Microvlar: what it is for and how to take it

Microvlar is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive, indicated to prevent pregnancy, as it has two female hormones in its composition, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, which act by preventing ovulation and causing changes in cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, preventing pregnancy.

This contraceptive also helps control irregularities in the menstrual cycle and the intensity of menstrual flow, in addition to reducing the discomfort of menstrual cramps. See the main causes of irregular menstruation.

Microvlar can be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, in packages containing 21 or 63 tablets, and must be used with the advice of a gynecologist.

What is it for

Microvlar is indicated as an oral contraceptive for daily use, to prevent pregnancy as it prevents ovulation, alters cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, Microvlar also helps regulate the menstrual cycle, control menstrual intensity and flow, reducing the risk of anemia caused by heavy menstrual bleeding and reducing the discomfort of menstrual cramps.

However, although Microvlar helps prevent pregnancy, it is important to always use a condom during all sexual relations, as Microvlar does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Check out the main STIs.

How to drink

The Microvlar tablet must be taken once a day, always at the same time, following the direction of the arrows, until the end of the pack that has 21 tablets.

After taking the 21 tablets, you must take a 7-day break, and menstruation must occur within 2 to 3 days after taking the last tablet. The new pack must be started on the 8th day after the break, regardless of the duration of menstruation.

To start treatment with Microvlar, when no other hormonal contraceptive has been previously used, the Microvlar tablet must be taken on the first day of menstruation and, after finishing the pack, it must be taken 7 days before starting the next one. card.

If the woman is using another oral contraceptive with combined hormones, treatment with Microvlar must be started on the day following the interruption of the previous contraceptive, or at most, on the day following the last day of break or taking inactive tablets without previously used contraceptive hormone.

To switch from the vaginal ring or transdermal patch to Microvlar, you must start using Microvlar on the day you remove the vaginal ring or patch, or at the latest, on the day scheduled for the next application. See how to change contraceptives correctly without running the risk of getting pregnant.

What to do if you forget to take it

When you forget less than 12 hours after the usual time, you should take the forgotten pill as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. In these cases, Microvlar’s contraceptive protection is maintained.

When you forget more than 12 hours after the usual time, the contraceptive effect of Microvlar may be reduced, especially at the end or beginning of the pack.

Therefore, when forgetfulness lasts for more than 12 hours, it is recommended:

• Forget in the 1st week: take the pill as soon as you remember, and take the remaining pills at the usual time. Use a condom for the next 7 days;
• Forget in the 2nd week: take the pill as soon as you remember, and take the remaining pills at the usual time;
• Forget in the 3rd week: take the forgotten pill immediately as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two pills at the same time, and taking the remaining pills at the usual time. However, you must start the new pack as soon as you finish the current one without taking a break between one pack and another. Another option is to stop taking the pills from the current pack, take a 7-day break, counting on the day you forget and start a new pack.

When more than 1 tablet from the same pack is missed, you should consult your gynecologist and, if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs 3 to 4 hours after taking the tablet, it is recommended to use another contraceptive method for the next 7 days, such as using a condom. , and take a pregnancy test before starting a new pack. See how to take a pregnancy test correctly.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that may occur during the use of Microvlar are nausea, abdominal pain, headache, depression, mood changes and pain or increased sensitivity of the breasts.

Although it is rarer, in some cases, vomiting, diarrhea, fluid retention, migraine, decreased sexual desire, increased breast size, rash and hives may occur.

Does Microvlar make you fat?

One of the most common side effects of treatment with Microvlar is increased body weight or swelling of the body due to fluid retention, which also leads to weight gain. However, this effect varies from woman to woman, and there are even cases in which there is a decrease in body weight.

Who shouldn’t use

Microvlar should not be used in women in the following situations:

• Allergy to any component of the formula;
• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy;
• Breast-feeding;
• Current or previous history of deep vein thrombosis or thromboembolism;
• Current or previous history of heart attack, angina or chest pain;
• Current or previous history of migraine;
• Brain stroke or narrowing of the vessels that support the heart;
• Disease of the heart valves or blood vessels;
• Diabetes associated with vascular disease;
• High pressure;
• Breast cancer or other known or suspected estrogen-dependent cancer;
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding;
• Tumor glandular benigno;
• Liver cancer or liver disorders;
• Use of medicines such as ombitasvir, paritaprevir or dasabuvir.

Furthermore, Microvlar should not be used by children, elderly people, men, or women who are allergic to any component of the tablet. Discover other contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy.