Lamuna

Lamuna is a combined birth control pill that contains the progestin desogestrel and the estrogen ethinylestradiol. It is available in two strengths: Lamuna 20 with 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol and Lamuna 30 with 0.03 mg.

The low-dose version Lamuna 20 contains the lowest effective amount of estrogen and is particularly suitable for women who are sensitive to estrogen or who want to minimize side effects.

When taken correctly, Lamuna provides very reliable protection against pregnancy, with a Pearl Index of 0.1 to 0.9.

Lamuna prevents pregnancy through the combined action of both hormones:

Inhibition of ovulation: The combination of desogestrel and ethinylestradiol suppresses the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. Without these hormones, ovulation does not occur.

Change in cervical mucus: Desogestrel makes the mucus in the cervix thicker. This makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.

Changes to the endometrium: The uterine lining builds up less, which makes potential implantation more difficult.

For the pill to work, it must be taken every day at about the same time.

Lamuna is suitable for women who:

• Are looking for reliable hormonal contraception
• Are sensitive to higher doses of estrogen (Lamuna 20)
• Want a regular cycle
• Would like to have lighter menstrual bleeding

The pill is suitable for most healthy women who have no risk factors for thrombosis.

Lamuna 20:

• 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol + 0.15 mg desogestrel
• Particularly low dose
• 21 tablets per blister pack

Lamuna 30:

• 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol + 0.15 mg desogestrel
• Standard dose
• 21 tablets per blister pack

Both versions are taken for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.

Dosing schedule:

• One tablet daily at about the same time
• Take for 21 days, then a 7-day break
• Withdrawal bleeding normally occurs during the break
• Start the next blister pack after the break

Starting for the first time:

• Start on the first day of your period
• Protection begins immediately

If you forget to take a tablet:

• Up to 12 hours: Take the missed tablet, protection is maintained
• More than 12 hours: Take the missed tablet, even if this means taking 2 tablets at the same time. What to do next depends on the week of use:
• Week 1: Also use condoms for 7 days. If you had sexual intercourse in the previous 7 days, pregnancy is possible.
• Week 2: If you took your tablets regularly on the previous 7 days, no additional protection is needed. Otherwise, or if more than 1 tablet was missed, also use condoms for 7 days.
• Week 3: Start the next blister pack straight after the current one without a break. Alternatively, stop the current blister pack and start the next one after a break of no more than 7 days, including the days you missed. In both cases, no additional protection is needed if you took your tablets regularly on the 7 days before the first missed tablet. Otherwise, continue with the next blister pack without a break and also use condoms for 7 days.
• If the withdrawal bleeding then does not occur during the next break, pregnancy is possible.

Lamuna must not be taken in cases of:

• Current or previous thrombosis (blood clots)
• Increased risk of thrombosis (e.g., with certain blood clotting disorders)
• History of heart attack or stroke
• Severe liver disease
• Breast cancer or other hormone-dependent tumors
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Pregnancy
• Heavy smokers over 35 years of age
• High blood pressure that is difficult to control
• Migraine with aura

Common side effects:

• Headache
• Nausea (especially in the first months)
• Breast tenderness
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Mood swings

Uncommon side effects:

• Weight changes
• Decreased libido
• Skin changes

Rare but serious side effects:

• Thrombosis (blood clots)
• High blood pressure

The risk of blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolism) is lowest with pills containing levonorgestrel, norgestimate or norethisterone. Pills such as Lamuna can carry up to twice as high a risk. An estimated 9 to 12 out of 10,000 women using a desogestrel-containing pill develop such a blood clot over the course of a year. The risk is highest in the first year of use.

The effect of Lamuna can be impaired by:

• Certain antibiotics (rifampicin, rifabutin)
• Antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital)
• St. John's wort preparations
• HIV medications

Vomiting or diarrhea within 4 hours after taking the pill can also reduce its effect.