Oral Contraceptive Pill Names | Minipill Brand Names and Side Effects

Minipill Brand Names and Side Effects | Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) Names List

What is Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP)?

Oral contraceptives, abbreviated OCPs, also known as birth control pills, are medications taken by mouth for the purpose of birth control.

OCP means Oral contraceptive pill. Hormonal contraceptives used are the most effective spacing methods of contraception. Oral contraceptives of combined types are almost hundred percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

What is Minipill?

Minipill is devoid of oestrogen compound. It contains very low dose of a progestin in any one of the following form-

• Levonorgestril 75mg or Norethisterone 350mg,
• Desogestril Smg, lynesterol 500mg or Norgestril.

Mechanism of Action:

It works mainly by making cervical mucous thick and viscous, thereby prevents sperm penetration Endometrium becomes atrophic, so blastocyst implantation is also hindered. In about 2% of cases ovulation is inhibited.

How to Prescribe Minipill?

The first pill be taken on the first day of the cycle and then continuously. It has to be taken regularly and at the same time of the day. There must be no break between the packs.

Advantages or Benefits of Using Minipill:

It includes the following:

• Side effects attributed to oestrogen in combined pill are totally eliminated.
• No adverse effect on lactation.
• Easy to take.
• It may be prescribe in patient having, hypertension, fibroid, diabetes, epilepsy and HO thromboembolism.
• Reduces the risk of PID and endometrial cancer.

Drawbacks or Side Effects of Using Minipill:

It includes:

• Acne,
• Break through bleeding,
• Amenorhoea,
• Simple cyst of ovary,
• Failure rate 0.5-2 per 100-womenyears of use.

How Can You Assess a Lady Seeking Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP)?

How Will You Select Cases For Prescribing Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill?

To select a patient for prescribing OCR through history, examination and some investigations are needed to exclude contra-indication.

1. Menstrual history is to be taken to exclude pregnancy, undiagnosed uterine diseases etc.
2. Family history of cerebro-vascular disease including hypertension, breast cancer & hyperlipidemia should be excluded.
3. Medical history regarding thrombo-embolic episodes, jaundice, epilepsy, HTN, DM, allergic condition, migraine should also be-excluded.
4. Examination of breast for any nodule. Blood pressure and weight should be noted.
5. Pelvic examination to exclude fibroid or cervical pathology is mandatory.
6. Investigation – vaginal cytology if facilities are available.
7. Age of the patient is important.

• If she is more than 35 years of age she should be prescribed with caution & regular checkup is needed.
• In smokers it is to be prescribed with caution as it is associated with increased incidence of thromboembolism.

From the above mentioned examination to screen if it is revealed that the woman is any systemic disease and contraindication she is suitable candidate for OCP therapy.

Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) Names List in Bangladesh: