Ethinyloestradiol
Used in the following combined preparations Combined oral contraceptives (e.g., Brevinor, Eugynon 30, Femodene, Loestrin, Microgynon 30, Norimin, Ovran 30, Ovranette, Ovysmen), Dianette, Schering PC4.
General Information
Ethinyloestradiol is a synthetic oestrogen similar to oestradiol, a natural female sex hormone. It is widely used in oral contraceptives, in combination with a synthetic progesterone (progestogen). Ethinyloestradiol is also occasionally used to supplement oestrogen when the body’s production is low, for example, during the menopause. In such cases, it is often given with a progestogen.
Ethinyloestradiol is occasionally given to control abnormally heavy bleeding from the uterus and to treat delayed sexual development (hypogonadism) in females. Certain breast and prostate cancers respond to ethinyloestradiol. The drug is sometimes given, in high doses, for postcoital contraception. It is used in conjunction with cyproterone to treat severe acne in women.
Quick Reference
Drug group Female sex hormone and oral contraceptive.
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
Information for Users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once daily. Often at certain times of the menstrual cycle.
Adult dosage range
Menopausal symptoms 10-20mcg daily. Hormone deficiency 10-50mcg daily. Combined contraceptive pills 20-50mcg daily depending on preparation. Acne 35mcg daily.
Breast and prostate cancer up to 3mg daily. Onset of effect
10-20 days. Contraceptive protection is effective after 7 days in most cases.
Duration of action
1-2 days.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 4 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next. If you are taking the drug for contraceptive purposes, see what do if you miss a pill.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor. Contraceptive protection is lost unless an alternative is used.
Possible Adverse Effects
The most common adverse effects with ethinyloestradiol are similar to symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy and generally
diminish with time. Sudden, sharp pain in the chest, groin, or legs may indicate an abnormal blood clot and requires urgent attention.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
Special Precautions.
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have heart failure or high blood pressure.
You or a close relative have had blood clots or a stroke.
You have a long-term liver problem.
You are a smoker.
You have diabetes.
You suffer from migraine or epilepsy.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not prescribed. May adversely affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk; it may also inhibit milk flow. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not usually prescribed.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
No known problems.
Alcohol
No known problems.
Surgery and general anaesthetics
Ethinyloestradiol may need to be stopped several weeks before you have major surgery. Discuss this with your doctor.
Interactions
Tobacco smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and circulation with ethinyloestradiol.
Anticonvulsants
Patients taking these drugs may need a higher dose.
Antihypertensive drugs and diuretics
Ethinyloestradiol may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.
Rifampicin significantly reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives containing ethinyloestradiol.
Other antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives containing ethinyloestradiol.
Prolonged Use
Prolonged use of ethinyloestradiol slightly increases the risk of cancer of the uterus after the menopause when used without a progestogen. The risk of gallstones may also be higher.
Monitoring Physical examinations and periodic checks on blood pressure may be performed.
