Lindinet 20 is a combination drug in the form of small round tablets. Pills have a contraceptive effect, they are used for continuous planned contraception of women.
Lindinet 20 and analogues in the ranking of drugs sold as contraceptives occupy a leading position. This is explained by the fact that research conducted by scientists confirmed that these drugs highly protect against unplanned pregnancy. When using them, pregnancy rates do not exceed 0.05 per hundred women during one year of research.
What drugs can replace Lindinet 20?
Unconditional analogues of "Lindinet 20" for the active substance in the composition, dosage form and dosage regimen for today are:
- Logest is a drug that also represents an oral contraceptive. White tablets are manufactured in France by Delfarm.
- "Femoden" is a highly effective estrogenic drug. The analogue of "Lindinet 20" in composition, but the dosage is increased. Produced in Germany by the Bayer team.
- "Gestarella" is a monophasic low-dose drug for contraception. Manufacturer - "Abbot Laboratories" in Germany.
Of all the presented analogues, "Lindinet 20" is the cheapest, but more on that below. The German pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter also produces a drug of the same name but with a high content of the active element of ethinyl estradiol to 0.03 mg per tablet - Lindinet 30. Above in the photo is the analogue of Lindinet 20 - Logest.
Contraceptive Composition
"Lindinet 20" and similar drugs in its composition contain only 2 active components - ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg and gestoden 0.075 mg. These two elements guarantee a reliable birth control result. The effect of estrogen-progestogen tablets makes it possible to suppress pituitary secretion of gonadotropins. In simple terms, the effect of the drug is that both of these components do not allow the egg to form and mature. A similar effect prevents the possibility of fertilization.
The estrogenic effect of Lindinet 20 and its analogues causes a highly effective component, ethinyl estradiol. This is a hormonal agent of the estrogen series, which is produced naturally by the ovaries and adrenal glands in the body of a woman. Together with progesterone, his tasks include stabilization of the woman’s menstrual cycle, and, among other things, division, reproduction of endometrial cells and stimulation of the development of the uterus in case of genital insufficiency. The auxiliary function of ethinyl estradiol is to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Gestoden is an artificial substance similar in structure to levonorgestrel. It inhibits the synthesis of follitropin and blocks natural monthly ovulation. Except for the effects described above, birth control pills increase the viscosity of mucus in the cervix, preventing sperm from entering there.
From customer reviews: "Lindinet 20" and analogues with systematic use give not only the effect of a contraceptive, but also restore the menstrual cycle. They significantly reduce the risk of developing tumors in the pelvic organs and diseases of the woman's reproductive system. "Lindinet 20" and analogues of the active substance are drugs from the prescription group and can be used strictly as prescribed by the attending physician after a thorough examination of the patient.
Product release form
The dosage form is realized in the form of glossy tablets of a pale yellow hue coated with a film coating. Round tablets without inscriptions. The drug is produced in cardboard packaging. Inside the package can be one or three blisters with tablets. It can be 21 tablets or 63. The manufacturing company of Lindinet 20 is Gedeon Richter (Gideon Richter) from Hungary.
Indications for use
"Lindinet 20" and analogues are prescribed as a modern contraceptive. It can be used to normalize the menstrual cycle.
Contraindications and limitations
The drug is not indicated for girls before puberty and women after menopause. Contraindications to taking "Lindinet 20" are the following chronic pathologies or diseases in history:
- hypersensitivity to single components of the drug or combination of hormones from the composition;
- a clear predisposition or existing circumstances that provoke the formation of thrombosis;
- unstable blood pressure indicators;
- coronary heart disease;
- frequent migraines with neurological symptoms;
- thrombotic or thromboembolic lesion of veins and arteries;
- thromboembolic lesion of veins in immediate family members;
- surgical intervention causing prolonged immobility of the patient;
- damage to small vessels against the background of developing diabetes mellitus of all types;
- pancreatic inflammation, when the level of triglycerides in the blood is significantly too high;
- the formation of fatty deposits on the walls of blood vessels - dyslipidemic syndrome;
- diseases or severe inflammation of the liver and kidneys;
- yellow skin due to the use of steroid drugs;
- cholelithiasis;
- progressive genetic disease - pigmented hepatosis ;
- neoplasms on the liver;
- damage to the capsule of the inner ear;
- hormone-sensitive neoplasms on the organs of the reproductive system or mammary glands;
- vaginal bleeding;
- prolonged smoking;
- pregnancy and the postpartum period;
- lactation period.
