, sickle cell anaemia, migraine, epilepsy
• Other medicines: rifampicin, anticonvulsants, antihypertensive drugs, anticoagulants, diuretics, antibiotics and St John’s wort
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not prescribed
• Children: Not usually prescribed
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: No known problems
• Tobacco smoking: increases the risk of serious adverse effects
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: Drug may need to be stopped several weeks before major surgery