MALA D – IS IT SAFE? USES, SIDE-EFFECTS, DOSAGE
WHAT IS MALA D?
Mala D is a hormonal contraceptive pill used to avoid pregnancy. It contains 0.15 mg of Levonorgestrel and 0.03 MG of Ethinyloestradiol as active ingredients. It comes with a pack of 28 tablets in two colours: white and brown. Each white tablet contains the active ingredients and each brown tablet contains 19.5 mg of ferrous Iron which is equivalent to 60 mg of ferrous fumarate. This medicine is manufactured by Hindustan Latex Limited.
MALA D – IS IT SAFE? USES, SIDE-EFFECTS, DOSAGE
WHAT ARE THE GENERIC NAME(S)?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT ARE ITS USES?
HOW EFFECTIVE IS THIS MEDICINE?
IS IT ADDICTIVE?
WHAT IS THE DOSAGE?
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF OVERDOSAGE?
CAN I DRIVE AFTER TAKING IT?
CAN BE IT TAKEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH?
CAN IT BE TAKEN WITH FOOD?
CAN I TAKE IT WITH ALCOHOL?
CAN I CONTINUE SMOKING WHILE TAKING IT?
WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS?
DOES THIS MEDICINE HAS ANY DRUG INTERACTIONS?
PRECAUTIONS
IS IT SAFE TO TAKE IF I AM PREGNANT?
IS IT SAFE TO TAKE IF I AM BREASTFEEDING?
CAN THIS MEDICINE BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN AND INFANTS?
IS THIS MEDICINE AVAILABLE AS OVER THE COUNTER(OTC) PRODUCT?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Bottomline
Reference
WHAT ARE THE GENERIC NAME(S)?
Mala D is a composition of two female hormones – Estrogen and Progestin. There are some other companies who are also manufacturing the medicines of the same composition. Below you can get some of the substitutes of Mala D.
| MEDICINE NAME | ACTIVE INGREDIENTS |
| DEAR TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| DEARLOE TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| DIVACON TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| DUOLUTON TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| ERGEST TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| ERGEST LD TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| ESRO L TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| ESRO G TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| ESRO TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| FLORINA G TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| FLORINA TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| FLORINA N TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| LOETTE TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| LEVORA TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| LYNA TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| NOGESTOL TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| ORGALUTIN TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| OC 21 TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| OVILOW TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| OVRAL L TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| OVRAL TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| OVRAL G TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| SUVIDA TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| T PILL TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| UNWANTED PREGCARD TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
| TRIQUILAR TABLET | ESTROGEN & PROGESTIN |
All the medicines mentioned above are used as the substitutes of Mala D for several menstrual-related purposes. But it is not advisable to take any of these medicines on your own without consulting a doctor.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Mala D starts to work from the 7th day of the menstrual cycle for 21 days. On the 22nd day, a placebo or a brown pill is taken to mimic the withdrawal of progestin to bring on the menstrual cycle after 7 days. The combination of hormones like estrogen and progestin in this medicine works to stimulate the whole menstrual cycle.
The work of estrogen is to prevent ovulation or releasing of eggs from the ovaries. Whereas the progestin helps to prevent the fertilization of the eggs and causes the thinning or alteration of the endometrium. It prevents the union of the egg with the sperm in the uterus by thickening the mucus in the cervix to prevent pregnancy. This medicine works to delay the menstrual cycle for a specific time as per your need. This technique is known as menstrual manipulation. It doesn’t hamper or damage the routine period of the menstruation cycle afterwards. Rather the menstruation cycle resumes within 2-3 days after you stop the medicine.
WHAT ARE ITS USES?
Here we have given the uses of Mala D. But it is advisable to consult your physician before using this medicine for any condition.
- CONTRACEPTION
The primary use of this medicine is for contraception or as a birth control pill. You have to take the medicine without skipping a single pill to get effective results.
This medicine gives an appropriate result as a contraceptive if taken every day at the same time.
You can also avoid pregnancy if taken this medicine within 72 hours of unsafe sex.
Regular use of Mala D can prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years. But you have to take it under the supervision of a gynaecologist.
- TO REGULARISE MENSTRUATION
Mala D is used to regularise an irregular menstrual cycle caused by any other reasons or other conditions except pregnancy. It can also help in managing heavy flow and menstrual cramps during menses.
- PREMENSTRUAL DISORDERS
This medicine is used for the treatment of premenstrual disorders like acne, pigmentation, mood swings, etc. The presence of Levonorgestrel as an active ingredient makes Mala D works as a hormonal replacement therapy which decreases the premenstrual disorders and helps in the beginning of menses in adolescents.
- POSTMENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS
Due to the presence of Ethinyl Estradiol as an active ingredient, this medicine used for the treatment of postmenopausal disorders like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, burning sensation and irritation in the vagina. It is used to stop or reduce the short-term changes in menopause also.
- AS A BLOOD THINNER
Though there is not enough information about this, some of the doctors prescribe this medicine as an anticoagulant to reduce the formation of blood clots in arteries.
- OTHER USES
Some other uses of this medicine are for the treatment of:
- Ovarian Cysts
- Female Hypogonadism
- Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Pimples
- Prostate Cancer
HOW EFFECTIVE IS THIS MEDICINE?
This medicine is quite effective if used under proper administration of a doctor and if taken regularly at the same time as per the doctor’s instructions.
- Regular use of this medicine shows positive outcomes in the prevention of pregnancy.
- It decreases the iron deficiency and the chances of painful periods.
- It is effective in reducing blood loss by regulating the menstrual cycle.
IS IT ADDICTIVE?
No records of addiction of this medicine have been reported till now. But it can cause dangerous after-effects if taken for a long time. Therefore, it is recommended to be in touch with your doctor during the medication.
WHAT IS THE DOSAGE?
As per the doctors advise you have to take the pill as a whole without breaking or chewing it. You have to take 1 tablet daily for 28 days from the 7th day of your menses. As per the requirement, your doctor can suggest this medicine for a duration of 3 months.
Always take the medicine after food and with a glass of water. To get the best results you are recommended to take this medicine every day at the same time. Never take an overdose of this medicine or beyond the particular timing. Do read the packaging label for better understanding and consult the doctor to get your doubts clarified, if any.
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?
Generally, doctors instruct the patient to take this medicine at a particular time every day to avoid this problem. If in case you missed a dose, it is advised to take a pill whenever you remember.
If it has been too late and you are nearer to the next dose, then do not take the missed dose.
One should consult the doctor about the missed dose and follow his/her further instructions accordingly.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF OVERDOSAGE?
Never take an overdose of this medicine. It can cause several adverse health issues like poisoning, a sudden increase in blood pressure, severe drowsiness, etc.
In such cases, it is recommended to consult your doctor immediately or rush to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
CAN I DRIVE AFTER TAKING IT?
A headache and dizziness are some of the common side-effects of Mala D. Hence, it is not recommended to drive after taking this medicine if you experience such symptoms. It is also advisable not to do heavy machinery works after taking this medicine because in some cases, it causes weakness and drowsiness.
CAN BE IT TAKEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH?
As per the usage directions of this medicine generally given by doctors, it is always advisable not to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
It can cause several gastrointestinal disorders like stomach upset, gastric, etc.
If you have taken this medicine in an emergency, then take your food within 10-15 minutes of taking it.
CAN IT BE TAKEN WITH FOOD?
Yes, you can. There are no restrictions about intake of this medicine with food. But never forget to take a glass of water while taking this medicine to avoid choking.
CAN I TAKE IT WITH ALCOHOL?
No, it is strictly prohibited to take this medicine with alcohol. As per the physicians, it can cause several adverse reactions like infertility, spotting, abnormal menstrual flow, etc.
In some cases, it decreases its efficacy as a contraceptive and you may get pregnant even during the continuation of this medicine’s course.
CAN I CONTINUE SMOKING WHILE TAKING IT?
No, you should not continue smoking while taking this medicine. It will be better to inform your doctor about your smoking habits before starting this medicine.
Smoking reduces the efficacy of this medicine and can cause dangerous after-effects like infertility, hypertension and cardiac problems.
It can increase the level of your blood pressure in some cases. You may also experience a fluctuated menstrual bleeding during menses because of smoking.
It causes more risk to patients who are obese and are suffering from some other serious health issues.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS?
A number of side-effects are associated with this medicine. Here, we have given some of the possible side-effects. Hence, it is recommended to consult a gynaecologist before taking this medicine.
- Vomiting or Nausea
- Difficulty in breathing
- Redness in skin
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Altered Menstrual cycle
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Mood swing
- Tenderness in breasts
- Burning sensation in eyes
- Moderate depression
- Constipation
- A mild headache
- Pain and stiffness in breasts
- Mild Flatulence
- Mild rashes in skin
- An altered libido
- Vaginal discharge and irritation
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Acne and pigmentation in face
- Cramps in legs
- Clotting of blood in body parts which can cause myocardial infarction
- Blurred vision
- Lumps in breasts
- Severe chest pain
- Allergic rejection
- Lipid Disorders
DOES THIS MEDICINE HAS ANY DRUG INTERACTIONS?
Mala D can have severe reactions with a number of other medicines and the substitutes of these medicines as well. Here, we have given a list of almost all the medicines which can interact with Mala D.
