Active Ingredient	Ethinyloestradiol/Levonorgestrel
Manufacturer	Wyeth Australia Pty. Ltd.
Origin	Australia
Other Names	N/A
Reference	N/A

How does Monofeme (Ethinyloestradiol/Levonorgestrel) work:

Monofeme (Ethinyloestradiol/Levonorgestrel) is an oral contraceptive. Monofeme tablets contain two hormones levonorgestrel and ethinyloestradiol, which prevent you from becoming pregnant if taken correctly. They are similar to the hormones that your body normally produces.

Monofeme works by inhibiting the egg release and stopping it maturing. It changes the cervical mucus consistency making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg, and changes the lining of the uterus making it less suitable for implantation.

Dosage & Administration:

Monofeme is available only with a physician`s prescription. If your physician has prescribed Monofeme for some other purpose than contraception, follow their directions closely, even if they are not the same as on the pack.

Monofeme will work best if you do not miss any tablets and take it at the same time each day. Taking your tablet at the same time each day will also help you remember when to take the tablets.

Swallow Monofeme with a glass of water. It does not matter if you take Monofeme before or after food.

Side Effects:

• sharp chest pain
• coughing of blood
• sudden shortness of breath
• pain in the calf muscle area
• severe headache
• dizziness or fainting
• disturbances of vision or speech
• weakness
• numbness in an arm or leg
• changes or loss of vision
• breast lumps
• severe pain in the stomach area
• jaundice
• fever
• loss of appetite
• itchy rash
• rise in blood pressure
• swelling around eyes or mouth
• bloody diarrhoea
• abdominal pain or tenderness
• nausea or vomiting

Precautions:

Tell all physicians, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Monofeme. If you are about to start taking any new medicines, tell the physician or pharmacist that you are taking Monofeme.

If you become pregnant while taking Monofeme, see your physician immediately.If you miss a period and you have taken your tablets correctly, continue taking your tablets as you would normally.

If you miss two menstrual periods, stop taking your tablets and see your physician, even if you have taken the tablets correctly. You must use a non-hormonal method of contraception, (such as condoms or a diaphragm) during this time. Your physician should make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking Monofeme again.

Tell your physician you are using Monofeme at least 4 weeks before any planned hospitalisation or surgery.Your physician may tell you to stop taking Monofeme several weeks before surgery or at the time of immobilisation. Your physician will tell you when you can start taking Monofeme after you are back on your feet.