Zhenale - instructions for use of birth control pills, composition, indications, side effects and price

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Zhenale is a hormonal drug for emergency contraception. Belongs to the group of sex hormones and modulators of the reproductive system - progesterone receptor modulators (G03XB01). Active ingredient: Mifepristone.

You need to know that the maximum concentration of the drug Zhenale is achieved after 1.3 hours. After taking the drug, you must refrain from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 8-12 days. Dispensed with a doctor's prescription!

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The active ingredient of the drug is mifepristone , a synthetic steroid that significantly reduces the sensitivity of progestin receptors . The substance has no gestagenic activity and is a glucocorticosteroid antagonist through a competitive mechanism.

The effect of the drug depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle during which it entered the body. The drug increases the contractility of the myometrium and stimulates the release of interleukin-8 in choriodecidual cells, while the degree of sensitivity of the myometrium to prostaglandins is significantly reduced.

As a result the fertilized egg is removed from the decidua , ovulation does not occur, and the endometrium becomes thin and weak. And if there is already a fertilized egg, its implantation becomes impossible.

When taken orally, after 1.5 hours the drug reaches its maximum concentration in the blood, its bioavailability is approximately 70%. Almost 99% of the active substance binds to proteins in plasma.

The drug is eliminated in two phases, first slowly, then after 12-72 hours much faster. The half-life is 17 hours.

Genale and alcohol

Alcohol reduces the effectiveness of the product. The interval between the last drink of alcohol and Genale should be 3 hours, and the amount of alcohol consumed should not exceed 20 mg of ethanol (50 g of wine, a glass of vodka, half a liter of beer). When taking alcohol and Zhenale simultaneously, the load on the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for processing toxins and removing them out through feces or urine, increases. This combination can lead to disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract, which will manifest itself as diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

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Contraindications

Birth control pills should not be used:

• if long-term treatment with HSC ;
• with porphyria ;
• for liver or kidney diseases;
• for anemia ;
• hypotrophied adrenal ;
• during pregnancy ;
• during breastfeeding ;
• allergies to drug components;
• in case of disturbance homeostasis ;
• with severe extragenital pathology.

Which is better: Genale or Escapelle

Escapelle tablets.
Photo: lekhar.ru The drugs are not analogues of each other. Active ingredient: Mifepristone. Release form: tablets. Escapelle contains Levonorgestrel. Produced in the form of tablets in the amount of 1 piece per package for one-time use. Both drugs are used for emergency contraception if no more than 72 hours have passed after unprotected intercourse. Escapelle can provoke an ectopic pregnancy. Both drugs are available with a doctor's prescription!

The country of origin of Genale is Russia. The drug Escapelle is produced in Hungary. In terms of cost, Genale is cheaper than Escapelle.

special instructions

Zhenale is an emergency contraceptive and should not be used for several menstrual cycles in a row. During subsequent sexual intercourse that occurs within a month after taking it, it is imperative to use barrier methods of protection.

The drug does not protect against various STDs and AIDS .

There are Zhenale tablets containing 50 or 200 mg of the active substance (for medical abortion ), they can only be used under medical supervision. employee and on the strict recommendation of a doctor.

The medicine does not affect reaction speed and concentration.

Before taking the drug, you should make sure that you are not pregnant. If pregnancy occurs after using the drug, it is better to terminate it using any method recommended by the doctor. If a woman decides to keep the child, it cannot be guaranteed that it will be born and grow up healthy.

The effectiveness of the drug directly depends on body weight; if you are overweight, the effectiveness decreases.

How does medical abortion occur?

If a woman decides to have an abortion with the help of medications, then she needs to see a gynecologist, the doctor will prescribe the necessary tests.
If the test results do not reveal any contraindications, then the doctor selects the necessary pills. The medications work in such a way that they cause a miscarriage. The woman’s body does not accept the fetus and naturally expels the foreign body. At the moment, pharmabort is considered the safest:

• eliminates surgical intervention, there is no risk of organ damage;
• minimal risk of infection, infection;
• In the future, the woman will be able to become pregnant and bear a healthy baby.

