Online Pharmacy

Rabeprazole is used to treat conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, including ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Rabeprazole is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Rabeprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.Rabeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 4 to 8 weeks, but it is sometimes taken for a longer time. When taken for ulcers, rabeprazole should be taken after the morning meal. When taken in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, rabeprazole is taken twice a day, with the morning and evening meals, for 7 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rabeprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Pioglar Gf ( Duetact, Generic Pioglitazone/Glimepiride )

This medication is a combination of 2 drugs, pioglitazone and glimepiride. It is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). Effectively controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, circulation problems, and sexual function problems (impotence).Pioglitazone belongs to a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones or "glitazones." It works by helping to restore your body's proper response to insulin, thereby lowering your blood sugar.Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfonylureas. It works by causing the release of your body's natural insulin.How to use Pioglitazone/Glimepride OralRead the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with the first main meal of the day or as directed by your doctor.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more than 45 milligrams of pioglitazone a day.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis, and share the results with your doctor.It may take up to 2 to 3 months before you get the full benefit of this drug.When switching from individual diabetes drugs to this combination product, your doctor may ask you to check your blood sugar more often to make sure you do not have a sudden attack of low blood sugar (hypoglycemic reaction) when starting this product. (See also Side Effects section.) Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

Nasacort Nasal Spray ( Azmacort, Telnase, Generic Triamcinolone Acetonide ) - Product Origin: Eu (Turkey)

This product is able to be sourced and supplied at excellent prices because of favourable cross border currency conversions. All products are authentic brand names and will include a product information insert in English.Medical Information:Chemical Name: TRIAMCINOLONE (trye-am-SIN-oh-lone)Triamcinolone is used for: Treating a variety of medical conditions, including but not limited to, insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, inflammatory disorders, allergic disorders, and connective tissue disorders. Nasacort Nasal Spray is a corticosteroid and is used to prevent allergy symptoms including sneezing, itching, and runny or stuffed nose. Nasacort AQ Nasal Spray is indicated for the treatment of the nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Azmacort and Nasacort are metered-dose inhalers containing the anti-inflammatory steroid medication, triamcinolone acetonide; Nasacort AQ is a metered-dose pump spray. Azmacort is used as long-term therapy to control bronchial asthma attacks. Nasacort and Nasacort AQ are prescribed to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other nasal allergies. Nasacort is also used in the treatment of nasal polyps (projecting masses of tissue in the nose).Triamcinolone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Triamcinolone prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.Triamcinolone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.

Doxin ( Apin, Sinequan, Generic Doxepin )

Doxepin is used to treat depression and anxiety. Doxepin is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed for mental balance.Doxepin comes as a capsule or concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Try to take doxepin at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take doxepin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.Doxepin concentrate (oral liquid) comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper. Dilute the concentrate in 4 ounces, 120 mL of water; whole or skim milk; or orange, grapefruit, tomato, prune, or pineapple juice just before taking it. Do not mix it with carbonated beverages (soft drinks).It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full effect of doxepin. Continue to take doxepin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking doxepin without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually.

Permite ( Nix Dermal, Generic Permethrin )

Nix Dermal Cream is indicated for the treatment of scabies and crab lice. Treatment of scabies:Adults and children over 2 years old should apply the cream to the skin over the whole body including the palms and soles, but not the head and face. Pay particular attention to the areas between the fingers and toes (including under the finger and toe nails), wrists, arm-pits, external genitals and buttocks. Babies and children under 2 years old should be treated as above and also have their necks, faces, ears and scalps treated. Avoid the area around the mouth (as the cream could be licked off) and around the eyes. Children between 2 months and 2 years should only be treated under medical supervision.Elderly (over 65 years old) should apply as directed for adults and children over 2 years old but should also include their necks, faces, ears and scalps. Care must be taken to avoid applying Dermal Cream to areas close to the eyes.The cream should be left on for at least 8 hours, then washed off with soap and water not more than 12 hours later. Re-apply Cream to hands if they are washed with soap and water within 8 hours of treatment. The following table shows how much cream should normally be used: Adults (including Elderly) and children over 12 years: Up to one tube. A few adults may need to use an additional tube, but do not apply more than two tubes. Children aged 6 to 12 years: Up to half a tube Children aged 1 to 5 years: Up to a quarter of a tube Babies aged 2 months to 1 year: Up to an eighth of a tube The dosage recommendations given in this leaflet are only intended as a guide to treatment. Because individuals can vary so much in size you might find that you need to apply slightly more or slightly less cream to completely cover the body. This will not harm you or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.Treatment of crab lice:Not recommended for persons under 18 years of age. The elderly should be treated under medical supervision. Adults 18 years and over: Sufficient cream should be applied to cover the pubic region, peri-anal (around the anus), inner thighs down to the knees and any hair that grows up from the pubic area to the chest/stomach.One (30 g) tube is more than sufficient to treat one hairy adult. It is recommended that up to a third of a tube is used to treat the pubic region, peri-anal region, thighs, stomach and chest. Not more than two thirds of the tube should be needed for complete treatment. For relatively hair-free individuals proportionately less cream will be required.The cream should be left on the skin for 24 hours. The treatment areas should then be thoroughly washed. Any facial hair (beards, moustaches) and eyelashes should be checked for the presence of live lice and eggs. Cream should be applied to any facial hair, carefully avoiding eyes. If live lice or eggs are found on the eyelashes they should be removed carefully using tweezers. Cream should not be applied to the eye lashes because the cream can cause moderate eye irritation.

