Bredicon Special Precautions

Bredicon, like other hormonal contraceptives, does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted disease.
Before starting Bredicon, tell the doctor: if with history of breast cancer; if with liver cancer, since a possible effect of Bredicon cannot be excluded; if with history of a thrombosis; if with diabetes; if suffering from epilepsy (see Interactions); if with tuberculosis (see Interactions); if with high blood pressure; if with existing or history of chloasma (yellowish-brown pigmentation patches on the skin, particularly of the face) [if so, avoid too much exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation]. When Bredicon is used in the presence of any of these conditions, there may be a need to be kept under close observation. The doctor can explain what to do.
Breast cancer: It is important to regularly check the breasts and the doctor should be contacted as soon as possible if any lump is felt in the breasts.
Breast cancer has been found slightly more often in women who take the Pill than in women of the same age who do not take the Pill. If women stop taking the Pill, this reduces the risk, so that 10 years after stopping the Pill, the risk is the same as for women who have never taken the Pill. Breast cancer is rare under 40 years of age but the risk increases as the woman gets older. Therefore, the extra number of breast cancers diagnosed is higher if a woman continues to take the Pill when she is older. How long the Pill is taken is less important.
In every 10,000 women who take the Pill for up to 5 years but stop taking it by the age of 20, there would be less than 1 extra case of breast cancer found up to 10 years after stopping, in addition to the 4 cases normally diagnosed in this age group.
In 10,000 women who take the Pill for up to 5 years but stop taking it by the age of 30, there would be 5 extra cases in addition to the 44 cases normally diagnosed.
In 10,000 women who take the Pill for up to 5 years but stop taking it by the age of 40, there would be 20 extra cases in addition to the 160 cases normally diagnosed. The risk of breast cancer in users of progestogen-only pills like Bredicon is believed to be similar to that in women who use the Pill, but the evidence is less conclusive.
Breast cancers found in women who take the Pill, seem less likely to have spread than breast cancers found in women who do not take the Pill.
It is not certain whether the Pill causes the increased risk of breast cancer. It may be that the women were examined more often, so that the breast cancer is noticed earlier.
Thrombosis: See the doctor immediately if noticing possible signs of a thrombosis (see also Regular check-ups as follows). Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot, which may block a blood vessel. A thrombosis sometimes occurs in the deep veins of the legs (deep venous thrombosis). If this clot breaks away from the veins where it is formed, it may reach and block the arteries of the lungs, causing a so-called "pulmonary embolism". A pulmonary embolism can cause chest pain, breathlessness, collapse or even death.
Deep venous thrombosis is a rare occurrence. It can develop whether or not the Pill is being taken. It can also happen if pregnancy occurs.
The risk is higher in Pill-users than in non-users. The risk with progestogen-only pills like Bredicon is believed to be lower than in users of Pills that also contain oestrogens (combined Pills).
Psychiatric disorders: Some women using hormonal contraceptives including Bredicon have reported depression or depressed mood. Depression can be serious and may sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. If experiencing mood changes and depressive symptoms, contact the doctor for further medical advice as soon as possible.
Bredicon contains lactose: Bredicon contains lactose (milk sugar). Contact the doctor before taking Bredicon if the doctor has told that there is intolerance to some sugars.
Regular check-ups: When using Bredicon, the doctor will tell to return for regular check-ups. In general, the frequency and nature of these check-ups will depend on personal situation.
Contact the doctor as soon as possible: if noticing possible signs of a blood clot e.g. severe pain or swelling in either of the legs, unexplained pains in the chest, breathlessness, an unusual cough, especially when coughing up blood (possibly a sign of a thrombosis); if experiencing a sudden, severe stomachache or jaundice (yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes, or dark urine may be noticed, possibly a sign of liver problems); if feeling a lump in the breast (possibly a sign of breast cancer); if experiencing a sudden or severe pain in the lower abdomen or stomach area (possibly a sign of an ectopic pregnancy - a pregnancy outside the womb); if to be immobilised or undergoing surgery (consult the doctor at least four weeks in advance); if experiencing unusual, heavy vaginal bleeding; if suspecting pregnancy.
Driving and using machines: Bredicon has no known effect on the ability to drive or use machines.
Use in Children: No clinical data on efficacy and safety are available in adolescents below 18 years.