Name Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol
Classes Hormonal Agent
Sex Hormone
Steroid
Contraceptive
Diseases Acne
Gyeconological Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Prevention of Pregnancy

Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol

Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol is a combination oral contraceptive drug. It contains a synthetic progestin (Drospirenone) and a synthetic estrogen (Ethinylestradiol). The progestin component has antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity, while the estrogen component suppresses ovulation by inhibiting the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. The drug also thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg.

 

Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol is an estrogen/progestin COC, indicated for use by women to: 

  • Prevent pregnancy. 
  • Treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) for women who choose to use an oral contraceptive for contraception. 
  • Treat moderate acne for women at least 14 years old only if the patient desires an oral contraceptive for birth control.

 

  • Take one tablet daily by mouth at the same time every day. 
  • Tablets must be taken in the order directed on the blister pack.

The most common adverse reactions associated with Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol use include:

  • headache
  • migraine
  • menstrual irregularities 
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • breast pain/tenderness 
  • mood changes 

 

  • Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events (blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes) associated with Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol use, especially in women over 35 years of age.
  • The medication should not be used in women with a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or liver disease.
  • Women with a history of breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancers should not use this medication.
  • Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol may increase potassium levels in the blood, which can cause serious heart problems in women with kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems.
  • The medication may cause changes in lipid and glucose metabolism and should be used with caution in women with diabetes or high cholesterol.
  • Women should be advised to use additional contraception during the first 7 days of treatment, as the medication may not be immediately effective in preventing pregnancy.
  • If the patient misses a dose, she should take it as soon as possible and use a backup method of contraception for the next 7 days.
  • The medication should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

 

Contraindication

Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any component of the formulation.

Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol is contraindicated in the following health conditions-

  • High risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. 
  • Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer.
  • Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding. 
  • Liver tumors
  • acute viral hepatitis 
  • decompensated cirrhosis