What is the Combined Pill Bimizza?
Bimizza is a brand of combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill containing two synthetic female hormones: a progestogen called desogestrel (150 micrograms) and an oestrogen called ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms). As a low-dose pill, it is considered comparable to the reference medicine, Mercilon, and is used to prevent pregnancy when taken correctly. The decision to prescribe Bimizza should always take into consideration a woman's individual risk factors, especially those related to venous thromboembolism (VTE).
How Bimizza Works: The Mechanism of Contraception
The contraceptive action of Bimizza is based on the interaction of its two active ingredients. The hormones work together to prevent pregnancy through three primary mechanisms:
- Ovulation Inhibition: The synthetic hormones suppress the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland, preventing the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries. Without an egg, fertilisation cannot occur.
- Cervical Mucus Thickening: The progestogen component thickens the fluid at the entrance of the womb (the cervix). This creates a physical barrier that makes it significantly more difficult for sperm to travel through and reach any potential egg.
- Endometrial Alteration: The hormonal combination also changes the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it thinner and less receptive to a fertilised egg. This reduces the likelihood of implantation should a fertilised egg somehow make it to the womb.
How to Take Bimizza
Bimizza is typically administered daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day break during which a withdrawal bleed occurs. To ensure maximum effectiveness, it is important to adhere to the prescribed schedule.
Beyond Contraception: Other Potential Benefits
In addition to preventing pregnancy, Bimizza can offer several non-contraceptive benefits, such as:
- More Regular Cycles: It can help regulate the menstrual cycle, which is useful for those with irregular periods.
- Lighter and Less Painful Periods: For women who suffer from heavy or painful periods, Bimizza can make bleeding lighter and cramps less severe.
- Period Delay: By skipping the 7-day break and starting a new pack immediately, a period can be delayed for a special occasion. This should be discussed with a doctor first.
- Symptom Improvement: Some women may experience improvement in pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) and acne while on this pill.
Comparing Bimizza to Other COCs
Bimizza is a generic version of the brand-name pill Mercilon, meaning they contain the same active ingredients (desogestrel 150mcg / ethinylestradiol 20mcg) and dosage. While many COCs share similar mechanisms, some have different dosages of the active hormones, which can affect side effects and suitability for some individuals. A lower dose of oestrogen, like in Bimizza, might be better for those who are sensitive to that hormone.
Comparison of Bimizza and a Standard COC
| Feature | Bimizza (Desogestrel/Ethinylestradiol) | Standard COC (e.g., Marvelon) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Desogestrel (150mcg), Ethinylestradiol (20mcg) | Desogestrel (150mcg), Ethinylestradiol (30mcg) |
| Oestrogen Dose | Low-dose (20mcg) | Higher-dose (30mcg) |
| Potential for Oestrogen-related Side Effects | Potentially lower due to less ethinylestradiol | May be higher for some individuals |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, thins uterine lining | Inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, thins uterine lining |
| Effectiveness (Typical Use) | ~91% with typical use | ~91% with typical use |
Important Warnings and Side Effects
Like all hormonal contraceptives, Bimizza can cause side effects and carries some risks. Users should be aware of both common and serious potential effects.
- Common Side Effects: Headaches, weight gain, nausea, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, and mood changes. These often improve after the first few months as the body adjusts.
- Serious Side Effects and Risks: Bimizza, as a COC, increases the risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack, though this is rare. This risk is higher during the first year of use and is significantly increased by smoking, especially for women over 35.
- Contraindications: Bimizza is not suitable for women with certain medical conditions, including a history of blood clots, breast cancer, liver disease, or severe hypertension.
- Does Not Prevent STIs: It is essential to remember that Bimizza does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Barrier methods like condoms are necessary for this protection.
Conclusion
Bimizza is a low-dose, reliable combined oral contraceptive that effectively prevents pregnancy and offers benefits such as improved menstrual regularity and reduced period pain. While it has a high efficacy rate when used consistently, it is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects and health risks, particularly the rare but serious risk of blood clots. Before starting Bimizza, it is vital to have a full consultation with a healthcare professional to assess its suitability and discuss any pre-existing health conditions. Bimizza is not a protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
For more detailed information, consult the official Patient Information Leaflet or speak with your doctor or pharmacist.(https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9567.pdf)
