estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Combined hormonal contraceptive containing estradiol and nomegestrol acetate.
Licensed use
Oral contraception.
Sexually transmitted infections
It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
What is estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate used for?
This product is licensed for:
Preventing pregnancy through oral contraception.
How does estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate work?
Nomegestrol acetate activates progesterone receptors and suppresses hormonal signals supporting ovulation. Estradiol provides the oestrogen component. Together, they mainly prevent ovulation and alter cervical secretions.
estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 2.5 mg + 1.5 mg
How to take estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate
Swallow the tablets with liquid if needed, with or without food.
White tablets contain the active hormones; yellow tablets are inactive placebos.
Vomiting or severe diarrhoea may prevent adequate absorption of an active tablet.
estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Acne
- Irregular, absent or heavier withdrawal bleeding
- Headache or migraine
- Nausea
- Breast or pelvic pain
- Mood changes or depressed mood
- Reduced libido
- Weight increase
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a venous blood clot, pulmonary embolism, stroke or heart attack
- A severe allergic reaction
- New or worsening neurological symptoms that could indicate meningioma
- Serious depression or suicidal thoughts
estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate in pregnancy
It is not intended for use during pregnancy and should be stopped if pregnancy is confirmed. Evidence about inadvertent exposure in early pregnancy does not show a clear increased risk of birth defects, and extra fetal monitoring is not usually required solely for this exposure.
estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate while breastfeeding
Combined oral contraceptives can reduce milk quantity or alter its composition. The product information does not recommend this product until breastfeeding has ended; discuss a suitable alternative with the prescriber.
estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products because interactions may reduce contraceptive protection or affect another treatment.
Enzyme-inducing antiseizure medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, oxcarbazepine and topiramate
They can lower hormone concentrations, causing breakthrough bleeding or contraceptive failure; alternative or additional contraception may be required.
Rifampicin, rifabutin and griseofulvin
Enzyme induction can reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
St John’s wort
It can reduce hormone concentrations and contraceptive protection.
Common questions about estradiol hemihydrate + nomegestrol acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. Condoms are needed to reduce transmission risk.
Why are the tablets different colours?
White tablets contain active hormones; yellow tablets are inactive placebos.
Can it be taken with food?
Yes. Food does not have a clinically relevant effect on absorption.
What if I vomit after taking it?
Vomiting may prevent absorption of an active tablet. Consult the product leaflet for the appropriate action.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.