Mylan Contraception Options
Mylan offers several generic combination oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), with levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol being one of their primary contraceptive products, which is highly effective with pregnancy rates of less than 1% when used perfectly.
Available Mylan Contraception Options
Mylan manufactures several generic oral contraceptive options, including:
Levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol tablets - Available in various formulations:
- Standard dose (100 mcg levonorgestrel/20 mcg ethinyl estradiol)
- Extended cycle regimens
- Generic versions of branded products
Other combination OCPs containing:
- Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol
- Norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol
- Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol
Effectiveness and Mechanism of Action
Combination OCPs like levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol work primarily by:
- Inhibiting ovulation
- Thickening cervical mucus
- Thinning the endometrial lining 1
The effectiveness rates for these contraceptives are:
Benefits Beyond Contraception
Mylan's levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol products offer several non-contraceptive benefits:
- Treatment of acne: Studies show significant reduction in inflammatory and total acne lesions compared to placebo 4
- Menstrual benefits:
- Management of conditions exacerbated by menstruation:
- Anemia
- Severe dysmenorrhea
- Endometriosis
- Migraines without aura 2
Safety Considerations and Contraindications
Mylan's combination OCPs are contraindicated in women with:
- History of venous thromboembolism or arterial thrombotic disease
- Breast or endometrial carcinoma
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
- Severe hypertension
- Diabetes with vascular involvement
- Headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine with aura
- Liver tumors
- Age ≥35 years who smoke 2
The baseline risk of venous thromboembolism increases three to fourfold with combination OCP use 2. Pills containing levonorgestrel (like many Mylan products) are considered first-line due to their relatively lower risk of venous thromboembolism compared to newer generation progestins 6.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can reduce the effectiveness of Mylan's OCPs:
- Antibiotics
- Anticonvulsants
- Antifungals
- HIV protease inhibitors
- Rifampin
- St. John's wort 2
Women taking these medications should use backup contraception methods.
Administration Guidelines
- Standard regimen: 21 active hormone pills followed by 7 hormone-free days
- Extended cycle regimens: 84 active hormone pills followed by 7 hormone-free days, or continuous use with no hormone-free days 2
- Missed pill instructions:
- One pill missed: Take as soon as remembered and continue regular schedule
- Two consecutive pills missed: Take two pills for two days, then resume normal schedule with backup method for 7 days 2
Choosing the Right Mylan Contraceptive
When selecting among Mylan's contraceptive options:
- For most women without specific contraindications, pills containing levonorgestrel or norethisterone with ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg or less are considered first-line 6
- For women with acne concerns, Mylan's products containing drospirenone may provide better results due to stronger antiandrogenic properties 2
- For women who cannot take estrogen-containing contraceptives, progestin-only options should be considered 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Failure to screen for contraindications: Always check for risk factors like smoking, age, history of thromboembolism, and migraines with aura
- Not providing adequate counseling about drug interactions: Certain medications can significantly reduce contraceptive effectiveness
- Overlooking extended cycle options: Many patients benefit from fewer or no withdrawal bleeds but aren't informed about this option
- Inadequate instructions about missed pills: Clear guidance improves adherence and reduces contraceptive failures
By carefully selecting the appropriate Mylan contraceptive product based on individual risk factors and preferences, healthcare providers can offer effective contraception while minimizing risks and maximizing additional benefits.