Analogs

Level 4 ATC code matches:
Mifepristone

Mifeprex

Mytholian

Ginestril

Esmiya

Mifegin

Miropriston

Gynepristone

Pencrofton

Common analogues of Zhenale: Ginepristone, Agesta, Mensofta, Mifegin, Mifeprex, Mifolian, Escapel, Postinor, Ginestril, Miropriston, Mifepristone, Pencrofton .

Genale or Escapelle - which is better?

Escapelle refers to drugs containing progestogens (hormones). The product, unlike the original, is effective only for the first 24-48 hours after the NPA . Also, when taking the analogue, the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy . The cost of the drugs is approximately the same.

Postinor or Zhenale - what to choose?

Postinor also contains progestogens . The effectiveness of the product greatly depends on the patient’s body weight (this figure is lower for the original). After taking an analogue, there is a greater likelihood of unwanted side effects such as bleeding, general poor health, and a delay in the next menstruation. Both products are in the same price category.

Zhenale tablets: instructions for use

• For emergency contraception, you should take one tablet (10 mg) orally a couple of hours before or after food, and this should be done within 72 hours after sexual intercourse. The phase of the menstrual cycle does not affect the intake in any way. To terminate a pregnancy, the drug must be taken no later than 42 calendar days of missed menstruation.
• For medical termination of pregnancy in the early stages, in the presence of a doctor, a drug with a dosage of 600 mg is taken once. It is better to do this in the morning on an empty stomach, and after 1-1.5 hours take breakfast. On the third day after taking the pills, the patient must undergo ultrasound control. Also, after two weeks, an ultrasound is repeated; if there is no effect from mifepristone, vacuum aspiration is performed.
• In preparation for childbirth, Zhenale is taken at a dosage of 200 mg in the presence of a doctor and 200 mg again a day later.
• For uterine leiomyoma, take 50 mg per day for three months.

Reviews about Zhenale

Reviews from doctors

Experts believe that the medicine is more effective compared to its predecessors containing progestogens . Reviews from gynecologists about Zhenal are positive; it is not a hormonal drug. Experts note high efficiency, regardless of the time elapsed after the NPA (no later than 72 hours). However, mifepristone is more likely to cause a delay in menstruation.

Among women

Reviews from women who took the pills are good. Many people write that they did not experience nausea, pain or bleeding, as when taking other drugs. However, some experienced minor irregularities in their menstrual cycle. One of the women still became pregnant after taking the medicine, but was unable to carry the child to term. If the use of this emergency contraceptive fails, doctors recommend terminating the unwanted pregnancy.

Indications for use

Emergency contraception (post-coital, i.e. after sexual intercourse) within 72 hours after unprotected sex, as well as in the event that contraception was unsuccessfully used (for example, a condom ruptured, unsuccessful interruption, an error in keeping a calendar, etc. .). For this purpose, a one-time dose of tablets containing 10 mg of mifepristone will be sufficient.

For the treatment of uterine leiomyoma (benign tumor), a dose of 50 mg or higher is required (as prescribed by the attending physician).

In rare cases, the drug is used to terminate pregnancy in the early stages (up to six weeks) or in preparation for childbirth.

Genale price, where to buy

The price of Zhenale in a pharmacy is approximately 300 rubles per package.

• Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia

ZdravCity

• Zhenale tablets 10 mg 1 pc. Izvarino Pharma LLC
  444 rub. order

Which is better: Zhenale or Postinor

Postinor tablets.
Photo: syl.ru The drugs are not analogues of each other. They belong to the same pharmacological group - sex hormones and modulators of the reproductive system. Active ingredient: Mifepristone. Available in tablet form for single use. Postinor contains Levonorgestrel. Release form: tablets. The drug Postinor is released in a package of 2 tablets, the second tablet must be taken 12 hours after taking the first (but no later than 16 hours). Both drugs are intended for emergency contraception within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. Birth control pills Postinor can cause ectopic pregnancy. The maximum concentration for Zhenale is achieved after 1.3 hours, for the drug Postinor after 1.6 hours. Both drugs are available with a doctor's prescription!

