Mini pill

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The mini-pill is a drug for hormonal contraception for women. The mini-pill contains, as active ingredient , a synthetic progestin as progestin .

Conventional mini pill

The conventional minipill contains the progestin levonorgestrel . The primary principle of action is based on changing the consistency of the cervical mucus , i.e. the plug of mucus in the cervix , so that the passage of sperm into the uterus is very difficult. In addition, the lining of the uterus is changed in such a way that a fertilized egg cell cannot implant (nidation inhibition).

The minipill is taken relatively precisely at the same time each day without a break; a deviation of more than 3 hours puts the contraceptive protection at risk. The Pearl Index of the conventional minipill is comparatively high at around 4.1 (study on 28 mini and Microlut ), and it can therefore be classified as less safe than other hormonal methods.

New mini pill

The new minipill contains the progestin desogestrel and also suppresses ovulation , in addition to conventional changes in the cervical mucus and the uterine lining . Ovulation inhibition is to be regarded as the primary active principle of the new minipill , just like with the widespread micropill .

The Pearl index of the new minipill is very good at 0.4 (based on Cerazette ) and comparable to the micropill . The same, comparatively relaxed rules apply to the accuracy of intake and tolerance to errors as for the micro pill.

pharmacology

application areas

The minipill is mainly suitable for women for whom preparations containing estrogen are contraindicated, especially for smokers, high blood pressure and a history of thrombosis, as well as estrogen-dependent tumors.

The mini pill can also be used as a contraceptive in breastfeeding women.

Interactions

Some medications, such as St. John's wort , broad spectrum antibiotics , some anti-epileptic drugs, and some psychotropic drugs, can make oral hormonal contraceptives less effective.

Side effects

Side effects of the minipill are frequent intermenstrual bleeding and the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) . Other possible side effects are mood swings, depressive moods , skin changes and hair loss.

costs

The mini pills 28 mini and Microlut currently cost around 32.00 euros for three months, the new Cerazette mini pill costs around 37.00 euros for three months. However, cheaper preparations with the same active ingredients, so-called generics, are available. The prices here can be over 50% lower.

A reimbursement or refund is statutory health insured women in Germany according to § 24a SGB V under the age of 22 years (until March 28, 2019 the age of 20) from the health insurance and social assistance justified women according to § 49 SGB XII from the competent social assistance to.

literature

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Technical information from the manufacturer Jenapharm for the 28 mini , as of March 2011
  2. ↑ Technical information from the manufacturer Bayer on Microlut , as of July 2007
  3. ↑ Technical information from the manufacturer Essex-Pharma for Cerazette , as of June 2009
  4. ^ J. Herrero, B. Müller: Contraception. In: M. Kirschbaum, K. Münstedt: Checklist gynecology and obstetrics. 2nd Edition. Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart 2005. ISBN 3-13-126229-7 , correct ISBN 3-13-126292-3 . Pp. 410-434
  5. ↑ The mini pill. Pro Familia , February 11, 2011, accessed May 23, 2011 .

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