Gliben ( Daonil, Generic Glibenclamide )

GLIBEN tablets contain the active ingredient glibenclamide. It belongs to a group of medicines that act on the pancreas to stimulate insulin release.GLIBEN is used to treat non-insulin dependent type II diabetes, when diet is not adequate.How much to takeYour doctor will tell you how much GLIBEN you need to take each day. It is important that you take GLIBEN as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose.The usual starting dose in adults including the elderly is: One GLIBEN tablet (2.5mg) a day before breakfast. Your doctor may raise the dose of GLIBEN by one tablet at a time (2.5mg) until your diabetes is stabilized. When you are taking 2 or more GLIBEN 2.5mg tablets your doctor may change you to GLIBEN 5mg tablets. GLIBEN is not recommended for use in children.How long to take itGLIBEN helps to control your condition but does not cure it. Therefore GLIBEN must be taken everyday. Continue taking GLIBEN for as long as your doctor tells you to.If you forget a doseIf you forget a dose, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take more than one dose at a time to make up for missed doses. Taking your medicine at the same time each day may help you to remember to take it regularly. If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask you pharmacist for some hints.

Captopril Apo ( Generic Capoten )

This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.This medication is also used to improve survival after an acute heart attack, help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes, and with other drugs (e.g., "water pills"/diuretics, digoxin) to treat congestive heart failure.How to use Captopril OralTake this medication by mouth, usually two to three times a day; or as directed by your doctor. Take this drug on an empty stomach, one hour before a meal. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug occurs or several weeks to months when used for congestive heart failure.It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Xenical ( Generic Orlistat ) - Product Origin: Eu (Turkey)

This product is able to be sourced and supplied at excellent prices because of favourable cross border currency conversions. All products are authentic brand names and will include a product information insert in English.Medical Information:Part of a diet plan to help you lose weight - XENICAL is a prescription medication that can help considerably overweight people lose weight and keep it off. We know that managing your weight can be frustrating, and sometimes you need a little extra support. Support you can't find in a pill alone. To succeed you may have to change the way you feel about food and about your body.The prescription medication from Roche is called XENICAL. XENICAL is a pill that is taken with meals and has been shown to reduce weight in considerably overweight people.It is FDA approved for people who are at least 30 pounds overweight depending on height. XENICAL does not act directly on the central nervous system. XENICAL should be taken with a reduced calorie diet containing no more than 30% of calories from fat.Chemical Name: ORLISTAT (OR-li-stat) Xenical is used with a low-calorie diet to help you lose weight and to maintain your weight after weight loss. Xenical is used in patients with a certain weight who may also have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.

Antiplar ( Deplatt, Plavix, Generic Clopidogrel )

Clopidogrel is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease (recent heart attack, unstable angina), recent stroke, or blood circulation disease (peripheral vascular disease). It works by blocking certain blood cells called platelets and prevents them from forming harmful blood clots. This "anti-platelet" effect helps to keep blood flowing smoothly in your body.How to use Clopidogrel OralTake this medication by mouth usually once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

Gastractiv ( Vivadone, Generic Domperidone )

