Written byDr. Adeline Carol PetersBachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) — Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Last updated:
Overview
Mercilon Tablet contains Ethinylestradiol 20mcg and Desogestrel 150mcg and is presented as a tablet. It is supplied in pack sizes of 63s-x3, 21s and 63s.
It is classified as a non-prescription medicine, so no prescription is needed to order it. Under Malaysian rules for medicine information, this page carries product, safety and handling information only.
You can consult a doctor or pharmacist online on DoctorOnCall about this product before or after you order. Every order is checked by a registered pharmacist before it is delivered. Always read the label and the leaflet supplied with the pack.
Directions for Use
Take one Mercilon Tablet at approximately the same time each day, following the sequence indicated on the blister pack, usually for 21 days followed by a 7-day tablet-free interval (or as directed for the specific pack type prescribed). Swallow the tablet whole with water. If a dose is missed, follow the specific missed-pill instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist, as the required action depends on how late the dose is and where you are in the cycle.
Dosage
The standard dose is one tablet daily as indicated by the pack sequence, prescribed and confirmed by a doctor based on individual health assessment. This medicine requires a valid doctor’s prescription; do not start or continue Mercilon without medical advice, and inform your doctor promptly if you experience any new health concerns, as continued suitability should be reviewed periodically.
Shelf Life
Mercilon Tablet is generally stable for the shelf life stated on the packaging when stored correctly and unopened. Always check the expiry date printed on the blister strip or carton before use, and do not use tablets after this date.
Storage Instructions
Store Mercilon Tablet below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, in its original packaging. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink where humidity is high.
Side Effects
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Headache
Acne or oily skin
Breast tenderness
Weight changes
Mood changes
Nausea
Decreased libido
Contraindications
Known or suspected pregnancy
Current or history of venous or arterial thromboembolism (blood clots)
Migraine with aura
Known hypersensitivity to ethinylestradiol, desogestrel, or any tablet component
Severe liver disease or liver tumours
Known or suspected hormone-sensitive cancers, such as certain breast cancers
Heavy smokers aged over 35 years
Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
Drug / Food Interactions
Certain antibiotics and antifungal medicines (such as rifampicin) may reduce the contraceptive’s effectiveness
Some anti-epileptic and anti-HIV medicines can lower hormone levels and reduce contraceptive reliability
St John’s Wort (a herbal supplement) may reduce effectiveness of the pill
Vomiting or severe diarrhoea can reduce absorption and contraceptive protection
Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all other medicines and supplements you are taking
Quick Tips
Take the tablet at the same time every day to maintain effectiveness
Follow the specific missed-pill instructions from your doctor if you forget a dose
Use additional contraception (such as condoms) if advised after a missed pill, vomiting, or severe diarrhoea
Seek medical attention promptly for severe leg pain/swelling, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or severe headache, as these may signal a blood clot
Attend regular follow-up reviews with your doctor
Inform your doctor before any planned surgery, as the pill may need to be paused
This medicine is not considered safe during pregnancy and should be avoided.
Breastfeeding
Safe If Prescribed
Use during breastfeeding should only be done if prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
Kidney
Limited Data
Limited data in kidney disease patients. Use only if necessary.
Liver
Not Advisable
Not recommended in patients with liver disease.
Alcohol
Generally Safe
Consuming alcohol with this medicine is generally safe, but moderate intake is advised.
Driving
Generally Safe
This medicine is generally safe and should not impair your driving ability.
Relevant Information
Mercilon Tablet is a hormonal contraceptive that requires an individualised medical assessment before use, as certain health conditions and lifestyle factors (such as smoking) increase the risk of serious complications like blood clots. Regular review with a doctor helps ensure the method remains suitable and effective. Patients should consult their doctor or a DoctorOnCall pharmacist with any questions before starting or continuing this medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Mercilon Tablet is a non-prescription product and can be ordered without a prescription. It is still dispensed by a registered pharmacist on DoctorOnCall.
Mercilon Tablet is a tablet containing Ethinylestradiol 20mcg and Desogestrel 150mcg. The full ingredient list is shown in the Composition or Ingredients section on this page and on the product packaging.