In the following situations, according to doctors, "Lindinet 20" and analogues can be taken, but only with the observance of precautions and under the supervision of a treating gynecologist:
- the patient's age is more than 35 years;
- conditions provoking the occurrence of thrombotic lesions of the veins;
- overweight or obesity;
- migraine;
- hypertension;
- diabetes mellitus if vascular damage is ruled out;
- colon ulceration;
- hereditary Quincke's edema;
- liver and kidney diseases;
- diseases that have intensified during pregnancy or from taking hormonal drugs;
- severe trauma;
- phlebeurysm;
- pathological processes of heart valves;
- change in indicators of a biochemical analysis of blood;
- sudden onset of seizures;
- heart rhythm disturbances;
- prolonged immobility of the patient;
- extensive surgical intervention;
- Liebman-Sachs disease (lupus erythematosus);
- coronary heart disease;
- severe depression;
- Crohn's disease;
- hereditary hemoglobin protein structure disorder;
- elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood of the patient;
- atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome;
- a small amount of time after childbirth.
Dosage and administration of the drug and its analogues
According to the instructions, "Lindinet 20" and analogues are taken orally, washed down with a moderate amount of water or other liquid. Reception is carried out regardless of meals, one tablet once a day, preferably at the same time. After 21 days from the moment you start taking the pills, you must definitely take a break for seven days. During the seven-day break from the use of hormones, withdrawal bleeding occurs (imitation of menstruation). Then the tablets from the new blister begin to be taken on the eighth day of the break.
If "Lindinet 20" is taken for the first time, it is advisable to take the initial pill from a blister from the first to the fifth day from the beginning of menstruation. In the first two weeks from the start of taking Lindinet 20 and analog pills, it is important to take advantage of contraceptive aids in order to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
Transition from other contraceptives
If the drug "Lindinet 20" is used as a substitute for another contraceptive, then administration begins without a seven-day interval. That is, drinking a final tablet from a pack of the previous drug, it is very important to start taking Lindinet 20 the next day. Go to the "Lindinet 20" with contraceptive drugs "mini-drank" is allowed on any day. Nevertheless, in the first week of using Lindinet 20, you should not pin hopes on him, so it is better to use additional methods of contraception.
With the appearance of sudden vomiting or diarrhea some time after taking the pill, the absorption of the drug is incomplete. If the symptomatology has ended within twelve hours, then it is advisable to take another pill and continue taking it according to the scheme. If symptoms last for more than twelve hours, then additional contraception will certainly be needed in the next seven days.
First trimester abortion
After an abortion in the first trimester, "Lindinet 20" is prescribed from the first day, immediately after mechanical abortion. In this case, there is no need for additional contraception.
Use after childbirth or after an abortion in the second trimester
Use "Lindinet 20" and analogues can begin on 21-28 days after the birth or abortion. Start taking after childbirth is allowed only if the woman does not breastfeed. If you start taking the tablets later than the specified time, you will need additional barrier protection against pregnancy for a week.
Delayed menstruation
In case of urgent need for delaying menstruation and prolonging the cycle, you can resume taking tablets from the next package without a seven-day break. The appearance of spotting blood discharge in this case does not reduce the contraceptive effect.
Missed pill
From the instructions for use of "Lindinet 20" and analogues: in case the tablet was not taken on time and no more than twelve hours have passed, then you must drink the missed tablet and continue taking the drug "Lindinet 20" according to the scheme. If more than twelve hours have passed, then the effectiveness of the drug as a contraceptive decreases, and it is recommended to use additional means of barrier contraception, such as a condom.
Missed tablet in the first and second week of the cycle: the next day, take two tablets at once and continue regular intake of the drug according to the scheme, applying additional protection until the end of the cycle. Missed pill in the third week of the cycle: take the pill and do not take a seven-day break before the next package.
Side effects
During the intake of Lindinet 20 and analogues, disturbances in the work of the following body functions often occur:
- Breast glands: aching pain on the side and top, an increase in the volume of the chest, discomfort, a feeling of heaviness, discharge from the nipples.
- The reproductive system - a change in libido (a decrease occurs much more often), inflammation in the vagina, lack of menstruation after drug withdrawal, non-cyclic spotting blood from the vagina.
- Gastrointestinal tract disorders: pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation of the colon, liver damage, stagnation of bile, development of gallstone disease.
- Skin: rashes, pigmentation, alopecia.
- Neurology: headaches, psycho-emotional instability, depressive states, migraines.
- Metabolism: a sharp increase in weight without a change in nutrition, swelling as a result of fluid retention, increased glucose in the blood, increased triglycerides in the blood.
- Sense organs: eye discomfort, hearing impairment.
Rarely occurring side effects from Lindinet 20 and drug analogues:
- Thromboembolic lesion of the veins and circulatory system, including the brain.
- Damage to the veins of the lower extremities.
- Complications of lupus erythematosus.
Extremely exceptional violations:
- Damage to the arteries of the kidneys and liver.
- Retinal damage.
The withdrawal of the drug is indicated in the case of the development of the following disorders:
- A steady increase in blood pressure.
- The progression of porphyria.
- Blockage of blood vessels by blood clots.
- Hearing loss due to otosclerosis.
