What is Femodette?
Femodette is a combined oral contraceptive that contains synthetic derivatives of oestrogen and progesterone, ethinylestradiol and testosterone respectively. The combination of these drugs works to alter the menstrual cycle. When used correctly Femodette can be used to prevent pregnancy. Femodette is classified as a low-oestrogen preparation and is therefore particularly appropriate for women with risk factors for circulatory disease.
What do you need to know before taking Femodette?
Femodette is only effective at preventing pregnancy when it is taken correctly. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, Femodette may not be as effective and you may need to use extra precautions. It is important to note that Femodette does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
While femodette is generally safe to use it can lead to the formation of blood clots in rare cases. It is important that you read the information on this page thoroughly before you start taking Femodette and raise any concerns with your GP.
What are the benefits of using Femodette?
In addition to being 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, women who take Femodette may find that they experience reduced blood loss during their monthly period, that any acne is improved, and that any fibroids or ovarian cysts are less painful. Femodette is also known to reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. Since Femodette is a monophasic preparation and the amount of hormones is constant it reduces mood swings. Gestodene, the progesterone component in Femodette, provides good cycle control.
Who can use Femodette?
Femodette is appropriate for use in women who experience a regular menstrual cycle. It should not be used in women who have not started their periods or those who have reached menopause. A low-oestrogen preparation, Femodette is particularly useful for women who are at a higher risk for circulatory disease. The progesterone used in Femodette, gestodene, is usually considered for women who have side effects such as headaches, acne or depression with certain other progestogens.
In what dosages is Femodette available?
Femodette is only available in a single dose: a combination of 20mcg ethinylestradiol and 75mcg gestodene.
How do I take Femodette correctly?
Each strip contains 21 active tablets which are taken once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7 days tablet free period. The tablets should be taken at the same time every day with a small drink of water. As long as you are not pregnant, you can continue with the next blister pack after the 7 day pill free interval.
What happens if I forget to take Femodette?
If you forget to take a Femodette tablet, take it as soon as you remember, even if that means taking two tablets at the same time. Continue the blister strip as normal.
If you forget to take more than one Femodette tablet, take one tablet as soon as you remember and resume pill taking as normal. It is important in this case that you use extra non-hormonal contraception for the next 7 days and speak to your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.
Do I have to take Femodette every day?
In order for Femodette to be effective, you will need to take Femodette daily for 21 days of every month, followed by a 7 day tablet free period.
Is it safe to take Femodette with other medication?
Certain medications, not only prescription medication, but over the counter preparations and herbal remedies, reduce the effectiveness of Femodette. Taking these medications at the same time as Femodette is not advisable and your GP or pharmacist can advise you on more reliable options. Certain epilepsy medications (eg: carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobaritone and topimarate), antiretrovirals used in HIV (eg: ritonavir, nevirapine), St John’s Wort and antifungals such as griseofulvin can considerablyl reduce the effectiveness of Femodette.
What are the side effects of Femodette?
Common side effects (between 100 and 1000 in every 10,000 users may be affected):
- feeling sick
- stomach ache
- putting on weight
- headaches
- depressive moods or mood swings
- sore or painful breasts
Uncommon side effects (between 10 and 100 in every 10,000 users may be affected):
- being sick and stomach upsets
- fluid retention
- migraine
- loss of interest in sex
- breast enlargement
- skin rash, which may be itchy
You should stop taking Femodette immediately if you experience sudden chest pain, breathlessness, unexplained swelling and or severe stomach pain, and seek immediate medical advice.
Can I miss my period, while taking Femodette?
Femodette has been associated with menstrual cycle irregularities which includes missed periods. If you do notice any irregularities in your menstrual cycle, make a note of these and discuss them with your GP.
Can I use Femodette to delay my period?
Femodette is not licensed for use in delaying menstrual periods, however, because of the way it works, the dosing schedule can be altered to delay your period. Therefore if you skip the 7 day pill-free interval and take the active tablets from the next blister as soon as you complete one, you can delay your period. It is important to note however that you may experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting if you take Femodette this way.
Do birth control pills cause weight gain?
Even though there is no evidence to demonstrate that birth control pills cause actual weight gain, they can cause fluid retention and bloating. This may be interpreted by many as temporary weight gain.
How do I know if Femodette is the right pill for me?
In short, Femodette is the right pill for you if you are of child-bearing age, have regular menstrual periods, are generally healthy but have some risk factors for circulatory disease. It is important that you discuss whether Femodette is right for you with your GP.
Can I take Femodette while breastfeeding?
Femodette should not be used by women who are breastfeeding. If you need effective contraception while you are breastfeeding, discuss the options available to you with your GP or pharmacist.
I am lactose intolerant, is Femodette safe for me to take?
If you are lactose intolerant, it is important to note that Femodette contains 37.155mg of lactose per tablet.
5 sources
- Femodette tablets
- Femodette
- FEMODETTE
- Joint Formulary Committee (2019) BNF 78: September 2019- March 2020. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
- Wilde M, Balfour J. Gestodene. Drugs 50, 364-395 (1995). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-199550020-00010
Leaflet info
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from the PDF-version from this website because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged or the medicine is from another brand.