Marvelon is an oral contraceptive classified as a combined birth control pill due to the fact that it contains both synthetic oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and synthetic progesterone (desogestrel). By mimicking the activity of naturally-produced sex hormones, Marvelon will successfully prevent unwanted pregnancy in up to 99% of cases. Developed and marketed in the UK by Merck Sharp and Dohme pharmaceutical company, this 21-days contraceptive pill is not only highly adept at preventing pregnancy, but is also commonly prescribed to women struggling with heavy and exceptionally painful periods.

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How reliable is Marvelon?

Just like most other birth control pills, Marvelon is advertised as effective in up to 99% of cases. And as a combination contraceptive pill, it is somewhat more reliable that progesterone-only alternatives. However, in order to ensure maximum protection against unwanted pregnancy when using Marvelon, you should use the pills properly, in line with the instructions provided by your prescriber. This means that you should never miss a pill and that you should carefully follow the pattern of 21 day taking the pills followed by 7-day long break before the new cycle begins. It is also important to be aware of other medications and remedies which can compromise the protection offered by Marvelon. These include:

  • Epilepsy treatments
  • HIV or AIDS medications
  • High blood pressure drugs
  • St John’s wort
  • Ciclosporin
  • Lamotrigine

Additional information about how to ensure maximum protection with Marvelon can be found in the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine.

How does Marvelon prevent pregnancies?

In order for pregnancy to occur, the female body has to go through certain biochemical and physiological processes, most importantly ovulation, when the egg cell is released by the ovary and transported to the fallopian tubes where it can get fertilised by sperm. If the conception occurs, the fertilised egg will travel to the uterus via the fallopian tubes, where it will become attached to the uterine wall (called endometrium by the medical professional) and develop into embryo.

Marvelon will interfere with these processes thanks to its active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. These pharmaceutical compounds are synthetic versions of naturally-synthesised sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone and within the female body they perfectly mimic the activity of these hormones. Both of them play important roles in directing the abovementioned processes.

When used in contraceptive pills, these synthetic sex hormones will act to prevent pregnancy in various ways. Most importantly, synthetic progesterone will trick the body into “thinking” the ovulation has already taken place, thus preventing release of the egg from the ovary. On the other hand, synthetic oestrogen will contribute to the thickening of the cervical fluids and changing of the environment by the uterine wall, making it harder for egg to implant and harder for sperm to reach the egg. Due to its mechanism of action, as well as active ingredients, Marvelon is identical to Mercilon, with the doses of the two being the main difference.

Can I buy Marvelon online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to buy Marvelon birth control pills online. However, you should keep in mind that in the UK, contraceptive pills are prescription-only medications. As such, they can be obtained only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional. However, this is no obstacle to buying Marvelon online. Thanks to numerous online clinics legally operating in the UK, you can easily consult with a doctor without leaving the comfort of your home.

After choosing the online clinic of your choice, you can use the functionality of the website to contact the doctor. Most commonly, you will be presented with a detailed and customised medical questionnaire that you will be asked to fill in. The doctor employed at the online clinic will use the information obtained that way to get a detailed insight into your medical condition and profile which will allow him to make an informed decision regarding your suitability for using Marvelon contraceptive pills.

If everything checks out, the prescription will be issued and used that very same moment to have the birth control pills delivered from the partner pharmacy to the address you provided.

How to take Marvelon?

In order to ensure maximum protection when using Marvelon, you should always precisely adhere to the instructions provided by your prescriber and to the guidelines outlined in the official patient information leaflet that you can find within your pack of Marvelon.

Below, we will present you a short and illustrative overview of some of the most general things you must keep in mind when taking this contraceptive pill. Please note that as such the text below cannot be used as a substitute for the official information, nor the doctor’s instructions. Instead, it is here simply to help you get a better understanding of what taking Marvelon might look like.

  • One strip contains 21 tablets
  • Marvelon is intended to be used in 28-days cycles
  • One pill should be taken each day, at the same time
  • Use the marks on the strip to help you keep track of your treatment
  • Upon completing the whole strip, do not take Marvelon for a full week before starting the new cycle
  • If you miss a pill, do not try to compensate by taking a double dose – instead, refer to the information leaflet to learn how should you proceed
  • If it is your first time using Marvelon, you should also check the leaflet for information on when and how to start taking the birth control pill

What are Marvelon side effects?

When it comes to side effects, Marvelon is no different than other birth control pills available on the UK market – it can cause certain adverse effects in people especially susceptible to them and those effects can be both benign and potentially dangerous which is why it is highly advisable to try and learn as much as you can about them prior to commencing treatment.

When it comes to potentially dangerous side effects, these will require you to stop taking Marvelon and seek immediate medical advice. These include any signs and symptoms indicative of a blood clot, allergic reaction, heart attack, stroke or serious liver condition. Other documented side effects, which are much more benign in their nature include:

Common (1 in 100 women) Rare (1 in 1000 women)
·       Headaches

·       Weight fluctuations

·       Breast pain

·       Breast tenderness

·       Nausea

·       Vomiting

·       Mood swings

·       Loss of libido

·       Heart and circulation problems

·       Hypertension

·       Fluid retention

·       Irregular vaginal bleeding

·       Skin problems

·       Eye dryness and irritation

·       Worsening of lupus

·       Gallstones

·       Chorea

·       Pancreatitis

·       Crohn’s disease

·       Ulcerative colitis

·       Changes in blood sugar levels

·       Worsening of otosclerosis

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list including all documented side effects. For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the official patient information leaflet that you can find within your pack of Marvelon.