Strengthening the symptoms of one of the above diseases during the use of hormones require urgent withdrawal of the drug and the use of non-hormonal contraception.
Special instructions before using oral contraceptives
During pregnancy and lactation, the described product is strictly contraindicated. Therefore, some time before the start of the intake, it is better to do a pregnancy test or donate blood for HCG. Reason: in the first months of pregnancy, sluggish menstruation is possible.
Before using Lindinet 20, it is important to collect all the required information about the patient’s health status and immediate family members. During the reception of Lindinet 20 and its analogues, the reviews and instructions say that every six months it is necessary to undergo a medical examination, as well as a gynecological examination to timely identify possible risk factors.
Since the persistent contraceptive effect of the tablets is achieved two weeks after the start of use, doctors recommend adopting additional non-hormonal methods to protect against pregnancy these days. Reception of hormonal contraceptives is individual in each case.
Before starting, it is important to evaluate all the possible advantages and disadvantages of using the drug, after consulting in person with a treating gynecologist. Before you start taking drugs, it is important to consider that the relationship between taking oral hormonal contraceptives and the occurrence of thrombosis has been scientifically confirmed.
The danger of developing thromboembolic lesions is due to provoking factors:
- mature age of the patient;
- long smoking;
- heredity;
- hypertension;
- diabetes;
- prolonged immobility of the patient.
The postpartum period significantly increases the risk of thromboembolism. Unfortunately, information appeared about the increased occurrence of cervical cancer in the case of prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives. Nevertheless, research data contradict each other, as there are many conditions for the development of cervical cancer, and the effect of oral contraceptives is not necessarily dominant. It is also known that regular use of oral contraceptives can cause the development of breast cancer.
Taking "Lindinet 20" and analogues in composition, it is important to remember that the drug is not able to protect against HIV infection and other types of sexually transmitted diseases. A condom is the best way to prevent infection.
The effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives can decrease if:
- skipping pills;
- vomiting
- repeated diarrhea;
- a large period of time between pills;
- the use of drugs that reduce the effect of contraceptives.
After a long time after taking "Lindinet 20" may decrease the effectiveness of the drug. If there are non-cyclical bleeding of unknown origin and do not stop until the end of the blister, then you need to stop taking the drug and do not resume until the pregnancy is excluded from the gynecologist.
The estrogens contained in Lindinet 20 can affect the performance of laboratory tests of organs such as the kidneys and liver, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands. Viral liver damage delays taking the drug for six months.
Smoking while taking birth control pills "Lindinet 20" and analogues increases the appearance of possible vascular diseases, which is extremely dangerous for patients after 35 years. There is no research evidence regarding safety in driving and other activities requiring increased concentration and speed.
Hormone overdose
Medicine has not known cases of serious side effects from a significant increase in the daily dosage of oral contraceptives. In isolated cases, situations are possible when nausea or vomiting occurs. Young girls may have minor vaginal bleeding. However, exceeding the dosage of the drug is an occasion for an urgent visit to the doctor to inform him of this.
Interaction with other drugs
Semi-synthetic antibiotic "Rifampicin" reduces the contraceptive effect and increases the occurrence of breakthrough bleeding, and also provokes a menstrual cycle. "Carbamazepine" and "Primidon" also reduce the effect of the drug "Lindinet 20". In this regard, for the period of therapy with these drugs, it is necessary to use additional measures to protect against pregnancy.
Laxatives lower the level of hormones in the blood."Fluconazole" increases the level of ethinyl estradiol in the blood of the patient. Tetracycline antibiotics reduce the level of estradiol in the blood. St. John's wort and drugs based on it can not be combined with oral contraceptives.
Storage conditions
According to manufacturers, “Lindinet 20” is suitable for use within three years from the date of manufacture, as indicated on the cardboard packaging of the drug. After the expiration date, the use of the drug and its analogues is strictly prohibited. If the day is not specified, then the last day of the marked month is considered the end of the expiration date.
Proper storage of medicines:
- avoid direct sunlight and moisture on medication and even packaging;
- Keep out of the reach of children;
- optimal storage temperature should not be less than 15 degrees and not exceed 25 degrees.
Tablet recycling
To properly dispose of drugs, you can seek advice from a pharmacist. This knowledge will help protect the environment.
Cost of drugs
Judging by the reviews, the rating of analogues and Lindinet 20 is quite high, the latter means takes a leading position due to its low price. The average cost of Lindinet 20 tablets, from customer reviews, varies widely across the country and varies by region. So, for example, in Moscow, for a package with 21 tablets, prices range from 450 to 570 rubles. For packaging, where there are three blisters (63 tablets), you will have to pay from 960 to 1220 rubles.
After analyzing the pharmaceutical market, we can conclude that the Lindinet 20 is cheaper than analogues. For example, the average cost of a Logesta package, where there are 21 tablets, is as much as 740 rubles.