This medicine contains the active ingredient domperidone, which is a type of medicine called a dopamine antagonist. It is an anti-emetic medicine, meaning it is used to treat nausea and vomiting. It can also be used to treat abdominal bloating, fullness and discomfort in adults.Domperidone works primarily by blocking dopamine receptors found in an area of the brain known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). The CTZ is activated by nerve messages from the stomach when an irritant is present. It is also activated directly by agents circulating in the blood, for example anti-cancer medicines. Once activated, it sends messages to another area of the brain, the vomiting centre, which in turn sends messages to the gut, causing the vomiting reflex. Blocking the dopamine receptors in the CTZ prevents nausea messages from being sent to the vomiting centre. This reduces the sensation of nausea and prevents vomiting. Domperidone also blocks dopamine receptors found in the upper end of the digestive system. This results in tightening of the muscles at the entry to the stomach, relaxation of the muscles at the exit of the stomach and increased contraction of the muscles in the stomach itself. These actions speed the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine, which physically helps to prevent vomiting. Both actions make domperidone useful in treating nausea and vomiting due to many causes, including anti-cancer chemotherapy, emergency hormonal contraception and in migraine. Domperidone is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting that can be caused by medicines for Parkinson's disease, such as levodopa, bromocriptine and apomorphine.Due to its stimulating action on the gut, which speeds up stomach emptying into the intestine, domperidone can also be used to relieve upper abdominal discomfort, a sense of fullness or bloating, and regurgitation of the stomach contents that some people experience following meals. (Domperidone can be bought over-the-counter from pharmacies for the relief of after meal symptoms, as the branded product Motilium 10. For more information ask your pharmacist. The non-prescription Motilium 10 product is not suitable for use by children under 16 years of age.)What is it used for? Nausea and vomiting in adults and childrenRelief of upper abdominal discomfort, sense of fullness and regurgitation of stomach contents in adults

Asacol ( 5-Asa, Pentasa, Rowasa, Generic Mesalamine )

This medication is used to treat ulcerative proctitis, a type of bowel disease. It does not cure ulcerative proctitis, but it may decrease the number of stools, the amount of mucus/blood in the stools, and the rectal bleeding caused by irritation/swelling of the colon/rectum. Mesalamine is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug. It is believed to work by blocking the production of certain natural chemicals that may cause pain and swelling.OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used for Crohn's disease, along with other treatments.How to use Mesalamine RectRead the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.Use this medication rectally, usually once to three times daily or as directed by your doctor. If using this medication once daily, use it at bedtime. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.This medication works best if you have a bowel movement before using it. Wash your hands before using the medication. Unwrap the suppository right before using. Try to handle it as little as possible because heat from your fingers may cause it to melt. Lie down on your left side with right knee bent. Gently insert the suppository into the rectum with your finger, pointed end first. Use a small amount of lubricating gel on the tip of the suppository if desired. Remain lying down for a few minutes. Try to avoid having a bowel movement for 1 to 3 hours, keeping the suppository in place so the medicine can work.This medication may stain surfaces that it touches (e.g., clothing, floor, and counter surfaces).Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Finpecia ( Propecia, Proscar, Generic Finasteride )

Finpecia treating certain types of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in men.Finpecia is a steroid reductase inhibitor. It works by reducing the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. This may block certain types of hair loss in men. Finpecia is used for: Treating male pattern baldness on top of the head and the anterior mid-scalp area IN MEN ONLY.Finpecia is a remedy for baldness in men with mild to moderate hair loss on the top of the head and the front of the mid-scalp area. It increases hair growth, improves hair regrowth, and slows down hair loss. It works only on scalp hair and does not affect hair on other parts of the body.

Nizral ( Nizoral, Generic Ketoconazole )

Medical Information:Ketoconazole is used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and certain kinds of dandruff. This medication is also used to treat a skin condition known as pityriasis (tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that causes a lightening or darkening of the skin of the neck, chest, arms, or legs. Ketoconazole is an azole antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.How to use Ketoconazole TopUse this medication on the skin only. Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply this medication to the affected skin, usually once or twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Dosage and length of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated. Do not apply this more often than prescribed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased.Apply enough medication to cover the affected skin and some of the surrounding skin. After applying this medication, wash your hands. Do not wrap, cover or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.Do not apply this medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If this medication gets in the eyes (e.g., when used to treat dandruff), rinse thoroughly with water.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after starting ketoconazole. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.Inform your doctor if your condition persists after the prescribed amount of treatment or worsens at any time.Ketoconazole Top is used to treat the following:Ringworm of Groin Area, Athlete's Foot, Ringworm of the Body, Fungal Infection of the Skin with Yellow Patches, Skin Infection due to a Candida Yeast, Scaly Oily Skin Problem Primarily On Face and ScalpKetoconazole Top may also be used to treat: Ringworm of the Beard, Ringworm of Scalp, Inflammation and Infection of Nail Cuticle

