Mercilon Tablet

Mercilon Tablet is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing Ethinylestradiol 20mcg (an oestrogen) and Desogestrel 150mcg (a progestogen). It is used by women to prevent pregnancy, and belongs to a low-dose combined pill category often chosen for its lower oestrogen content compared to older formulations. It may also help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual pain and heavy bleeding for some users, when prescribed for these purposes by a doctor.

Mercilon Tablet is a prescription-only medicine in Malaysia. A doctor must assess a woman’s medical history, including any risk factors for blood clots, cardiovascular disease, migraine, or hormone-sensitive conditions, before prescribing it. It can be obtained through DoctorOnCall following an online consultation to confirm suitability.

Mercilon works mainly by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary), thickening cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the uterus, and altering the lining of the uterus to make it less receptive to implantation. The combination of ethinylestradiol and desogestrel provides reliable, reversible contraception when the tablets are taken correctly and consistently as directed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.