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Elin is the trade name of a hormonal contraceptive manufactured by Polpharma. It is a medicine that can only be obtained with a prescription by a doctor. Packages of 21 and 63 tablets are available in pharmacies. The drug is not reimbursed by the National Health Fund, so it is issued with 100% payment.
How does Elin work?
The active substances of Elin are two hormonal compounds: norgestimate (250 µg, progestogenic effect) and ethinylestradiol (35 µg, estrogenic effect). Their mechanism of action is based mainly on the inhibition of gonadotropin secretion, and thus – complete inhibition of ovulation, the lack of which makes pregnancy impossible. Additionally, these compounds change the properties of the cervical mucus in a woman’s genital tract, causing it to thicken, which prevents sperm from migrating to the fallopian tubes. Elin also inhibits the motility of the fallopian tubes and endometrium, which would also impede the movement of reproductive cells within them.
What are the indications for the use of Elin?
Elin is prescribed mainly as an oral contraceptive. Dosage is based on the use of one tablet daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break for monthly spotting.
The combination of ethinylestradiol and norgestimate can also be used to treat acne caused by hormonal disorders. Norgestimate can reduce not only the symptoms of acne, but also hirsutism (excessive hair growth in certain parts of the body, e.g. the abdomen, chest in a woman), excessive seborrhea and male pattern baldness. It is also used to treat endometriosis and may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
Contraindications to the use of the drug Elin and precautions
Elin must not be used in the case of the body’s hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.
Many contraindications to the use of Elin are related to the fact that it increases the risk of blood clots. A contraindication to the use of Elin is the presence or risk of venous thromboembolism. It must also not be used in women who have a medical condition that affects blood clotting. It is not recommended to use after heart attacks or strokes, angina pectoris and any diseases that increase the risk of blood clots (severe diabetes, high hypertension, high blood lipids, high homocysteine levels). Also, due to the risk of blood clots, the drug is contraindicated during periods of immobilization, e.g. as a result of an injury or an accident. The hormonal preparation Elin must also not be used in the case of cancers of the reproductive system, breast or liver. In patients who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day and are over 35 years old, it is also not recommended to use this contraceptive. Pancreatitis, hepatitis C and the use of certain medications and migraines with aura are also contraindications.
Elin must only be used in girls and women who have reached puberty and are menstruating.
The drug Elin should be used with great caution in the case of many diseases and therefore it is necessary to inform the doctor about all past and current diseases, as well as addictions before discharge.
The drug contains lactose, so it should not be used in patients with lactose intolerance.
Unfortunately, Elin can cause many side effects – the most common ones are headache, digestive system disorders, menstrual disorders and vaginal bleeding. It is worth reading the leaflet carefully, and if you experience any of the side effects described in it, you should immediately contact your doctor.
Interactions of the drug Elin with other drugs
The hormonal preparation Elin may interact with various medications, especially drugs that affect blood clotting, so before taking it, tell your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking and read the package leaflet of Elin and the medications you are taking very carefully to see if you can. use them simultaneously. It is also worth knowing that some medications may weaken or even suppress the contraceptive effect of Elin and that in the case of their use, you should additionally protect yourself, e.g. with a condom. These medications include, for example, certain antivirals, medicines for epilepsy, tranquilizers and even certain herbs (St. John’s wort).