The country of origin of Genale is Russia. Postinor is produced in Hungary. Postinor is cheaper in cost than Zhenale. Price per package from 373 rub.

Menstrual cycle after taking Zhenale

After using the medication, no changes in the menstrual cycle are observed. Medicinal components do not affect the functioning of the endocrine system and hormonal levels of the female body.

Menstruation disruptions may depend on the period of the cycle in which the pills were taken:

1. Follicular stage (first phase). At this stage, mifepristone prevents the follicle from opening and releasing the egg, causing them to die. With the help of menstruation, they are removed from the body. The permissible delay of menstruation is 10 days.
2. Secretory stage (second phase of the cycle). The components of the drug affect the endometrium. The structure of the uterine mucosa changes, and rejection occurs. Scanty discharge of previously due menstruation may be observed.
3. Ovulation stage. The effect of mifepristone on the egg prevents its implantation into the uterus.

Menstruation accompanied by abdominal pain requires special attention. A pregnancy test or blood donation for hCG will eliminate the risk of conception.

The beginning of menstruation after taking Zhenale

Menstruation or scanty discharge indicates the absence of pregnancy. But the exact prognosis can be determined by a gynecologist after an examination.

Birth control pills "Zhenale" do not affect the change in volume, increase in pain symptoms, color and structure of discharge. Exceptions are observed in isolated cases.

The acceptable norm is a slight delay in menstruation (10 days) or early displaced ovulation (2-5 days). Disruptions in the menstrual cycle can be caused not only by taking mifepristone, but also by stress.

A delay of more than two weeks requires contacting a specialist. To exclude the possibility of pregnancy, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound diagnosis and take a blood test.

If conception is confirmed, the woman is referred for an abortion for medical reasons. The negative effects of mifepristone can lead to abnormalities in the development of the embryo.

Early discharge

Emergency contraception taken after a monthly cycle leads to the appearance of scanty secretions, which are characterized by a red or brown tint . Premature discharge does not represent menstruation. The monthly cycle begins with moderate bleeding.

Ovulation that occurs earlier than expected is not considered a pathological process. The exception is copious discharge, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, cramping symptoms, and sudden increases in body temperature.

Due dates

This drug does not impair the functioning of the endocrine system. Minor irregularities in the menstrual cycle are allowed.

Failures recover on their own within 60-90 days. If the regularity of menstruation has not been restored within six months, you should consult a specialist. Drug treatment may be prescribed.

Best before date

3 years. Do not use after expiration date.

, 142750, Moscow, Izvarino village, territory of VNTsMDL, building 1.

Who usually “prescribes” women Genale

Gynecologists note that women often turn to them not for recommendations on contraception, but with a bunch of side effects caused by the drug taken. The very nature of the drug is partly to blame for this: it is intended for emergency use after sexual intercourse has already occurred. Where will a woman run immediately after a stormy night? Of course, to the pharmacy, because you need to make an appointment with a gynecologist, wait in line, and in this situation there are definitely no arguments for making an urgent appointment.

The pharmacist will recommend the medicine that:

• considered modern;
• are available;
• can be dispensed without a doctor's prescription;
• gives material bonuses assigned by the supplier from each sale.

Pharmacy employees are also knowledgeable people in medicine, but they have no idea about the state of the body of the client who contacts them. Since the drug is taken in special cases, a woman may not have an opinion about her tolerability of the active and accompanying components. When the issue needs to be resolved quickly, it is unlikely that anyone will read the instructions for use of the medicine, but in vain: side effects and restrictions on use are described there. There is simply no time to study this information, because you need to “strike while the iron is hot.” Savings also have an impact, due to which manufacturers print the accompanying paper in very small print. You won’t be able to read it without a magnifying glass, but where can you get an optical device at the pharmacy on duty?