It is supplied in pack sizes of 63s-x3, 21s and 63s. Choose the pack size you need from the options shown on this page before adding the item to your cart.
This page is limited to product, safety and handling information in line with Malaysian rules on medicine information. If you want advice on whether this product suits you, book an online consultation with a doctor or pharmacist on DoctorOnCall.
Use it exactly as stated on the pack label, without changing the amount or how often you use it. If anything on the label is unclear, check with a pharmacist before the first use, and read the Directions for Use section on this page.
Yes. DoctorOnCall offers online consultations with licensed doctors and registered pharmacists, so you can ask about this product, your existing medicines, or anything on the label before you place an order.
Store Mercilon Tablet below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, in its original packaging. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink where humidity is high. Keep it in its original pack and do not use it after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Stop using the product and speak to a doctor or pharmacist about any reaction that concerns you. Seek medical care immediately for signs of a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a widespread rash. Reported reactions are listed in the Side Effects section on this page.
Within Malaysia, standard delivery takes 3 to 5 working days. Same-day delivery is available in the Klang Valley for orders placed before 12pm; orders placed after 12pm arrive by the end of the next day.
Orders to Singapore are sent as international deliveries and take 5 to 9 working days. A lump-sum shipping and handling fee applies to every overseas delivery and is shown at checkout.
Customers in Malaysia can pay by FPX online banking, credit or debit card (Visa and Mastercard), and supported e-wallets including Touch ‘n Go eWallet, GrabPay and ShopeePay.
FPX and local e-wallets are tied to Malaysian bank and wallet accounts, so if your delivery address is in Singapore, use the payment options displayed at checkout for that address rather than assuming the same list applies.
Yes. DoctorOnCall ships to Singapore as an international order dispatched from Malaysia, arriving in 5 to 9 working days with a lump-sum shipping and handling fee.
Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) allows personal imports of up to three months’ supply of a medicine for your own use or an immediate family member’s, as long as it contains no controlled drugs, psychotropic substances or prohibited items. Keep the product in its original labelled packaging and keep a copy of your prescription or doctor’s letter with it. Quantities above three months’ supply, and medicines containing controlled substances, require prior HSA approval.
Products listed on DoctorOnCall are registered with Malaysia’s Ministry of Health for supply in Malaysia, and each pack carries its MAL registration number.
An order delivered to Singapore arrives as a personal import of a Malaysia-registered product; HSA product registration is not required for personal-use quantities, but it is also not the same as a product registered for sale in Singapore. If you need a locally registered Singapore product, buy it from a pharmacy in Singapore.
DoctorOnCall’s customer care team handles order, delivery and product queries through the contact channels on the site, including WhatsApp and the online help centre.
For deliveries to Singapore, allow more time before chasing an order than you would for a local Malaysian delivery, as the parcel passes through customs clearance and tracking updates can appear later in the journey.
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Important Medical Information
💊 Recommended Dosage:
The standard dose is one tablet daily as indicated by the pack sequence, prescribed and confirmed by a doctor based on individual health assessment. This medicine requires a valid doctor’s prescription; do not start or continue Mercilon without medical advice, and inform your doctor promptly if you experience any new health concerns, as continued suitability should be reviewed periodically.
🛑 Contraindications (Do not use if):
Known or suspected pregnancy
Current or history of venous or arterial thromboembolism (blood clots)
Migraine with aura
Known hypersensitivity to ethinylestradiol, desogestrel, or any tablet component
Severe liver disease or liver tumours
Known or suspected hormone-sensitive cancers, such as certain breast cancers
Heavy smokers aged over 35 years
Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
If you are unsure, please chat with us or consult your doctor.
⚠️ Common Side Effects:
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Headache
Acne or oily skin
Breast tenderness
Weight changes
Mood changes
Nausea
Decreased libido
Stop taking this medication immediately and consult your doctor if you experience severe allergic reactions or side effects.
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IMPORTANT: Unsure? Chat with our pharmacists (Mon - Sat, 9:00am - 6:00pm) before buying.