CARBAMAZEPINE
- Acetol
- Antilep
- Carbapa
- Carbatrol
- Carbapenem
- Carbacontin
- Carbazep
- Carmaz
- Carbin
- Epnil
- Epilent
- Mezocar
- Maze
- Seizurone
- Zept
PHENOBARBITAL
- Barbee
- Beetal
- Cobarb
- Epitan
- Emgard
- Episol plus
- Epicom
- Fenobarb
- Garoin
- Gardenal
- Luminalettes
- Nytoin
- Phenotone
- Phenytal
- Phenbarb
BOSENTAN
- Bozetan
- Bosentas
- Lupibose
PRIMIDONE
- Mysoline
PHENYTOIN
- Atoin
- C Toin
- Celetoin
- Dilantin
- Episol
- Eptoin
- Epsolin
- Epsod
- Epiforce
- Kipotin `00mg tablet
- Phetoin 100mg tablet
- Phentoin 100mg tablet
- Phenos 100mg tablet
- Phenykem
- Eptokind 50mg injection
- Phenytoin oral suspension
- Fentoin 100mg tablet
GRISEOFULVIN
- Tineavin
- Dermonorm
- Fungal
- Fungivin
- Fluvin
- Fulvinem
- Grisomed
- Griseoderm
- Gris od
- Grisovin FP
EPHEDRINE
- Efipres
- Zorex
ATROPINE
- Atropine Sulphate(Samarth)
- Atropine(life)
- Atrosun
- Atrosulph
- Atro
- Atrowork
- Atpine
- Atropine Bell
- Atropine Sulphate(pharmtak)
- Ataron
- Atpin
- Atpine(search)
- Atropen p
- Bell Mfc
- Bell pino atrin
- Deapin
- Deapin C
- Sunephrine H
- Tropensa
- Topin
- Troyatro
- Tropine
- Opta
- Opthopin
ERGOTAMINE
- Ergotab
- Ergacap
- Migranil
- Migranil EC
- NT Grain
- Vasograin
PRECAUTIONS
You must go through a proper discussion about your past, current, and upcoming health issues with the doctor before starting the medication of Mala D.
Inform your doctor about the prescribed, over the counter medicines like vitamins or herbal supplements you are taking at present.
You must take precaution in certain conditions such as:
- If you are above 35 years
- Suffering from HIV
- Existing pregnancy
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- A migraine
- Mental Problem
- Gallbladder diseases
- Prolonged bed rest
- Smoke
- A past history of blood clot
- A family history of cervical or breast cancer
- A history of liver disease
- Ever gone through a heart stroke
- Blood cell disorder
- High blood pressure
- A history of intestine bleeding
- A history of kidney diseases
IS IT SAFE TO TAKE IF I AM PREGNANT?
Though this medicine has no record of any adverse effects on the foetus, it is recommended not to take this medicine during pregnancy without consulting your doctor.
IS IT SAFE TO TAKE IF I AM BREASTFEEDING?
There are no harmful effects of this medicine if you are breastfeeding. But according to some physicians, you should not take it up to 4 weeks after childbirth. It will be best to consult your doctor about this sensitive issue for yours and the infant’s safety.
CAN THIS MEDICINE BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN AND INFANTS?
No, it can’t. This medicine is mainly used as a contraceptive and children and infants don’t need contraception. It is also not used for the treatment of any children-related diseases.
IS THIS MEDICINE AVAILABLE AS OVER THE COUNTER(OTC) PRODUCT?
Due to the presence of female hormones, this medicine used as an over the counter medicine for the treatment of menstrual-related disease with other medicines.
Never take this medicine directly for the treatment of any disease without the direction of your doctor. To use as an over the counter medicine, you need a proper consultation with your doctor about all the health issues you are going through.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Can Mala D tablet be helpful to remove pregnancy?
Ans. No, it is not helpful to remove pregnancy or to be used for abortion.
-
What are the major contraindications associated with this medicine?
Ans. The major contraindications associated with this medicine are uterine bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
-
What are the dangerous warning signs of this medicine?
Ans. This medicine can cause some danger signs if taken for a long time without the knowledge of the doctor like shortness of breath, bloating, and severe abdominal pain.
-
When should I stop to take this medicine?
Ans. You must stop the medicine immediately if you notice severe pain and swelling in limbs, severe chest pain or blurred vision.
Bottomline
In this article, we have given all the information about Mala D after thorough research from several sources. Though it is a safe medicine for contraception you are strictly recommended not to take this medicine without consulting a doctor. Don’t take the medicine prescribed for someone else. You must know that all the effects and uses of this medicine are not the same for all. Hence, never take this medicine without a doctor’s advice.
Reference
Wikipedia page on Birth Control
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