PROGESTERONE ONLY PILL (POP) Flashcards
MOA of POC
1) thickening of the cervical mucus
2) suppression of ovulation
3) changes in the uterine lining
Formulation
Parenteral
PO
Side effects
Menstrual irregularities
- Heavy/light periods (common)
- Irregular periods
- Prolonged periods
Cancer
- Increased risk of breast cancer
- weight increase
- breast tenderness
- libido changes
- mood changes
- ovarian cysts
- skin reactions
How to take
OD on a continuous basis
Start on day 1 of cycle
Take at same time each day
If started after day 5 of menstrual cycle = use extra protection for 2 days
What additional precautions need to be taken with POCs?
No additional precautions needed if started within first 5 days of cycle
Need 2 days precaution if taken after that
Missed pill - when can you take
Can take within 3 hours
Desogestrel = 12 hours
- ASAP
- usual time (can mean 2 in a day)
- Need protection till 48 hours of pills are taken correctly (7 for desogestrel)
- Need emergency contraception if UPSI happened between missed pill and 2 days after restarting medication
Drugs which interact with POC
- Griseofluvin - effectiveness of POP may be reduced
- Ulipristal - effectiveness may be reduced
- REMEMBER ‘CRAPPS’ ENZYME INDUCERS! Carbamazepine, Rifampicin, Aprepitant, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital,
- St John’s Wort - reduce effectiveness of POPs
What should be done if a patient is taking a progesterone-only pill alongside an enzyme-inducing drug e.g., carbamazepine or phenobarbital?
additional barrier method is recommended, during taking and for 28 days after!
POC injection
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
99.8% effective in correct usage
every 13 weeks
How effective is the depo injection?
99.8% effective in correct usage
How long does the depo injection last?
3 months
Side effects of depo injection
- Loss of bone density may occur
- Delayed return to fertility of up to one year after treatment cessation
POC Implant
Etonogesterel (Nexplanon)
99.95% effective in correct usage
* Lasts up to 3 years
MHRA Warning: neurovascular injury and migration of the implant - remove ASAP
How effective is nexplanon
99.95% effective in correct usage
How long does nexplanon last?
3 years