Bonmax ( Evista, Generic Raloxifene )

Raloxifene is used to prevent and treat bone loss (osteoporosis) in women after menopause. Maintaining strong bones by slowing bone loss helps to reduce the risk of fractures.Raloxifene may also lower the chance of getting a certain type of breast cancer (invasive) in women after menopause.This drug is different from hormones (including estrogens and progestins). It works by acting like estrogen (as a selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM) in some parts of the body. Raloxifene helps to preserve bone mass, but it does not affect the breast and uterus like estrogen or relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.This medication is not recommended for use in women before menopause. It should not be used in children.This medication should not be used to prevent heart disease.How to use Raloxifene OralTake this medication by mouth usually once a day, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.Be sure to include adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take calcium/vitamin D supplements.

Betnovate ( Beta - Val, Betatrex, Luxiq Foam, Valisone Topical, Valnac Topical, Generic Betamethasone Valerate )

This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Betamethasone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a medium-strength corticosteroid.How to use Betamethasone Valerate TopUse this medication on the skin only. However, do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.Wash and dry your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually 1-3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. If used in the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. When applying this medication near the eyes, avoid getting it in the eyes because this may worsen or cause glaucoma. Also, avoid getting this medication in the nose or mouth. If you get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of water.Use this medication only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 2 weeks.

Gliben ( Diaonil, Diabeta, Glyburide, Glynase, Micronase, Generic Glibenclamide )

Glibenclamide, which is a type of medicine called a sulphonylurea. (NB. Glibenclamide tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Glibenclamide is used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes) have a deficiency of a hormone called insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is the main hormone responsible for controlling sugar levels in the blood. It normally makes the cells of the body remove excess sugar from the blood. In type 2 diabetes insulin is produced inefficiently in response to surges of blood sugar, eg following a meal. The cells of the body also become resistant to the action of insulin that is produced, which means that blood sugar levels can become too high. Glibenclamide works mainly by stimulating the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. These cells are called beta cells. Glibenclamide causes the beta cells to produce more insulin. This helps to decrease the amount of sugar in the blood of people with type 2 diabetes.Glibenclamide is a first line option for treating type 2 diabetes in people who are not overweight, or who cannot take metformin. It is used when diet and exercise have failed to control blood sugar levels. It can also be used in combination with other antidiabetic medicines to provide better control of blood sugar.The tablets should normally be taken with, or immediately after, breakfast or the first main meal.What is it used for? Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes, when diet has failed to fully control blood sugar.

Acitrom ( Sinthrom, Generic Nicoumalone )