The situation with visiting a doctor is also not the best. If a woman feels normal, then she will not show up at the gynecological office again. Either pregnancy or health problems can lead there. It turns out that the local gynecologist rarely sees the patient, and therefore does not know anything about concomitant diseases.

Even hormonal drugs are often prescribed by gynecologists without information from:

• endocrinologist;
• therapist;
• hematologist;
• neurologist.

The antenatal clinic has its own medical card, but it is impossible to take the card out from the registry office of the district clinic for review, because this is prohibited by the instructions. Instead, it is suggested to obtain an extract from the card from a therapist. Another office, more time wasted, another negligence on the part of the patient... and a gynecologist prescribing medications at random. And then there are complaints about the condition after taking the drug.

Side effects and consequences

Almost every woman, after starting a course of Zhenale tablets, may experience side effects that appear within a few hours and can last up to a week.

So, most patients face not only delayed periods, bleeding after the drug, but also other troubles:

• pain in the abdomen or during sexual intercourse;
• weakness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea, intestinal upset;
• bleeding, vaginal discharge;
• infections and inflammations of the genitourinary system;
• anemia, decreased hemoglobin.

Usually the consequences go away a few days after starting to take Zhenale tablets, but if the situation worsens, you need to consult a doctor for tests, treatment and replacement of tablets.

Compound

The action of the drug is based on the properties of the synthetic hormone mifepristone. The drug triggers the contractile activity of the myometrium, which counteracts the emergence and consolidation of the fertilized egg.

The excipients of the drug are necessary only for the formation of the tablet; they do not have any therapeutic or other effect. These are povidone, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and starch.

Interaction with other drugs

"Zhenale" is a medicine. Therefore, like any other drug, it should not be mixed with alcohol. If sexual intercourse occurred while intoxicated, you should wait until you sober up and only then take Zhenale tablets. Reviews about the ineffectiveness of the drug can be a consequence of taking it while even slightly intoxicated.

Painkillers and hormonal drugs also negatively affect the effectiveness of emergency contraception. It is better not to combine it with any medications at all, and if it so happens that a woman took any medications before sexual intercourse, you need to pause for 12 hours, and then take the Zhenale tablet.

INSTRUCTIONS

on the use of the contraceptive drug for emergency use Zhenale®

Compound:

The active substance is mifepristone, dose 10.0 mg. Excipients: lactose monohydrate 123.4 mg, potato starch 22.0 mg, povidone K25 6.0 mg, sodium carboxymethyl starch 5.0 mg, magnesium stearate 1.6 mg.

Description

The tablets are round, biconvex, light yellow with a greenish tint. Pharmacotherapeutic group - antigestagen. Efficiency - up to 95% (subject to conditions and instructions). The trade name is “Zhenale”, analogues are “Ginepriston”.

Manufacturer: Izvarino Pharma LLC, 142750, Moscow, Izvarino village, territory of VNTsMDL, building 1.

Action Genale

Zhenale tablet contains mifepristone, a drug that blocks the action of progesterone at the level of receptors in the uterus. Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, it causes an increase in the contractility of the myometrium, stimulating and increasing the sensitivity of the myometrium to prostaglandins. As a result of the action of the drug Zhenal, desquamation of the decidua and the removal of the fertilized egg occurs when this substance is used during the procedure of medical abortion. In the dosage prescribed for emergency contraception purposes for Zhenale tablets, it causes inhibition of ovulation, changes in the endometrium and prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg.

How to drink Genale

Indications for the use of this drug in gynecology are as follows:

1. Postcoital contraception in emergency cases within 72 hours after sexual intercourse without prior use of contraceptives or methods, as well as in case of unsuccessful use (including an error when using the calendar method, unsuccessful interruption of sexual intercourse, rupture or slippage of the condom).

The use of Zhenale according to the instructions is a single dose in cases and according to indications provided for emergency contraception. Barrier contraception (eg, a condom) should be considered until the next menstrual period begins. Repeated unprotected sexual intercourse will require emergency measures to be applied again, because The Genale effect is one-time and the risk does not apply to subsequent episodes!

