Mercilon/Mercilon 28 Contraindications

Do not use the Mercilon/Mercilon 28 if the patient has any of the conditions listed as follows. If anything on this list applies to the patient, tell the doctor before starting to use Mercilon/Mercilon 28. The doctor may advise the patient to use a different type of Pill or an entirely different (non-hormonal) method of birth control: If the patient has, or has had in the past a blood clot (thrombosis) in a blood vessel of the leg, lung (embolus) or other organs.
If the patient has or has had in the past a heart attack or stroke.
If the patient has or has ever had a condition that may be a first sign of a heart attack (such as angina pectoris or chest pain) or stroke (such as transient ischaemic attack or small reversible stroke).
If the patient has a disturbance of blood clotting (for example, protein C deficiency).
If the patient has major surgery (e.g., an operation) and the ability to move around is limited for a long period of time (see 'The Pill and Thrombosis' under Precautions).
If the patient has (had) a type of migraine called 'migraine with aura'.
If the patient has diabetes mellitus with blood vessel damage.
If the patient has a serious risk factor, or several risk factors for developing thrombosis, this may also be a reason why the patient cannot use Mercilon/Mercilon 28 (See also 'The Pill and Thrombosis' under Precautions).
If the patient has or has had a pancreatitis (an inflammation of the pancreas) associated with high levels of fatty substances in the blood.
If the patient has jaundice (yellowing of the skin) or has (had) severe liver disease and the liver is not yet working normally.
If the patient has or has had a cancer that may grow under the influence of sex hormones (e.g., of the breast or the genital organs).
If the patient has or has had a liver tumour.
If the patient has any unexplained vaginal bleeding.
If the patient is pregnant or thinks she might be pregnant.
If the patient is allergic to any of the ingredients of Mercilon/Mercilon 28.
If any of these conditions appear for the first time while using the Pill, stop taking it at once and tell the doctor. In the meantime, use a non-hormonal contraceptive. See also 'General notes' under Precautions.
Do not use Mercilon/Mercilon 28 if the patient has Hepatitis C and is taking the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir (see 'Interactions').