Nicoumalone tablets contain the active ingredient acenocoumarol (previously known as nicoumalone in the UK), which is a type of medicine called an oral anticoagulant. It is used to stop blood clots forming within the blood vessels. Blood clots normally only form to stop bleeding that has occurred as a result of injury to the tissues. The clotting process is complicated and begins when blood cells called platelets clump together at the site of damage and produce chemicals that activate clotting factors in the blood. Clotting factors are proteins that are produced by the liver. Vitamin K is essential for their production. The activated clotting factors cause a protein called fibrinogen to be converted into another called fibrin. Fibrin binds the platelets together, forming a blood clot. This is the bodyÆs natural way of repairing itself. Sometimes, however, a blood clot can form abnormally within the blood vessels. This is known as a thrombus and can be dangerous because the clot may detach and travel in the bloodstream, where it becomes known as an embolus. The clot may eventually get lodged in a blood vessel, thereby blocking the blood supply to a vital organ such as the heart, brain or lungs. This is known as a thromboembolism.Some people have an increased tendency for blood clots to form within the blood vessels. This is usually due to a disturbance in the blood flow within the blood vessels. For example, fatty deposits on the walls of the blood vessels (atherosclerosis) can disrupt the blood flow, giving a tendency for platelets to clump together and start off the clotting process. Slow blood flow in the leg and pelvic veins can also result in clots forming (deep vein thrombosis). These clots can break off and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A type of fast irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation can also disrupt blood flow and may lead to blood clots forming in the heart. Heart valve disease can have the same effect, particularly if artificial heart valves have been fitted. Clots in the heart can detach and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Acenocoumarol is used to reduce the risk of blood clots forming inside the blood vessels in conditions such as these. Acenocoumarol works by preventing the vitamin K dependent production of the clotting factors described above. Acenocoumarol prevents the production of these clotting factors by inhibiting the action of vitamin K. Without these clotting factors fibrinogen cannot be converted into fibrin and blood clots are therefore less likely to occur.Acenocoumarol takes about three days to produce its full anticoagulant effect because, while it prevents the production of new clotting factors, it takes about this long for clotting factors that have already been produced to be used up. For this reason, when treating blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, a faster acting injectable anticoagulant, such as a heparin, is often used as well to begin with.The anticoagulant effect of acenocoumarol is measured in terms of the prothombin time, which is the time taken for blood clotting to occur in a sample of blood to which calcium and a substance known as thromboplastin have been added. This time is expressed as the International Normalised Ratio (INR). Your doctor will take regular blood samples and adjust your dose of acenocoumarol as necessary to make your INR fall into the range that has been shown to be effective at preventing blood clots in your particular condition.What is it used for? Treating and preventing blood clots in the blood vessels, for example in the following cases:Preventing abnormal blood clots in conditions with increased risk, eg rheumatic heart disease, atrial fibrillation and after insertion of artificial (prosthetic) heart valves Treatment and prevention of blood clots lodged in the veins of the leg (deep vein thrombosis) Treatment and prevention of blood clots that have travelled to the lungs (pulmonary embolism)

Microgynon ( Generic Levonorgestrel & Ethhinylestradiol )

Microgynon 30 ED tablets are a type of hormonal contraception commonly known as 'the pill' or combined oral contraceptive pill. There are two types of tablets in each 28-day pack. The small beige tablets contain two active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. These are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Ethinylestradiol (previously spelt ethinyloestradiol in the UK) is a synthetic version of oestrogen and levonorgestrel is a synthetic form of progesterone. The seven large white tablets don't contain any active ingredients. Combined oral contraceptives like Microgynon 30 ED work by over-riding the normal menstrual cycle. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, levels of the sex hormones change throughout each month. The hormones cause an egg to be released from the ovaries (ovulation) and prepare the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. At the end of each cycle, if the egg has not been fertilised the levels of the hormones fall, causing the womb lining to be shed as a monthly period. The daily dose of hormones taken in the pill work mainly by tricking your body into thinking that ovulation has already happened. This prevents an egg from ripening and being released from the ovaries each month.The hormones also increase the thickness of the natural mucus at the neck of the womb, which makes it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb and reach an egg. They also change the quality of the womb lining (endometrium), making it less likely that a fertilised egg can implant there. Microgynon 30 ED is an everyday pill, meaning quite simply, that you take one tablet every day. The tablets come in strips of 28 tablets, with 21 small beige active tablets in three rows and 7 larger white inactive tablets in the last row. The tablets also come with self-adhesive strips, each starting with a different day of the week. These are to show you on which day to take each tablet. Peel off a strip that starts with your starting day, eg, if you start the tablets on a Wednesday, use a strip that starts with 'Wed'. Stick the strip along the top of the strip of tablets, so that the first day is above the pill marked 'start'. You can now see on which day you have to take each tablet. For the first 21 days of each 28-day packet, the tablet you take is an active tablet. Each of these contains the same dose of hormones. For the last seven days of each 28-day pack, the tablet you take is inactive (doesn't contain any hormones). During your seven days days of taking the inactive tablets, the levels of the hormones in your blood drop, which results in a withdrawal bleed that is similar to your normal period. You start the next pack straight away without a break between packs, even if you are still bleeding. The purpose of the last seven inactive tablets is that you get used to taking a pill at the same time every day and just take each packet back to back. This is unlike many other pills, where you have three weeks of taking pills, followed by a week off from pill taking. Microgynon 30 ED might be helpful for you if you find it difficult to remember to start taking your pill again after a pill-free week. You will still be protected against pregnancy while you are taking the inactive tablets, provided you took all the pills correctly, you start the next packet on time and nothing else happened that could make the pill less effective (eg sickness, diarrhoea, or taking certain other medicines - see below). The contraceptive pill results in lighter, less painful and more regular menstrual bleeding. This means it is sometimes prescribed for women who have problems with particularly heavy, painful or irregular periods.