How often can you drink Zhenale? Since this is an “ambulance” remedy, it should not be used very often, in extreme cases - no more than once a month. The absence of pronounced side effects and influence on the menstrual cycle, like Postinor and its analogs, makes Zhenale relatively “safe” in this regard. However, you should consult with your gynecologist and choose the appropriate contraceptive method for yourself if you need to take Zhenale birth control pills quite regularly, more than 8-10 times a year.

Drinking alcohol after Genale for 3-6 hours is not recommended - alcohol-containing drinks can reduce the effectiveness of this remedy. The drug itself is drunk during the first 3 days after the act, the sooner the better, preferably 2 hours before or 2 hours after eating, regardless of the phase of the cycle.

Contraindications

• The presence of hypersensitivity to mifepristone and/or any other of the excipients,
• Adrenal insufficiency,
• Acute or chronic renal and/or liver failure,
• long-term therapy with glucocorticoid drugs,
• The presence of severe extragenital pathology,
• Established pregnancy, breastfeeding period,
• Children and teenagers up to 16 years of age.

The use of this medication in adolescents under 16 years of age is possible in exceptional cases (including rape) and only after consultation with a gynecologist (with repeated monitoring after the procedure).

Restrictions

With caution, gynecologists use Zhenal tablets in women with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, including severe bronchial asthma; severe arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, chronic heart failure, hemostasis disorders and during treatment with anticoagulants. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not permitted. In case of emergency use, breastfeeding should be stopped for 12-15 days.

Side effects

• Acyclic spotting/bleeding from the genital tract,
• Discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen,
• Menstrual irregularities (delayed menstruation),
• Weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
• Dizziness and hives.

“Zhenale” or “Postinor” / “Escapelle” - which is better

WHO experts and modern gynecologists argue that emergency contraception drugs can be used as often as necessary. In this case, a reasonable requirement is made - for example, 2-3 times a year is reasonable, but the same 2-4 times a month is extremely undesirable and even dangerous. Of course, any contraception is still a better choice than abortion, and here proven means will come to the rescue. Among them is “Postinor”, ​​“favorite” by all girls, “Escapelle”, known to many, and the least harmful option with minimal side effects - “Zhenale”.

The urgency of the problem of unprotected, spontaneous sex and the desire to avoid its unplanned consequences dictates the need to use appropriate medications. Further in the table we will try to conduct a comparative analysis of the three main tablets, these are Escapelle, Postinor and Zhenale - which are the best in terms of effectiveness and the number of consequences for women's health. The basis is taken from reviews of women and doctors about Zhenal, opinions about the tolerability and undesirable effects of Postinor, etc. and the experience of specialists from our Moscow clinic.

Legend: ★ - minimum, ★★★★★ - maximum

Recommendations

Zhenale does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS. It is not recommended to use Zhenal tablets as planned, permanent contraception after each sexual intercourse, or monthly.

Zhenale is not used to terminate pregnancy! The dose of the drug in a 10 mg package is not sufficient to cause an abortion, so in the future you should take a hCG blood test for pregnancy, which ensures that this pharmaceutical drug was used only in the absence of a fertilized egg.

If conception occurs despite the use of the drug, interruption by medication or surgery is recommended. If the patient decides to continue the pregnancy, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk to the health of the unborn child. Further on the link you can find out what methods of abortion in the early stages and where, according to reviews, it is better to do this in Moscow.

Delay after Genale in 80-90% of cases is associated with pregnancy. Therefore, if you took the pills according to the instructions and within the recommended time frame, but your period did not come, visit a gynecologist to clarify the reasons for the menstrual cycle failure (sign up via the link at the bottom of the page)!

If you consider it necessary to play it safe and take advantage of emergency protection against possible conception, then taking Zhenale is the best and effective way to get out of a difficult situation. Well, a preliminary consultation with a specialist from our clinic will minimize the consequences associated with contraindications and possible side effects! Only certified medicines from the official supplier in the Russian Federation!

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