Miliana (0.15 mg desogestrel and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol) Tablets

Miliana general information

What is Miliana used for?

Miliana is a low dose combined oral contraceptive pill and is used as an effective means of birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Miliana contraceptive pills contain a combination of two hormones at low doses in a single pill. Each pack of Miliana contains one month’s supply of pills of which there are 21 hormone-containing pills per pack to allow each monthly cycle to end with a withdrawal bleed. When using Miliana for contraception, you will probably find that your periods become more regular and you may also experience lighter, less painful menstruation and an improvement in pre-menstrual symptoms, like bloating, swelling or weight gain related to fluid retention; also an improvement in acne and reductions in greasiness of the skin and hair.

How does Miliana work?

Miliana contraceptive pills contain a combination of two hormones, ethinyloestradiol, a synthetic oestrogen, and desogestrel, a synthetic progestogen, which work together to protect against unwanted pregnancy. Preparation for pregnancy depends on a complex interaction between the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries; oestrogen, which stimulates ovulation, and progesterone which prepares the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation of an embryo; as well as other regulating hormones, produced by the hypothalamus in the brain and the pituitary gland. Miliana combined hormonal contraception works by disrupting the normal menstrual cycle, preventing egg maturation and suppressing ovulation, as well as preventing development of the endometrium, so that a fertilised egg would not be able to implant and grow. Another contraceptive action of Miliana pill is that the cervical mucus, which normally changes consistency at ovulation to become thinner, remains thick, forming a physical barrier to sperm. Some synthetic progestogens have androgenic activity, but desogestrel in Miliana, has very weak androgenic activity, which has a beneficial effect on androgen-related skin disorders such as acne and hirsutism (unwanted hair).

What does Miliana contain?

Miliana contraceptive pills contain 21 pills with the active ingredient combination of two hormones, ethinyloestradiol, a synthetic oestrogen, and desogestrel, a synthetic progestogen, which work together to protect against pregnancy.

Taking Miliana for contraception

Miliana contraceptive pills contain a combination of two hormones, ethinyloestradiol, a synthetic oestrogen, and desogestrel, a synthetic progestogen, which work together to provide effective birth control by protecting against pregnancy. Miliana contraceptive pills work by preventing egg maturation and suppressing ovulation, as well as preventing development and thickening of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) in preparation for implantation, so that a fertilised egg would not be able to implant and grow. You must take your Miliana contraceptive pills continually to ensure effective contraception, with 21 days of hormonal pills followed by a gap of 7 days, during which time you will have a menstrual bleed, which may be light and less painful than usual.

Can you get pregnant if you miss a Miliana pill

Miliana contraceptive pills provide effective contraception when taken correctly and have a failure rate of approximately 1% per year. The failure rate may increase if you miss a pill and may result in an unwanted pregnancy. To prevent this ensure that you take your Miliana contraceptive pills correctly and continually.

What are the side effects of Miliana?

The most frequently reported side effects when taking Miliana contraceptive pills are: breast tenderness, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea, oedema, and headache, skin rash and itching, insomnia and depression. Less common side effects include: migraine, fluid retention, changes in body weight, changes in libido.

When should Miliana not be used?

You should not use Miliana if you:

• are allergic to ethinyloestradiol or desogestrel or any of the ingredients in Miliana contraceptive pills
• have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease
• have high blood pressure, lipid disorders or migraine
• have had deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, heart attack or stroke
• have diabetes with changes to the blood vessels
• abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• are diabetic and taking Miliana contraceptive pills your glucose tolerance may be affected and you may need to discuss using other antidiabetic drugs with your doctor
• are taking other medications that may interact with Miliana, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, barbiturates, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, the antifungal griseofulvin, antibiotics like penicillin, preparations containing St John's Wort

What medications interact with Miliana?

Some medications interact with Miliana contraceptive pills and prevent them working effectively, increasing your risk of becoming pregnant. If you are taking any of the following you may need to take other contraceptive precautions:

• anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin
• barbiturates
• anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, griseofulvin
• antibiotics like penicillin
• preparations containing St John's Wort

How should Miliana be taken?

You should take one Miliana contraceptive pill at the same time each day with a glass of water. Miliana Tablet can be taken, with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet.  

How long should you take Miliana?

You should take Miliana tablets daily for 21 days, starting on the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of bleeding). After completing the 21 days, take a break for seven days before starting the next pack. To help you remember, take the tablet at the same time each day. It's important not to miss a dose, as this could increase your risk of pregnancy. Additionally, avoid smoking while using Miliana, as it may raise the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.

Missed dose of Miliana?

If you miss a dose of Miliana tablets, reach out to your doctor right away for guidance, as the instructions may differ depending on which day the dose was missed. You may need to use additional contraception as a backup if you miss a dose. If you miss your period, consider the possibility of pregnancy, and stop taking the medication if pregnancy is confirmed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage.

How should Miliana be stored?

Keep your Miliana contraceptive pills in their calendar pack until use. Store at room temperature below 25°C.